Studio Director

The Crowd

The Role

Overview

Lead studio operations, strategy, finance and growth for a design practice

Key Responsibilities

  • team leadership
  • studio operations
  • strategy development
  • business development
  • financial management
  • talent recruitment

Tasks

-Direct, mentor, and support the team, fostering a collaborative and inspiring work environment -Oversee the day-to-day operations and ensure the smooth running of the studio -Lead the strategic development of the studio, investing in the growth and well-being of the team -Develop and implement a business development strategy to expand the client base and project portfolio -Oversee financial performance, ensuring targets are met and cashflow is effectively managed -Monitor staff performance, development, and retention to maintain a motivated and high-performing team -Lead recruitment efforts and nurture talent to strengthen the studio’s capabilities -Work closely with the Director and senior leadership team to drive studio growth and success

Requirements

  • strategic
  • risk management
  • budgeting
  • studio lead
  • design background
  • client-facing

What You Bring

This is a key position within the studio, where you will work closely with the Director and senior leadership team to support strategic planning, company financials, and business development, while overseeing the day-to-day operations. Our client has ambitions to scale the business further, so it is essential that this person has experience supporting a company through growth and fostering a positive working environment. They are looking for a positive, people-focused, and driven individual with previous experience leading a studio in the architecture, engineering, or design sector. While not essential, it would be highly beneficial to have a design background and experience delivering design projects. The role would suit either a seasoned Studio Director or a strategic and commercially minded designer who has operated in a similar capacity. This is a rare opportunity to join a leading design studio offering a range of benefits, including flexible working, generous annual leave, and an exciting social calendar, among others. -Commercially astute with a strategic mindset -Skilled at identifying risks early and implementing effective, practical solutions -Strong numerical ability with a solid understanding of budgeting and financial management -Proven experience leading a studio within the architecture, engineering, or design sectors -Background and interest in design and architecture -Excellent communication skills with a confident, client-facing approach

The Company

About The Crowd

-A niche supporting creative talent in architecture, design, and interiors. -Born from a passion for creative industries, quickly expanded to New York. -Bridging international studios with top-tier talent. -Specializing in placements from junior to executive across permanent, temporary, and contract roles. -They’ve filled roles for celebrated architecture and design practices, also covering support positions like marketing, finance, HR, and IT. -Their financial growth remains under the radar, but lean structure and agile recruitment model keep them nimble. -Typical projects include pairing innovative design agencies with strategic hires and helping firms deliver landmark creative work. -Stand-out fact: launched with a bold focus on creative recruitment in a sector overcrowded with generalist agencies, carving out a distinctive identity.

Sector Specialisms

Architecture

Design

Creative industries

Interiors

Business support roles

Office Management

PA's/EA's

Marketing and Communications

PR

HR

Business Development

Finance

Bid Management

IT

Project Coordination

Sales