Studio Operations Manager
Run the studio day-to-day: people operations, finance coordination, systems, and the hundred things that keep a design firm humming.
- Employment
- Full-Time
- Location
- Montecito, CA (On-site)
- Compensation
- $85,000 – $110,000 + bonus
Posted April 2026. We read every application within two weeks.
About the role
Our Studio Operations Manager is the operating backbone of Cerro Studio. You will partner directly with the Principal on everything non-creative: hiring, onboarding, HR, vendor contracts, studio finance in concert with our bookkeeper, internal systems, office management, events, and whatever else the studio needs to run well.
You are someone who sees problems two weeks before they appear and who takes genuine pride in a well-run business. You'll have significant autonomy and the opportunity to shape how a growing studio scales.
What you’ll do
- Own people operations: recruiting, onboarding, offboarding, reviews, PTO tracking, HR compliance
- Manage studio finance in partnership with our fractional controller: AP/AR, payroll, monthly close
- Maintain and evolve internal systems: project accounting, CRM, Google Workspace, PM tools
- Oversee the physical studio: supplies, vendors, events, IT, facilities
- Produce monthly leadership reporting: utilization, project margin, pipeline
- Draft and manage vendor and client contracts in coordination with the Principal
What we’re looking for
- 5+ years of operations, business management, or studio management experience
- Experience at a creative services firm (design, architecture, agency, fashion, etc.)
- Strong financial acumen — comfortable with P&L, cash flow, and margin analysis
- Excellent written communication and demonstrated ability to draft contracts and SOPs
- Discretion and emotional intelligence — this role sees everything
Nice to have
- Familiarity with Studio Designer, QuickBooks, Gusto, and modern HR tooling
- Prior experience scaling a team from 8 to 25 people
- Bookkeeping or accounting background
A studio designed for the long run.
Competitive compensation, full health & wellness coverage, 401(k) with match, generous time off, a $2,500 annual learning stipend, and a beautiful place to work a block from the Pacific.
See full benefits →How to apply
Email your resume and portfolio to careers@cerrostudio.com with the subject line Application: Studio Operations Manager. A brief note about why this role interests you goes a long way. We reply within two weeks.