Studio Manager & PA to Founder

The Company

Helen Amy Murray’s eponymous London studio meticulously hand-sculpts leather, suede, silk and other textiles into unique three-dimensional decorative surfaces. Her work is globally sought after and can be found in private residences, superyachts, flagship luxury stores and multi-star hotels across the world.

The Helen Amy Murray studio is situated in the heart of East London and has a team of 12 including the production team.

The Role

Within a tight-knit team, the Studio Manager role provides an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys wearing many hats, is a great communicator and can really make the role their own.

For an individual who is proactive, highly organised, and efficient, the Studio Manager is a key team member in ensuring the smooth running of our busy production studio. This is a varied and busy role which involves managing the day-to-day running of the creative space, as well as providing admin support to the senior management team. Typical duties include coordinating all aspects of the studio including supplier management, health & safety, accounts and HR.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Organise and manage the studio environment including the management of stock levels for production, kitchen and office.

• Be the first point of contact – field all calls and emails in a confident and articulate manner.

• Manage studio email address and prioritise project enquiries.

• Assist Project Manager with shipping quotations, organisation of shipment of artworks and couriers including import/export logistics.

• Managing the sample library, arranging sample loans, selecting material swatches, arranging shipment and maintaining a sample loans log.

• Liaising with Project Manager and production team on bespoke samples.

• Manage and maintain IT/phone systems and software.

• Assist management of website, client database and all internal systems.

• Ensure that our brand is consistently adhered to and present at all times with communications/deliveries to clients.

• Organisation of Staff Meetings and events.

• Manage leases, utilities and studio repairs.

• Liaise with suppliers and maintain good relationships.

• Be main contact between remote workers and studio to maintain team culture and ensure clear communication is maintained.

HR

• Lead on, manage and administer all recruitment undertaken at Helen Amy Murray providing recruitment support to managers.

• Coordinate the induction process for new starters.

• Draw up and issue offer letters, new contracts or contract changes and other paperwork in a timely manner.

• Manage HR systems including staff contracts, annual leave, sickness etc

• Ensure staff handbook and policies are all kept up to date.

• Manage hybrid working members of staff to maintain calendars and ensuring IT requirements met.

HEALTH & SAFETY

• Ensure that Health and Safety requirements are met and that all insurance cover is up to date.

• Undertake first aid training and fire marshal training.

ACCOUNTS

• Work on cash flow and invoice scheduling with Project Manager. Chase payments.

• Work with bookkeeper on processing monthly payroll updating them with any new starters, leavers or changes in a timely manner.

• Work with bookkeeper on monthly accounts sending invoices and receipts.

• Payment and filing of all invoices and receipts, and management of petty cash.

• Review and update our T&Cs to ensure that we are financially and legally protected.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensuring quality of own work, and that of the studio meets the highest standard at all times.

• General assistance in the studio space – such as moving of panels and waste/recycling.

• General assistance to the administrative and production teams when needed.

• Ensuring that the studio space is kept tidy and safe at all times.

• Working with all departments to promote efficient and sustainable practices that create minimal environmental impact.

PA TO HELEN MURRAY

• Maintain studio and personal calendars

• Organise travel arrangements.

• Work closely with Helen to assist with her daily responsibilities.

• Perform ad hoc personal tasks to help manage Helen’s time in and out of the studio.

• Scheduling of photography sessions both in and out of studio.

• You may be required to undertake other responsibilities when needed.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

- The ideal candidate will have experience within a similar role in a creative industry.

- Confident and personable and someone who remains calm under pressure.

- Someone who takes pride in their work and the environment around them.

- A person who is practical, efficient and adept at solving problems.

- Someone who is comfortable working independently and within a small team.

- Experience with Xero is a plus but not required.

REMUNERATION AND HOURS

Salary: £28,000 - £32,000 (Salary negotiable within this range depending on experience and skills)

Hours: This is a full-time role. Core working hours are Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.30pm with one hour for lunch.

Holiday: 20 days per annum plus public holidays rising by one day for every two years of service up to a maximum of five additional days.

Location: This position is based at Helen Amy Murray, Hackney Downs Studios, 17 Amhurst Terrace, London, E8 2BT. The role is studio-based and is not a remote position.