Studio Manager
Salary: starting £29,400 moving to £31,500 per annum pro rata (after training period of approx 3 months)
25 hours per week
Newlyn School of Art is seeking a motivated, highly organised and personable candidate with management experience to fill the position of Studio Manager to oversee the smooth running of our teaching studios, the practical requirements of running a wide range of art courses and the management of our dedicated art technician team.
This is a key role within the organisation, managing the technician team, working closely with the school Directors and tutors to ensure our courses are delivered to a consistently high standard.
The Studio Manager role combines practical oversight with operational planning, team leadership and continuous improvement of systems and processes.
We are looking for someone who is a reliable, steady and personable team player with management experience, who enjoys creating order, supporting others and systematically solving practical challenges.
The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, a methodical approach to prioritisation and delegation, and the ability to balance multiple priorities whilst consistently meeting deadlines and maintaining a high level of accuracy.
This is a hands-on management role. To effectively lead the technician team and maintain operational oversight, the Studio Manager will regularly actively participate in practical technician duties and studio preparation. This includes supporting studio changeovers, course clean up and setup, and other operational tasks as required.
We welcome applications from calm, responsible individuals who take pride in maintaining well-organised environments and supporting the creativity and success of others.
Key Responsibilities
- Team Leadership & Coordination
- Lead, support and develop the technician team.
- Plan work schedules and allocate resources to ensure courses are prepared efficiently and to a high standard.
- Putting together the monthly work Rota based on the school’s annual calendar
- Conduct regular reviews and support the ongoing development of team members.
- Ensure clear communication of operational information, procedures and changes.
- Train and induct new team members where required.
Studio Operations & Course Delivery
- Work closely with tutors and directors to ensure both established and new courses can be appropriately resourced and prepared.
- Coordinate studio setups and oversee preparation requirements for courses.
- Maintain accurate course preparation documentation and materials requirements.
- Maintain a safe, welcoming and supportive environment to our course participants.
- Oversee effective delivery of course welcome talks relating to health and safety, facilities and studio procedures.
Materials and Equipment Management
- Oversee stock management, ordering requirements and efficient use of materials.
- Maintain accurate stock records and tracking systems.
- Work with directors and the accounts manager to manage purchasing and material costs.
- Ensure equipment is maintained, stored appropriately and available when required.
- Manage storage areas and workspaces to maintain safe, efficient and organised environments.
- Coordinate logistics and materials for satellite courses on the Isles of Scilly.
Systems, Standards & Continuous Improvement
- Maintain and develop systems that support efficient studio operations.
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve workflows, communication and resource management.
- Uphold high standards across studio preparation, facilities management and operational delivery.
- Promote safe working practices and maintain awareness of health and safety responsibilities, including COSHH and manual handling requirements.
- Oversee fire testing.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Experience managing a small team.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Flexibility in working hours, able to work a balance of weekdays, weekends and evenings.
- High attention to detail.
- Confidence using Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word.
- Ability to learn and use basic digital systems, including stock management software.
- Ability to work autonomously and exercise sound judgement based on set policies and systems.
- Good physical fitness and ability to safely undertake regular manual handling tasks, including carrying heavy objects.
- Own transport and driving licence.
Desirable
- Experience within arts education, workshop, studio or technical environments.
- Familiarity with art materials and processes.
- Experience developing systems, processes or operational improvements.
Training & Support
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training and support from the current Studio Manager for up to three months. Following handover, ongoing support will remain available whilst management responsibilities transition fully into the role.
Other Key Information:
DBS checks will be carried out prior to employment.
Annualised hours contract (annual pay is equally divided over 12 months however weekly working hours will vary depending on course requirements). Hours are typically spread across 3-5 days per week including some weekends (and evenings). Generally, shifts will be between from 4-8 hours long or sometimes coming in for shorter shifts of 2-3 hours from time to time.
The successful candidate will be required to provide references and evidence of the right to work in the UK.
This role is based at Newlyn School of Art; however occasional off-site work is involved to assist with gallery preparations and hanging of artwork for end of year shows.
Start: Ideally as soon as possible however notice periods for any current work commitments will be respected.
Applications open on 24 June 2026 and close at 12 noon on Monday 13th July 2026.
Please be aware shortlisted candidates will be required to create an informal 60 second video introducing themselves and explaining what draws them to the role.
In person interviews will be held on Thursday 16 July 2026 at Newlyn School of Art.
If you enjoy being the person who knows where everything is, why it matters, who should do it, when it needs doing, and what will break if nobody does it, please apply with:
Your CV
A covering letter (if we do not receive a covering letter we cannot proceed with your application).
Applications through Indeed only please.
Pay: £29,400.00-£31,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
