About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Operations Manager to provide operational continuity at an ambitious and fast-paced architectural lighting design practice during maternity leave. Working across various studios: Nulty London, Nulty Bespoke, Studio N London, and Nulty Lisbon, you will ensure that day-to-day operations, finance administration, and governance run smoothly. This is a hands-on, varied role suited to someone comfortable working across multiple business functions in a creative studio environment. There may also be an ad-hoc strategic project during the contract period, supporting and coordinating a potential office move in late 2026 / early 2027, so experience managing office relocations and logistics is highly desirable.
Contract: 12-month fixed-term maternity cover, with flexibility depending on the employee’s return date.
Key Responsibilities
1. Business Operations & Compliance
o Maintain operational systems, policies, and documentation across UK and European entities.
o Oversee organisational IT software and infrastructure, acting as primary liaison with external IT providers.
o Coordinate legal, insurance, ISO, and compliance requirements.
o Manage office facilities, suppliers, contractors, and landlord relationships.
o Line-manage the Office Manager and also cover the role in their absence such as sick / holiday leave.
o Prepare agendas, facilitate and minute monthly management and quarterly board meetings.
o Support planning and coordination of a potential office move in early 2027, including logistics, contractors, and fit-out coordination.
2. Finance Coordination
o Monitor cash flow, debtors, creditors, bank accounts, and credit cards.
o Oversee bookkeeping and accountant services.
o Coordinate VAT, Corporation Tax, R&D claims, and loan administration.
o Prepare monthly financial reports, P&L summaries, and KPIs for Directors.
o Track charge-out rates across global offices.
o Manage intercompany invoicing and reporting.
3. HR & People Operations
o Coordinate onboarding and offboarding processes.
o Manage payroll and benefits administration.
o Handle visa administration with external advisors.
o Support the Head of People, Culture & Engagement.
4. Business Development, PR & Marketing Support
o Assist with pre-qualification and tender documentation.
o Support PR and marketing activity tracking and reporting.
5. Project Management
o Manage project invoicing, coordinating with team leads and the project manager.
o Support project profitability, team timesheet reporting.
o Assist with project management system (Rapport3).
Person Specification
* Proven experience in an Operations Manager or similar role within a creative, professional services, or SME environment.
* Strong knowledge of business operations, finance administration, HR coordination, governance, and facilities management.
* Experience managing IT systems through external IT providers.
* Basic knowledge working with accounting system Xero.
* Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
* Strong written and spoken English with good numeracy and IT skills.
* Ability to remain calm and solutions-focused under pressure.
* Strong interpersonal skills with an empathetic, collaborative approach.
* Experience coordinating or managing an office move.
* Hours: 9am – 5:30pm Monday–Thursday, half-day Friday (9am–1pm)
* Hybrid: Office-based Tues–Thurs in Waterloo, with WFH Mon/Fri (subject to business needs)
* Salary: Commensurate with experience
* Benefits include:
* Subsidised gym membership
* Cycle to Work scheme
* 23 days holiday + public holidays + birthday leave
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