About the role
At Connect Design, we specialise in creating accessible educational and business resources, offering high-quality braille, large print, audio, and easy-read solutions. With over 35 years of expertise, we empower everyone to access vital information.
Due to continued expansion, we are seeking an Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day running of our studio and support the wider management team in delivering a high-performing, collaborative, and efficient working environment.
This is a pivotal new role in the business — ideal for someone experienced in operations or studio management who thrives in a dynamic SME setting and wants to contribute to meaningful, impactful work.
What you'll do:
* Oversee day-to-day studio operations and workflow traffic management.
* Forecast and schedule workloads, adapting to changing project demands and making timely decisions to maintain seamless production, ensuring proposed targets and SLAs are achievable and delivered within agreed timeframes
* Lead and support departmental leads across creative and administrative teams, ensuring effective resourcing, operational coordination, and delivery against team targets and KPI's.
* Work closely with teams to build a detailed understanding of the products and services handled by each department to support effective planning and decision-making.
* Serve as the day-to-day operational contact for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication, managed expectations, and timely, high-quality project delivery.
* Champion a customer-centric approach by overseeing client onboarding and maintaining high standards of service whilst building strong relationships with new and existing clients.
* Ensure studio activities consistently meet agreed quality standards, SLAs, KPIs, and internal quality and security requirements.
* Support the implementation of production systems, studio processes, and continuous improvement initiatives by working with the senior management team to identify opportunities for efficiency and improvement.
* Analyse operational data and prepare reports to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
* Identify and promptly escalate operational risks or issues to the Operations Director.
* Promote and maintain a positive, collaborative culture that aligns with company values.
What we are looking for:
· At least 3 years management experience in operations, studio, or project management.
· Proven ability to manage and support cross-functional teams and departmental managers.
· Strong organisational, planning, and forecasting skills with confidence to make operational decisions independently.
· Proficient in data analysis and report preparation to support informed decision-making.
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an eye for detail and good command of the English language.
· Proactive, positive, and adaptable, able to manage varying demands of a fast-paced, deadline-driven SME.
· A natural problem solver with a strong sense of urgency and a calm, solution-focused mindset.
· Commercially minded, excels at building strong client relationships and driving service excellence to support business growth and retention.
· Experience with scheduling or project management software such as Synergist, Trello or similar is desirable but not essential.
· An understanding of quality standards and working in quality-controlled environments is a plus.
Education:
· Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification required.
· GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above.
· Additional professional qualifications or training in operations or management is a plus.
What we offer:
· A locally based onsite role, just 1 mile from Nantwich town centre.
· A supportive and collaborative team environment.
· Career development opportunities within a growing organisation.
· Opportunities to make a difference through accessible design and production.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £36,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* On-site parking
Education:
* Bachelor's (required)
Experience:
* management: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person