Studio Operations and Projects manager

About Us

We are Cureative, a design studio based in Sydney, Australia. Our North Star is made up of three core values: Passion, Agility, and Commitment. These values drive our purpose and ambition, which is to support our clients and partners with bringing their ideas to life through the power of design.

We bring a solutions-focused and pragmatic approach to the design process, shaped by our team's broad experience and knowledge. Our diverse range of clients means no day is the same in our studio. We work across a spectrum of industries, including Medical, Pharmaceutical, Blue Chip, Finance, Media, and Advertising.

If you are passionate about all things design, agile in your approach, and committed to creating great work, we'd love to speak with you

Role Overview

We are seeking a Studio Operations & Project Manager to oversee the daily operations of our creative studio, ensuring smooth workflows, high-quality output, and efficient resource allocation. You will be responsible for project management, internal workflow optimisation, and team coordination while maintaining strong client relationships and ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standard.

This role requires excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of creative production workflows (graphic design, animation, and PowerPoint). You will be the link between creative teams, account management, and client expectations, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

Key Responsibilities

Studio & Workflow Management

• Oversee team project planning and resource allocation.
• Ensure timesheets are logged correctly for accurate billing.
• Implement and refine workflows for improved project tracking.
• Ensure file management best practices are followed
• Organise and maintain production schedules to ensure timely project delivery.
• Support quoting and estimating efforts by tracking project budgets and revisions.

Process & Quality Control

• Conduct quality checks to ensure all creative output aligns with client expectations.
• Supervise and track amendments to design and animation projects, ensuring no errors slip through.
• Develop training resources and workshops to upskill the team on workflow efficiency and quality standards.
• Standardise briefing processes to ensure clarity and reduce revisions.
• Implement approval documents and structured feedback processes to streamline reviews.
• Track and manage multiple client feedback rounds, ensuring high quality standards at all times.

Project & Client Management

• Maintain WIP documents and meeting notes, ensuring timely updates.
• Lead weekly planning meetings to align internal priorities.
• Communicate with clients and internal teams to set expectations on timelines and budgets.
• Work closely with leadership on budget forecasting and tracking project profitability.
• Ensure purchase orders and invoices are managed efficiently.
• Develop strong client and stakeholder relationships, ensuring smooth project execution.

Team Development & Collaboration

• Provide mentorship to team members, helping them improve workflow efficiency.
• Conduct training sessions and workshops on best practices.
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends and ensure the team follows best practices.
• Work closely with creative teams, producers, and account managers to improve workflows.

Creative Contribution

• Transform client briefs into clear, actionable internal briefs that provide the team with all necessary details and resources to execute effectively.
• Offer insightful perspectives on design trends and strategy, working collaboratively with creative teams, producers, media partners, and clients to develop impactful solutions.
• Analyse social performance data and translate findings into meaningful creative recommendations that drive engagement and effectiveness for our business.
• Apply strong creative judgment to refine ideas, ensuring all work aligns with the brief and maintains a high standard of execution.

Qualifications

• Experience:
  At least 5+ years in studio or project management, preferably within a creative or design-focused environment.
• Project Management:
  Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, delivering on time and within budget. Experience with project management tools (e.g., Asana) is a must.
• Technical Knowledge:
  Strong understanding of creative workflows, including graphic design, animation, and production.
• Organisational Skills:
  Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to streamline workflows, implement processes, and manage resources effectively.
• Client Relationship Management:
  Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Leadership:
  Experience mentoring and guiding creative teams, with a focus on collaboration and development.
• Communication:
  Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear brief writing, feedback management, and stakeholder updates.
• Problem-Solving:
  Solutions-focused mindset with the ability to handle complex challenges and adapt to changing priorities.
• Passion for Design:
  A deep appreciation for design and creativity, aligning with our core values of Passion, Agility, and Commitment.
• Education:
  Relevant degree or certification in design, project management, or a related field (preferred but not required).