Studio Manager

Job summary

Senior Studio & Operations Manager to take full ownership of running our Accra ceramics studio operations production logistics inventory suppliers finances and reporting. A stand-alone role for an experienced degree-educated operator who can land and run it independently from day one keeping things smooth with minimal founder involvement. The Studio & Operations Manager owns the day-to-day operation of our Ghana studio and is accountable for the smooth running of production from raw material to finished shipped product. This is a senior stand-alone role: you will take full ownership of operations scheduling logistics inventory suppliers documentation on-the-ground finances and team coordination and you will be trusted to run it independently. You will report directly to the Founder and serve as the primary point of contact between the Accra studio and the UK. You will work alongside the Lead Studio Ceramist who leads the making and creative quality; your remit is everything around the craft. Success means the studio runs reliably without day-to-day involvement from the Founder. This role requires someone who can take ownership immediately and operate with minimal onboarding. It is not a role with a long ramp-up and not a junior position with oversight we are looking for an experienced operator who lands and runs it.

Key Responsibilities:

Studio operations & maintenance

• Ensure the studio is safe clean well-organised and fully functional always
  

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the studio maintaining a smooth workflow and an efficient productive working environment
  

• Manage studio supplies and consumables ensuring essentials are stocked and replenished ahead of need
  

• Oversee equipment upkeep servicing and repairs arranging maintenance promptly to avoid disruption to production
  

• Manage studio layout space planning and storage to support effective production flow
  

• Maintain health safety and cleanliness standards across the studio
  

• Liaise with utilities contractors and service providers (e.g. electricians internet water) and act as the point of contact for premises matters
  

Production scheduling & order flow

• Work closely with the Lead Studio Ceramist to plan studio output aligning what can be produced and fired with order demand lead times and delivery deadlines
  

• Manage production schedules across all collections and orders with accountability for on-time delivery
  

• Oversee order fulfillment from production through to dispatch across retail wholesale and commissions
  

• Anticipate and resolve delays before they affect deadlines
  

Logistics shipping & documentation

• Oversee packing documentation and shipment for local and international delivery working with logistics and packaging partners
  

• Ensure shipping and customs documentation is accurate complete and submitted on time a critical function of this role
  

• Maintain accurate well-organised records and filing across the business
  

Stock & inventory control

• Manage materials and equipment inventory including ordering storage condition checks and reorder points
  

• Maintain optimal stock levels ensuring the studio neither runs short nor over-stocks
  

Suppliers artisans & sourcing

• Source vet and onboard new local and traditional artisans makers and suppliers
  

• Manage long-term supplier and artisan relationships terms and agreements
  

• Travel across the greater Ghana area (e.g. Mankessim Vume etc. ) for sourcing site visits and partner management
  

Team management

• Coordinate the studio teams day-to-day scheduling and operational needs
  

• Conduct preliminary screening and interviews ahead of founder interviews
  

• Maintain an efficient positive studio culture and resolve operational issues as they arise
  

Finance (with founder oversight)

• Administer on-the-ground payments to artisans and suppliers petty cash and reimbursements within agreed budgets
  

• Track operational costs and spending accurately maintaining clear well-organised financial records
  

• Prepare and submit a monthly financial report covering studio spend costs against budget and any variances or concerns
  

• Ensure all financial records are transparent reconciled and ready for review at any time
  

Reporting & performance analysis

• Produce and submit weekly production and studio reports analyzing team productivity output and overall studio performance
  

• Track output against targets identify what is and isnt working and flag bottlenecks risks and opportunities for improvement
  

• Serve as the primary communication line to the UK across time zones keeping the Founder fully informed
  

• Use reporting to drive continuous improvement in studio efficiency and output
  

Systems & documentation

• Develop maintain and continuously improve the operational systems that keep the studio running functional shareable documents trackers and filing systems
  

• Produce clear spreadsheets PDFs and records across production inventory logistics and finance ensuring the business is thoroughly documented
  

• Raise the operational standard of the studio not simply maintain it
  

What Success Looks Like

In the first 3 months

• You have taken full responsibility for studio operations with the Founder no longer involved in day-to-day running
  

• Production and order schedules are documented and being met
  

• Inventory suppliers and key processes are mapped and under control
  

In the first 6 months

• Clear reliable systems are in place across scheduling inventory logistics documentation and reporting
  

• Weekly reporting to the UK is consistent and trusted
  

• The studio runs smoothly and predictably with issues handled on the ground before they reach the Founder
  

• The operation is measurably better organized than when you arrived
  

Advantageous

• International shipping export documentation or customs experience
  

• Familiarity with the craft design or ceramics sector
  

Details

• Full-time senior level based at the North Alajo studio with regular field travel across Ghana
  

• Probationary period applies with review against the expectations above
  

• Salary competitive and negotiable based on experience
  

• Reports to: Founder Works alongside: Lead Studio Ceramist
  

Requirements

Requirements:

• 4 years in operations production or studio/logistics management with a track record of running operations independently
  

• Experience in a production or operations environment (manufacturing studio workshop or similar); craft or ceramics experience an advantage not essential
  

• A university degree (required no exemptions)
  

• Substantial financial and budget-management experience
  

• Exceptionally organized and systems-minded with excellent spreadsheet documentation filing and process-building skills
  

• Strong people and coordination skills confident managing external partners suppliers and teams
  

• Self-managing and dependable able to take ownership with minimal oversight
  

• Effective under pressure practical accountable and solutions-focused
  

• A clear communicator across time zones and within a small team
  

• Available for regular travel to various regions and based at the Accra studio/office