Design Studio Manager

Role summary:

The Natural History Museum’s Design Studio is integral to delivery of the Museum’s vision and the range of ambitious projects which will transform the Museum over the coming years. An experienced and talented Studio Manager will be a key member of the Design Studio’s creative 2D and 3D team during this exciting transformative period.  

The Studio Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day, smooth and efficient running of the Design Studio, helping support a happy and productive creative environment for the team. The Design Studio Manger will manage the flow of creative projects for the Studio, collaborating with in-house and external designers and clients, managing workflow, planning resources and managing budgets as well as contributing to the evolution of the Studio’s working practices.   

The Studio Manager will also play an important role in managing the roll out of the Museum’s new brand identity, which launched in July 2023, and together with the Graphic Design Manager, will provide advice and guidance on its use on Museum outputs.

About you:

• Educated to degree level, and/or with commensurate professional experience in related area. Having a degree in design related practice is an advantage. 
• Significant practical experience of managing a design or creative studio.   
• Excellent administration, organisation, and planning skills. Ability to schedule and manage numerous projects of various scales with confidence and rigour. 
• Experience of commissioning and negotiating with consultants and suppliers, of managing budgets and preparing tenders. 
• Skilled and influential communicator with a sense of diplomacy and great interpersonal skills.  
• Problem solver with meticulous attention to detail, a positive approach and ability to multi-task. A skilled negotiator and team player who is flexible, dependable and has the ability to manage time and prioritise effectively.  
• Experienced in the use of Microsoft Office Suite including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel. Good working knowledge of and / or experience using Adobe creative suite, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and animation software is an advantage.
• Experience or interest of working in, or with, museums or galleries, heritage or charity sector clients is an advantage.