We are seeking a proactive, commercially aware and highly organised Regional Studio Manager to support the effective operation, coordination and performance of our West regional studios, Bristol and Oxford. This pivotal role will work closely with Regional Partner, Studio Leadership, project teams and central business support functions to ensure the smooth running of day-to-day studio operations, effective resource planning, consistent processes and strong communication across the region.
Candidates should be confident people managers and natural organisers, with strong commercial awareness, excellent communication skills and the ability to balance operational detail with forward planning. The role requires someone who can identify priorities, support consistent ways of working and find practical solutions in a busy, creative studio environment.
The role can be based from either our Bristol or Oxford studio, however, the candidate must be prepared to travel to the alternative studio once every 2 weeks or as business needs dictate.
Purcell is an award-winning employee-owned architectural and heritage consultancy practice with a commitment to quality, innovation, and diversity. We have staff of approximately 350 talented architects, designers, heritage consultants and surveyors across 14 offices, in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia. Proudly ranked No. 1 for Heritage in the World Architecture 100 for a fifth consecutive year.
Collaboration is central to our employee-ownership culture, providing opportunities to work on some of the finest buildings; from meticulous heritage and conservation schemes to bold contemporary design. We offer a rewarding and supportive environment for personal and professional development and our employee-owned ethos empowers everyone to use their voice. We believe in creating an equitable and inclusive culture, founded on our values, which celebrates knowledge sharing and our successes, to build an inspiring work environment.
It is our distinctive employee-owned working culture that has contributed to our status as a World Architecture Top 100 Practice, renowned for our excellence in architecture and heritage consultancy.
Our benefits package includes
- Agile, flexible and hybrid working, (a minimum of 3 days in office, up to 2 days WFH)
- Annual leave increasing with long service
- Life assurance
- Study sponsorship with paid study leave
- Sabbaticals
- Employee assistance programme
- Season ticket loans
- Cycle to work scheme
- Virtual GP service
- Subscription fees
- Company day out
- A volunteering scheme
- Enhanced learning & development opportunities.
Your key responsibilities will be as below, but not limited to:
Studio Operations and Regional Coordination
- Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of the studio, ensuring operational processes, communications and priorities are well coordinated.
- Act as a key point of contact for Regional Partner, Studio Leadership, project teams and Purcell’s central business support functions.
- Support consistent implementation of company procedures, studio standards and operational improvements across the region.
Business and Project Support
- Coordinate monthly project reviews, collating reporting for Monthly Finance Calls, resourcing, programme and risk information for studio and regional leadership.
- Monitor project administration, fee and cost reporting, resource planning and pipeline information using CMap.
- Support in identifying operational, financial or resourcing risks and work with leadership and project teams to agree practical actions and follow-up.
People Management and Team Support
- Provide line management, guidance and day-to-day support to studio administrative colleagues in Bristol and Oxford, setting priorities and supporting performance and development.
- Coordinate onboarding, induction and training logistics for new starters and support a positive, inclusive studio culture.
- Facilitate studio communications and meetings.
Compliance, Facilities and Administration
- Oversee studio administration and staff welfare budgets with awareness supply procurement, travel coordination, expenses and facilities or maintenance requirements.
- Ensure accurate documentation, project filing and Common Data Environment processes, supporting version control and document protocols are met.
- Support health and safety requirements, ISO documentation and internal compliance processes in collaboration with relevant business support teams.
Skills and Qualifications:
Essential
- Previous experience in a studio, operational or regional management role (mid-level) within an architectural or design environment.
- Proficient in CMap (or similar project management tools) and Microsoft Office Suite
- Financially literate and comfortable interpreting numerical data
- Proven experience of line management and leading a team
- Strong organisational skills with a flexible, self-directed approach
- Excellent communication and influential stakeholder management across all levels
- High attention to detail, professional demeanour, and commercial awareness
Desirable
- Knowledge of health and safety, ISO requirements, facilities coordination or Common Data Environment processes.
This job description is a guide to the duties the post holder will be expected to undertake. It is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive and will be subject to change as working requirements dictate and to meet the organisational requirements of Purcell.
Don’t meet every single requirement? That’s okay.
Research shows that women and people from underrepresented backgrounds can be less likely to apply unless they meet every criteria listed. At Purcell, we are committed to building an inclusive, transparent, and welcoming team. If you’re enthusiastic about the role and excited to grow and learn with us, we warmly encourage you to apply.
When applying, please feel free to use your preferred name — we don’t require full or birth names at this stage.
We are proud to foster a culture of kindness, respect, and authenticity, where everyone can thrive and bring their whole selves to work. We are proud to be part of the Disability Confident Scheme. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the process, please include them in your application, and someone from the people team will reach out to discuss your requirements.
Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unfortunately unable to provide individual feedback. If you have not heard from us within 6 weeks of your original application, then you have been unsuccessful. Please continue to look at our vacancies and apply where relevant. We wish you all the best in your job search.
As world leaders of Heritage and Conservation, Purcell is committed to embracing diversity and equal opportunity within our international teams, reflective of the society in which we work and live.
We welcome people from all backgrounds and celebrate differences through our culture of employee ownership.
