Studio Manager

Obata Noblin Office (ONO) is seeking a Studio Manager for our San Francisco office. We are a small but growing architecture firm with a focus on high-end residential and small commercial projects in the Bay Area and nationwide. As a Studio Manager, you will play a crucial role in advancing our mission to create exceptional built work. Your responsibilities will include overseeing administrative, operational, and light-financial aspects of the organization. This role involves managing and optimizing resources, projects, and personnel to ensure smooth operations. Key responsibilities include strategic long-term planning, supporting executive leadership, managing internal projects, leading recruitment efforts, developing and implementing training programs, championing people and culture initiatives, and delegating tasks to staff to achieve our organizational goals.

Principal Support

• Partner with the ONO Principals to manage their time, prioritize tasks, coordinate projects, and lead teams to achieve strategic objectives.
• Manage the Principals’ obligations, including staff, clients, and field commitments, to support business growth.
• Collaborate with the CFO on financial transactions, expense reports, onboarding, and HR duties.
• Work with team members to maintain organized calendars, execute administrative functions, and manage both the office and Principals’ calendars.

Project Management and Marketing

• Lead the development and execution of internal and external strategic projects.
• Manage strategic projects and emergent tasks outside the organizational chart or work plan.
• Maintain and enhance the CRM database to support business development and marketing.
• Manage the production of branding materials and assist with social media and marketing projects.

Employee Recruitment & Retention

• Oversee recruitment and hiring, making strategic staffing decisions with the Principals.
• Lead onboarding for new team members, ensuring smooth integration.
• Partner with managers to develop career pathways, education, and training aligned with employee goals.
• Coordinate employee performance reviews, address opportunities and challenges, and maintain open communication.
• Support office staff with inquiries (PTO, hardware, travel), consulting with managers and escalating as needed.
• Review staff time entries for compliance with utilization objectives and labor standards.

Operations & Studio Management

• Design workflows and protocols to optimize studio effectiveness and establish standards.
• Maintain an archive of essential branding items and operational processes, including templates and digital assets.
• Oversee the office calendar and manage internal communications to ensure clear goals and objectives.
• Supervise the IT consultant and handle staff IT issues, escalating as needed.
• Address office management queries and provide necessary support to staff.
• Oversee office facilities, including organization, upkeep, mailing, supplies, equipment, bills, and errands.
• Ensure the office is clean, organized, and well-stocked with supplies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of work experience, ideally with office management or administration experience.
• Expertise in recruitment, strategic staffing, staff management, and project management.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Google suite, Adobe suite and excel.
• Understanding of HR processes and basic financial procedures.
• Effective leadership with a focus on maintaining a positive work environment.
• Adaptability to dynamic environments with a proactive and self-motivated approach.
• Ability to collaborate with teams, monitor project progress, and support social media and marketing initiatives.
• A desire to grow a team of young architects and designers.