PSAD Operations Manager

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Operations Manager to join our Putney School of Art & Design team at Enable! 

About Us: 

Enable is a charity dedicated to improving people's wellbeing and strengthening local communities. We work with councils, charities and other local organisations to deliver health, leisure, community services and events that enrich people’s lives and strengthen our local community.  

At Enable, we value our employees and our culture, focusing on embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive, flexible and fun environment for employees to perform at their best. On top of a competitive salary and flexible working environment, employees will also receive:  

Benefits: 

• 30 days of annual leave (plus 8 bank holidays)
• Life Insurance
• Reward Schemes (RewardHub Membership, wellbeing budgets and cycle to work)
• A variety of social and wellbeing activities each month
• Mental Health & Wellbeing Perks (Monthly talks, Wellbeing Hour, etc)
• Gym Membership

Reports to: PSAD Operations Manager 

Based: PSAD (Putney School of Art & Design)

Salary: £35,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent, Full Time 

Work Arrangement: 40 hours per week, Onsite 

DBS: Enhanced

Role Overview: 

The team at PSAD are passionate about connecting the community through culture, art and design, making it affordable and accessible for all. Today, managed by Enable and firmly rooted in the community, the school offers art and design courses, including specialised courses like the Art and Design Diploma, a Family Learning programme where parent and child can learn and work together, and courses for young people.  

Reporting to the Senior Commercial & Operations Manager, the postholder will be responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the sites, ensuring a high standard of customer service and acting as the first point of contact for operational issues. Responsibilities will include building security and maintenance, health and safety, equipment upkeep, the operation of the school art shop and café, and the effective management of specialist creative facilities, including the print studios.

The postholder will ensure that studios, equipment and resources are safe, well maintained and appropriately prepared to support teaching, workshops and practical art and design activities. The role requires an understanding of creative practice and studio-based learning, with a creative background or relevant practical experience in art, design, printmaking or a similar studio environment being desirable.

The postholder will manage and supervise support staff teams, including Café Staff, liaising with cleaning contractors and working collaboratively with technicians, tutors and other colleagues to ensure the effective operation and upkeep of the School’s facilities. They will also support the continued growth and development of PSAD, maintaining an excellent customer experience and ensuring facilities meet the evolving needs of its creative programmes.

The role will involve occasional evening and weekend working, as required by the needs of the business, including supporting the promotion of the service and Enable as a whole.

Main Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Work with the Senior Commercial & Operations Manager to maintain and champion Health and Safety across the school, including contributing to risk assessment, operating and COSSH procedures development, documentation and review.
• Have responsibility for implementing and the documentation of all health and safety procedures including all compliance checks and for providing induction of staff and students in the safe use of specialist facilities.
• Oversee the maintenance, preparation and operation of communal areas, teaching spaces, storage areas and specialist creative studios; ensuring facilities, equipment and materials are safe, well maintained and fit for purpose.
• Perform routine repairs and maintenance and coordinate the servicing, repair and replacement of specialist equipment and building infrastructure and maintain all documentation.
• Work collaboratively with tutors, technicians and operational teams to coordinate studio set-ups, equipment preparation and the effective use of specialist facilities.
• Identify opportunities to improve studio layouts, facilities and operational efficiency to support the School’s creative programmes.
• Support the review and management of suppliers and contractors, including managing the cleaning contractors, to ensure high-quality, cost-effective services and value for money.
• Oversee and perform stock control, ordering and replenishment of supplies across the café, art shop and specialist studios, including art materials and printmaking consumables.
• Manage the day-to-day operation of the school café, ensuring appropriate staffing, efficient and high quality service delivery and compliance with food hygiene and safety requirements.
• Perform financial management requirements, including cashing up, finance returns, raising of Purchase order.
• Undertake front-of-house and administrative duties as required, maintaining a high standard of customer service.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties within the scope of the role, as directed by the Head of School.

Skills and Experience: 

• Experience of managing or supervising staff, with the ability to communicate effectively, build trust and make timely decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with staff at all levels, including tutors, technicians and creative practitioners.
• Experience of working in or supporting a creative studio, print studio, workshop or similar specialist environment.
• Understanding of art and design processes, specialist studio equipment, materials and operational requirements, ideally including printmaking.
• Knowledge of health and safety requirements, including the safe use, storage and handling of specialist equipment and materials.
• A proactive, flexible and solutions-focused approach to managing resources, resolving operational issues and improving studio facilities.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands and work effectively under pressure.
• Willingness to attend meetings and work evenings or weekends as required.

This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of a company that positively impacts the community around them! If you are someone that is motivated by a desire to enrich the lives of others and make a genuine difference, then please Apply Now and follow the prompts. 

If this role not quite right, however you are still interested in working at Enable then we encourage you to get in touch today on [email protected] 

Enable is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. To find out more on our approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit our website.