Business Operations Manager

Leading Architectural Practice, Essex

Location: Office-based – Essex

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, based on experience

Sterling Arrow is delighted to be recruiting on behalf of a dynamic and design-led architectural practice based in Essex. Known for delivering inspiring residential and hospitality projects across the UK, the studio is now seeking a highly organised and proactive Business Operations Manager to support continued growth and help drive new opportunities.

This is an exciting, full-time office-based role, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced creative environment and enjoys being at the heart of operations, strategy, and studio development.

About the Role:

Working closely with the Managing Director, you’ll play a pivotal role in identifying new business leads, managing client communications, coordinating proposals, and supporting the practice’s marketing output across digital and print platforms.

You’ll also contribute to the wider operations of the practice, liaising with architects, tracking project progress, and supporting smooth internal workflows to help the studio grow with purpose and precision.

Key Responsibilities:

Marketing & Business Development

Identify new leads and project opportunities, supporting the MD in pipeline management
Prepare and coordinate proposals, bids, and capability statements
Manage CRM platforms (HubSpot, Go High Level) to track client engagement and new business activity
Collaborate with the marketing team to coordinate content, social media, awards entries, and website updates

Studio Operations & Workflow

Monitor project milestones and planning deadlines, ensuring follow-through across the team
Use tools like Asana to track progress, enhance visibility, and maintain accountability across internal workflows
Liaise daily with architectural staff to support timely submissions and project coordination

Administrative & Financial Coordination

Assist with invoicing, reconciliations, and bookkeeping using Xero
Maintain digital records and support timesheet and documentation processes using Evernote and cloud-based systems
Liaise with external advisors including accountants and consultants as required

What We're Looking For:

3+ years’ experience in marketing, business operations, or executive support
Highly organised with strong attention to detail and follow-through
Commercially minded with excellent communication and client-handling skills
Proficient (or quick to learn) with platforms like HubSpot, Asana, Xero, and Go High Level
Self-starter who thrives on variety and can manage multiple workstreams with minimal supervision
Experience in the architecture, design, or construction sector is advantageous but not essential

What’s on Offer:

A varied and strategic role with real influence in a growing design-led practice
Opportunity to work directly with the Managing Director on business development and studio growth
A collaborative, forward-thinking team environment
Competitive salary and clear potential for career progression

We value diversity and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We take your privacy seriously and adhere to GDPR guidelines. By applying for this position, you provide us with your consent to hold and process your data.

Accessibility:

If you encounter accessibility barriers in the application process or if you have access needs and require support or adjustments to participate equitably in the recruitment process, please email mahi@steringarrow.co.uk.

Sterling Arrow

New Jobs

Business Operations Manager