Practice Manager (Associate)

About The Role:

A highly sought after, mid-sized architecture practice is seeking a Practice Manager (Associate) to join its London team. Renowned for the quality and ambition of its work, the practice has built a strong reputation for design excellence and creativity over many years.

This Associate-level role focuses on operational leadership, people management and strategic support, with responsibility for overseeing practice systems, finance and compliance, alongside the line management of a small, experienced team and direct reporting to the Founder. The ideal candidate will bring experience from a design practice with international exposure, combining strong attention to detail and sound judgement with positive energy, initiative and a bit of fire, someone confident taking responsibility, building trust across the studio and helping drive the practice forward as it enters a new phase of growth.

This opportunity would suit someone eager to progress their career in practice management within a collaborative and social environment. In addition to long-term development and progression, the practice offers benefits including working-from-abroad options, generous annual leave and more.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the studio, ensuring the smooth running of facilities, suppliers, health & safety and compliance
• Act as a senior operational lead, working closely with Directors to support the long-term objectives of the practice
• Manage HR processes end-to-end, including recruitment, onboarding, training, wellbeing initiatives and compliance with employment legislation
• Line manage key operational figures (4 in total) across studio management, compliance and finance
• Lead on financial operations alongside the Finance Manager, including payroll sign-off, billing and budgeting
• Coordinate management meetings, resourcing discussions and reporting across the practice
• Oversee IT systems, infrastructure and external consultants, supporting both day-to-day operations and larger IT projects
• Maintain strong relationships across the wider practice, as well as external consultants, insurers and advisors

Key Skills / Requirements:

• Significant experience in a senior operations or practice management role within architecture, design, built environment
• Strong working knowledge of HR, finance and operational management in a studio environment
• Experience working within a design studio that has international exposure is highly desirable
• Line management experience and confident presenting to board members
• Commercially aware with proven experience overseeing budgets, payroll and financial reporting
• Confident managing IT systems and external consultants
• Highly organised, proactive and able to operate calmly under pressure
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across a studio team

To apply for this position please click on the apply button to attach your CV (and portfolio for design positions).

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