Speculative Application – Operations Manager
Drive the business performance and operational excellence of a leading design practice.

Who We Are
Architecture Social connects senior operational leaders with the UK's foremost architecture practices and design studios. These firms require a strategic Operations Manager to optimize business performance, drive efficiency, and enable sustainable growth. They entrust us to find commercially-minded and operationally astute individuals to work alongside the directors. These are pivotal, high-impact roles that are often filled exclusively through our network.

What our clients typically ask for

A highly experienced Operations Manager, Business Manager, or senior Studio Manager, with significant experience at a strategic level within a design-led practice.

Responsibility for developing and implementing operational strategy, working with directors to improve profitability and business performance.

Extensive experience in financial management, including practice-wide budgeting, forecasting, resource planning, and analysis of project profitability.

A proven track record of analysing and improving workflows, implementing new systems, and managing quality assurance processes (e.g., ISO 9001).

Leadership of all non-design functions, including administration, HR, IT, and finance, ensuring the entire support structure is robust and efficient.

Strong commercial acumen, with experience in contract reviews, fee proposal support, and managing key business risks.

Why Register with Architecture Social
Access strategic, board-level operational roles that are rarely advertised publicly. We align your leadership experience and commercial skills with the ambitions of top-tier studios, providing a confidential and informed recruitment process. Our platform also serves as a high-level network for connecting with other operational leaders in the design industry.

How to Apply
See a live Operations Manager vacancy that matches your ambitions? Apply directly through the listing for our dedicated support. If there's nothing suitable today, submit a speculative application here. Your profile will be added to our senior operational leadership talent pool, and we will contact you when the right opportunity arises.