Shape the Future of Light with Us.
Studio Business & Operations Manager
We are looking for a commercial and operational anchor—a proactive "right hand" to our Founder & Creative Director. This is a high-visibility role for a versatile professional who can drive our business development pipeline while assuming full ownership of the studio's daily rhythm.
About Studio ILANEL
Studio ILANEL is a multidisciplinary design ecosystem where light is our primary medium. From monumental museum interventions like the NGV Triennial to bespoke kinetic landscapes, we command light to redefine built environments. Based in our St Kilda manufacturing hub, we bridge the gap between deep conceptual storytelling and technical fabrication rigour.
We are a small, high-performing team. We don’t do corporate silos; we do collaboration, craftsmanship, and global impact.
Why Join Us?
Creative Autonomy: You will lead the operational strategy of a world-class design practice.
Diverse Impact: One day you’re pitching to a Tier 1 architectural firm; the next, you’re overseeing the logistics for an installation in Qatar or Miami.
Boutique Culture: We value empathy, accountability, and the "finer details" over corporate bureaucracy.
Flexibility: Part time hours negotiable (flexible shifts) with a clear growth pathway as the studio scales.
Position Description: Studio Business & Operations Manager
Role Purpose:
To act as the "commercial backbone" of the studio, assuming full accountability for all non-creative functions. Your primary objective is to reclaim 15+ hours of the Creative Director’s week by managing administration, logistics, and strategy, allowing the studio to focus on world-class artistic innovation.
1. Business Development & "The Explorer" Strategy
Strategic Growth: Proactively identify and engage with Tier 1 architectural firms, interior designers, and luxury developers across ANZ.
Tender Leadership: Lead the submission of high-stakes EOIs and proposals, translating our "Form & Phenomenon" philosophy into commercially persuasive bids.
CRM Ownership: Manage the full sales cycle in HubSpot/Active Campaign, ensuring every lead is nurtured from enquiry to installation aftercare.
2. Operational Leadership & Studio "Gatekeeping"
Facilities & WHS: Oversee the day-to-day running of our St Kilda hub, ensuring a safe, efficient, and "always-ready" environment for clients and production teams.
Project & Logistics Support: Coordinate complex global shipping, site-specific installation logistics, and project resourcing timelines.
Financial Coordination: Support the finance team with project invoicing, budget tracking, and accounts payable/receivable in QuickBooks.
3. Brand Strategy & Content Oversight
Strategic Lead: Maintain a monthly content calendar aligned with project milestones and collection launches.
Content Direction: Oversee our social media creator, providing editorial guidance to ensure the brand voice remains sophisticated and consistent across Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
The Ideal Candidate (The "Vibe Check")
Experience: You likely have 2+ years of experience in a similar "Studio Manager" or "Practice Manager" role, ideally within the architecture, design, or creative industries.
Mindset: You thrive in boutique environments. You are as comfortable discussing high-level strategy with a CEO as you are managing studio supplies or troubleshooting IT.
Communication: Exceptional verbal and written skills. You can extract clarity from chaos and translate intent into action.
Employment Terms:
Engagement: Casual or Independent Contractor (principally for labour).
Rate: Negotiable
Location: St Kilda, VIC.
