OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Operations Assistant plays a pivotal role in creating a positive studio environment and working within the core team to ensure the smooth running of day-to-day operations.
They work closely with the Head of Finance and Operations, supporting the business functions spanning across operations, HR and finance, with the opportunity to contribute to core company activity around Sustainability, Belonging & Inclusion, and Universal Design.
This is a role for someone who is interested in learning and contributing to the full breadth of 59’s work, offering foundation support for the company’s acclaimed design work to thrive. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated individual with excellent organisational skills and an instinctive approach, who enjoys working in a creative and often fast-paced environment, and has strong attention to detail. We are looking for an excellent communicator and team player who is personable, approachable and adaptable, and who will embrace the opportunity to support our diverse and sector-leading portfolio of projects.
We are open to hearing from a broad range of people, both established Administrators and individuals in the early stages of their career. Overall we hope to collaborate with someone who is looking to expand their experience and develop their practice with an ambitious, globally recognised design company.
Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to work from the studio 5 days a week. Flexibility is offered around this on a case by case basis, but the dedicated focus of the role is on-site in our busy studio working with the whole team.
The full role description, including an overview of the day-to-day responsibilities, can be found here.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential:
- Transferable experience in an administrative and/or operations role, or in junior management
- Excellent administration skills and attention to detail
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Experience of planning and scheduling with and for extremely busy individuals
- Experience of minute-taking and transcribing of often complex details
- Absolute discretion and a proven track record of handling sensitive information
- An ability to multitask effectively, handle multiple workflows at any one time and pivot plans as required
- An ability to work in a busy environment with often strict deadlines
- Proficient in various software including Microsoft Office
Desirable:
- Experience working in the creative industries or a creative environment
- Experience coordinating an office environment
- Experience maintaining a HR platform
- Experience working with a CRM/ database
- Knowledge of company finances and financial processes
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a comprehensive CV and a cover letter (maximum two A4 sides) or up to three minutes of audio describing your suitability for the position and how your skills and experience match the person specification, via the online form.
If you would like to arrange a chat with the Head of Finance and Operations, to discuss the role in more detail in advance of applying, please contact us at [email protected] – we’re very happy to facilitate this.
Applicants should provide contact details for two references. We will seek your permission before making direct contact with any referees.
All applicants must be eligible to work within the UK.
59’s RECRUITMENT APPROACH
Like many other organisations, we are continuing to explore what diversity means to us and how this is realised. What may have been acceptable a short time ago is not sufficient for the future – we are dedicating time and resources to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, particularly those who are often excluded or underrepresented.
If you feel that you do not see yourself represented either in the cultural sector or in this particular professional area because of any part of your identity that makes you special, we would especially like to hear from you.
Under the Equality Act 2010, a disabled person is someone who has – or has had in the past – a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person’s ability to carry out standard day-to-day activities.
As an inclusive organisation, we actively encourage applications from people who consider themselves to have a disability falling within that broad definition. We will guarantee an interview for applicants living with a disability, provided they meet the essential criteria. Where relevant, this should be indicated on your equal opportunities form which will be anonymised and attached to your redacted application.
We have made steps to remove barriers to our workplace, including ensuring a physically accessible studio. If it is helpful or reassuring to discuss your access needs ahead of applying so you can gauge if this is an accessible place for you to work, please get in touch on [email protected].
Acknowledging the resources that go into attending interviews, we are very happy to reimburse travel expenses incurred through travelling to/ from your interview with us.