Head of Operations & Chief of Staff to the CEO

About Artists StudioCompany (ASC)

Artist’s Studio Company(ASC) is oneof London's leadingarts charities, celebratingover 30 yearsof supporting artists, makers and creativecommunities.

Our mission issimple: to enableartists and makersto build sustainablecreative careers whilemaking the visualarts more accessibleto the public. We achieve thisby providing affordablestudio space, exhibitionopportunities, businesssupport, and creativeworkspaces across London. Today,ASC manages13 buildings acrosssix London boroughs , providing workspace formore than850 artists andmakers , alongside coworking facilitiesand gallery hireat our headquartersin Vauxhall. We are enteringan exciting newphase of growth, having recently acquiredtwo additional propertiesto expand ourimpact. As ourorganisation continuesto evolve, weare looking an exceptionalHead of Operations& Chief of Staff to the CEO to playa pivotal leadershiprole in shapingour future.

The Opportunity

This is farmore than anoperational managementposition.

It isan opportunity foran experienced operationalleader to becomethe CEO's trustedstrategic partner, helpingtranslate visioninto action whileensuring the organisationruns efficiently, compliantlyand with excellence.

We're looking forsomeone who enjoysseeingthe bigger picturewhilst never losingsight of thedetail. Someone whonaturally anticipates challengesbefore they arise, identifies opportunitiesfor improvement, andcreates systems thatenable people andprojects to thrive.

You’ll be equallycomfortableleading people, improvingprocesses, managing risk, supporting strategic planning, and representing theorganisation when required.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Act as astrategic partner tothe CEO, helpingdeliver the organisation'slong-term visionand objectives. Translate strategic prioritiesinto practical operationalplans. Identify emerging risks, challenges and opportunities, developing proactive solutionsbefore issues escalated. Support organisational growth, change management andcontinuous improvementinitiatives.

• Overseeing HR and the various charity’s departments including the functions of maintenance, compliance, finance, marketing and lettings.
• Deputise for theCEO when required, including representingASCat meetings, presentationsand public events.

Operations & Property Management

Lead the day-to-day operationsacross ASC's portfolioof 13 buildings. Ensure all sitesare safe, secure, compliant and operatingefficiently. Oversee facilities management, maintenance programmesand operationalprojects. Continuously review systemsand processestoi improve efficiency andservice delivery. Managethe smooth operationof ASC's Vauxhallheadquarters.

Leadership & People Management

Lead, mentor anddevelop operational andadministrative teams. Fostera positive, collaborativeand high-performingworking culture. Oversee recruitment, onboarding, induction and HRadministration. Champion staff wellbeing, learningand professional development. Support managers indeveloping effective teamsand strong performance.

Finance & OrganisationalPerformance

Working alongside theCEO and FinancialController, you will:

• Support budgeting, forecastingand financial planning. Monitor departmental budgetsand operational expenditure. Help develop financialcontrols and organisationalreporting. Support informeddecision-making throughoperational analysis andperformance monitoring.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

Ensure the organisationmaintains the higheststandards of governanceand compliance. Oversee Health & Safety, safeguarding, data protection, charity law, insuranceand regulatory compliance. Lead organisationalrisk management, businesscontinuity planning andpolicy development. Ensure compliance systemsremain robust, proportionateand forward-looking.

Projects & Continuous Improvement

Lead operational improvementprojects across theorganisation. Introduce systems andprocesses that enhanceefficiency, resilienceand organisational effectiveness. Support charity eventsand cross-departmentalinitiatives. Encourage innovation, collaborationand continuous improvementacross the organisation.

About You

You are anexperienced operationalleader who combinesstrategic thinking withexceptional organisationalskills. You enjoycreating structure fromcomplexity, building strongteams and helpingorganisations grow sustainably. You don't simplyrespond to problems, you anticipate them. You have thejudgement, commercial awarenessand operational insightto identify potentialissues early, assessrisk, and implementpractical solutions beforechallenges impact theorganisation.You are calmunder pressure,highly organised andconfident working acrossmultiple priorities. Mostimportantly, you enjoysupportingpeople and enablingothers to succeed.

We're looking for someone who can demonstrate:

Significant experience leadingorganisational operationswithin a complexenvironment. Proven success managingand developing multidisciplinaryteams. Outstanding leadership,communicationand relationship-buildingskills. Strong strategic thinkingwith the abilityto see thewider organisational picture. Excellent lateral thinkingand problem-solvingability. Theconfidence to makesound decisions usingboth data andprofessional judgement. A proactive approachto identifyingoperational risks andimplementing preventativesolutions. Experience improving systems, processes and organisationalefficiency. Excellent project managementand organisational skills. Strong financial understanding, including budgeting andforecasting. Experience supporting seniorleadership and workingat executive level. Acollaborative, pragmaticand hands-onleadership style.

Desirable Experience

Experience in oneor more ofthe following wouldbe highly advantageous:

Charity sectorleadership. Property, real estate, workspace or facilitiesmanagement. Governance and charitycompliance. Health & Safety management. Safeguarding. HR systems andpeoplemanagement. Business growth, organisationaldevelopment or changemanagement. Risk management andbusiness continuity planning.

An interest inthe visual artsand creative sectoris welcomed butnot essential.

Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Operations Management,Finance, Commerce, RealEstate or arelated discipline.

Desirable

• MBA,Executive MBA orequivalent postgraduatequalification. Relevant professional qualificationsin operations, projectmanagement, HR, propertyor Health & Safety.

Experience

Essential

• Minimum three years' experience in asenior operational leadershiprole.

Ideal

Significant experience (10+ years) as a Headof Operations, OperationsDirector, Chief OperatingOfficer or similarsenior leadership positionwithin the charity, property, workspace orreal estate sectors.

Why Join ASC?

This is anopportunity to joinanambitious and respectedarts charity ata pivotal stageof its development. You'll workdirectly alongside theCEO, playing a key role inshaping the futureof an organisationthat supports hundredsof artists acrossLondon. Your ideaswill be valued, your leadership willhave real influence, and your workwill make alasting impact on organisationand on the UK culture.

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