Overview
We are seeking an Office Manager to join the Assemble design practice and the Assemble Workspace team based at Leaside Yard, Bow, East London. The role focuses on the ongoing management of the design practice Assemble and the workspace business Assemble Workspace.
About Assemble
Assemble are an award-winning art, design and architecture practice based in London. Our work focuses on using design as a tool to improve social and cultural life in the built environment. Assemble were the recipients of the 2015 Turner Prize. In 2023 we moved our studios and workshop to Bow at Leaside Yard, a large studio building we designed and built. We manage the ongoing leasing of the building and have around 55 tenants, a diverse range of skilled makers and artists.
The Role
Working with the Assemble management team and the Assemble Workspace Manager, your role will primarily focus on the ongoing management and continuous improvement of Assemble Design. You will support office administration, HR, finance, and workspace operations to ensure smooth running of the practice and workspace.
Responsibilities
* Assemble Administration
o Handle basic enquiries and manage ongoing communications as needed
o Organise and file physical and digital documents to ensure they are easily accessible
o Schedule key meetings and supporting documentation
o Manage the office phone, front door and post
o Review management items ahead of weekly meetings
o Support IT department with software management
o Organise quarterly management meeting agenda, presentations, minutes, & actions
o Undertake quarterly hours declaration checks & reporting
o Procure office supplies
o Review & renew insurance annually
* Housekeeping & Culture
o Coordinate social events (e.g. AGM, Christmas party)
o Monitor and manage Social Value, EDI and Environmental Policy frameworks and data collection
o Ensure security, data protection, & privacy in the office
o Ensure the company’s ongoing compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) and fire safety legislation
o Work collaboratively with the housekeeping team to support the upkeep and general maintenance of the office and office equipment
* Project Management and Resourcing
o Create new project numbers and input project data with assistance from partners
o Arrange monthly partner meetings to review project invoicing, deadlines & resourcing
o Maintain project pipeline forecasting
o Coordinate collaborative design reviews
o Coordinate quality assurance policy and processes
* Finance
o Submit monthly payroll
o Coordinate R&D Claims with accountant and consultants
o Assist in production of annual accounts & daily financial management
o Manage expenses app users & expenses
* HR
o Employee Management & HR: Maintain central policies and employment contracts; update Handbooks; administer grievances
o Recruitment: Oversee recruitment processes; monitor equity & diversity; oversee induction & onboarding; ensure data protection in recruitment & employment
o Attend annual reviews, pay consultations & HR meetings; develop & oversee new policies; manage holidays, TOIL, and office calendars
* Business Development
o New Work: Be the first point of contact for design enquiries; provide administrative support for tenders; circulate weekly talks digest
o Communications: Manage requests to publish Assemble images; handle press and exhibition requests; manage social media; develop press releases, newsletters, websites, and content
o Archive: Manage shipping requests from buyers, curators, and galleries
* Assemble Workspace
o Manage new enquiries, application processes, and waiting lists
o Assist Workspace Director with tenant communications
o Support Health and Safety matters related to Assemble’s office and studio space (e.g., model making area)
Contract & Benefits
* Contract type: 5 days per week permanent contract with a 3‑month probationary period
* Hours: Monday – Friday 9am–6pm with one hour for lunch; time to be taken in full or half days
* Salary: £35,000 pro rata
* Annual Leave: 25 days holiday entitlement, excluding bank holidays. Office is closed 25–31 December inclusive and this does not count towards your holiday allowance.
* Location: Assemble, Leaside Yard, 30 Hancock Road, London E3 3DA
* Applications: Please upload your CV on 1 side of A4 and a short covering letter (up to 300 words) to the provided Google form. Digital applications only.
* Deadline: 5pm on 12 September 2025
* Start date: November 2025 (start date can be flexible)
* Interviews: Will be offered during the week of 29 September 2025; please indicate any availability constraints in your application
Your Skills and Experience
* Required: Prioritisation and time management skills; ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines; organised and motivated with initiative; experience in Office Administration and Management; knowledge of general HR policies and procedures; experience of managing press; IT literacy in Microsoft Office, Google Drive and Dropbox; experience using Xero or similar accounting software
* Desirable: CIPD Level 5 or training towards the qualification; experience using Harvest or similar project management software
Equality and Monitoring
Assemble is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. We welcome applications from people requiring flexible working arrangements and from anyone with any professional or educational background. If you have questions about our working environment please get in touch. Completing our Monitoring Form is voluntary; the information is kept secure and confidential and will not be retained beyond the application process.
Seniority level
* Entry level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Administrative
Industries
* Advertising Services
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