Studio & Operations Manager

Key Responsibilities:

Studio operations & maintenance

• Ensure the studio is safe, clean, well-organised and fully functional at all times
• 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 fulfilment 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 team's 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 analysing team productivity, output and overall studio performance
• Track output against targets, identify what is and isn't 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 organised than when you arrived

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 organised 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

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