Studio Manager

Theartgorgeous; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A creative charity organization based in Tottenham is looking for a Studio Manager to oversee daily operations, manage studio allocations, and support its mission. The ideal candidate should possess strong organizational and communication skills, and experience working in a creative environment is preferred. The role requires engagement with top-level partners and the management of relationships within the artist community. This full-time position offers a start date in April 2026 and requires the right to work in the UK.

Qualifications

• Experience in a creatively led business.
• Strong people management and communication skills.
• Ability to balance short and long-term objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the office.
• Oversee the management of Sarabande's CRM database.
• Prepare reports on Sarabande activities.
• Steer Sarabande's move to a new site in Tottenham.
• Cultivate relationships with potential sponsors.

Skills

Organizational skills

People management

Communication skills

Entrepreneurial spirit

Creative thinking

Job description

Overview

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Sarabande is a charity established by the late Lee Alexander McQueen to support creative talent across all disciplines in their early stages of creative and commercial development. It does this through the provision of scholarships, heavily subsidised artist studios, mentoring and a pioneering public events and education programme.

Sarabande has artistic studio locations in both N1 and N17, and is looking to hire a responsible and self-motivated Studio Manager to oversee operations and support the Foundation’s mission in the N17 location, contributing to the Sarabande artistic community in Tottenham. This is a key role in the Foundation and involves working closely with the CEO and external advisors. The role will combine operations and development with a high level of involvement with our artist community and creative initiatives at both N1 and N17 locations.

Responsibilities

• Office and studio management: Manage day-to-day operations of a small but busy office, ensuring an exceptional and clean, presentable environment (including studio complex and event space) at all times.
• Contract management: Manage and negotiate contracts with suppliers and contractors.
• CRM and stakeholder relations: Oversee management of Sarabande’s CRM database, maintaining and updating contacts for all stakeholders, artists and patrons.
• Reporting: Prepare reports on Sarabande activities, including major exhibitions and special projects.
• Scholarships programme: Work with the CEO on Sarabande’s scholarships programme.
• Studio allocations: Oversee the annual studio open call, managing artist intake, studio allocations, and onboarding.
• Mentoring: Maintain relationships with Sarabande’s network of professional mentors and implement a mentoring schedule for studio residents.
• Compliance: Ensuring compliant management of offices across both teams, including site safety & holiday allowance.

Tottenham operations

• Site transition: Steer Sarabande’s move to a new site in Tottenham, ensuring a smooth and timely transition for artists and staff.
• Funding delivery: Support the Programme & Outreach Officer to deliver project outcomes linked to National Lottery funding.

Development

• Engagement and tours: Research, coordinate and lead professional tours of the studios across both sites.
• Funding and sponsorship: Cultivate and maintain relationships with potential supporters and stakeholders, identifying opportunities for sponsorship and fundraising.
• Partnerships: Manage relationships with existing N17 partners, advocating for Sarabande to ensure that its values, criteria and ethos are upheld.
• Funding opportunities: Identify and apply for funding opportunities for Sarabande.
• Commercial hire: Develop and manage opportunities for commercial hire of buildings.
• Alumni relations: Serve as the primary point of contact for all Tottenham alumni, manage inter-artist studio relationships when required.
• Exhibitions and events support: Provide support for Sarabande and artist–led exhibitions, events and commercial projects as needed.
• Revenue and events: Share project management responsibilities for fundraising events and other revenue streams, including advertising and merchandise sales.

Candidate profile

The ideal candidate will possess a blend of entrepreneurial spirit and creative thinking, along with exceptional organisational skills and the ability to balance short and long-term objectives. Strong people management and communication skills are essential, as is a resilient, can-do attitude. This senior role within a forward-thinking and dynamic organisation requires an individual capable of engaging with top-level partners globally and ensuring the exceptional delivery of all projects, partnerships and events.

This position is well suited to someone with experience in a creatively led business. Please note that some evening and weekend work may be required, particularly during events.

Logistics and application

Closing date: Midnight on 22nd February 2026

Start date: April 2026

Salary: DOE (depending on experience)

This is a full-time position. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sarabande is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds.

To apply, please submit a CV, portfolio, and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to [emailprotected] with the subject line: “Studio Manager at Sarabande Tottenham Application.”