Office Manager

Office Manager – Assemble Design & Workspace | East London

About the Role of Office Manager
Assemble is seeking a proactive Office Manager to support the smooth running of our award-winning design practice, Assemble Design, and our workspace company, Assemble Workspace, based at Leaside Yard, Bow, East London.

This varied role covers office administration, HR, finance, project resourcing, communications, and workspace management. You will work closely with the Assemble management team, supporting our design practice and creative tenants, while ensuring our operations run efficiently and in line with policies on sustainability, inclusivity, and health and safety.

At Assemble, we value community and collaboration—whether that’s cooking lunch together daily, hosting weekly design reviews, or working alongside our diverse community of artists, makers, and designers at Leaside Yard.

Key Responsibilities of Office Manager

Office Administration & Culture

• Manage enquiries, communications, and document organisation.
• Schedule meetings, prepare agendas, take minutes, and track actions.
• Oversee office supplies, insurance renewals, and IT software support.
• Coordinate company events and support Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) and sustainability frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, data protection, and fire safety requirements.

Finance

• Assist with payroll, annual accounts, and financial reporting.
• Manage expenses, support R&D claims, and liaise with accountants.

HR & Recruitment

• Maintain contracts, handbooks, and HR policies.
• Support grievance procedures, annual reviews, and pay consultations.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, inductions, and diversity monitoring.

Project & Resource Management

• Create project records, maintain pipeline forecasting, and coordinate resourcing.
• Support monthly partner meetings, invoicing, and quality assurance processes.
• Business Development & Communications
• Manage design enquiries and provide tender support.
• Handle press, academic, and exhibition requests.
• Oversee Assemble’s social media (Instagram & LinkedIn), newsletters, and website updates.

Workspace Management

• Support tenant communications and workspace applications.
• Manage health and safety for shared workshop and studio facilities.

Skills & Experience for Office Manager

Required:

• Strong organisational and time management skills for Office Manager.
• Experience in office management, HR, or administration.
• IT proficiency (Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Dropbox).
• Experience using Xero or similar finance software.
• Excellent communication and ability to work collaboratively.

Desirable:

• CIPD Level 5 or working towards it.
• Experience using Harvest or similar project management tools.
• Knowledge of press and communications management.

Contract & Benefits
Contract: Permanent, full-time (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm).
Salary: £35,000 pro rata.
Holiday: 25 days + office closure between 25–31 December.
Location: Leaside Yard, Bow, East London.
Start Date: November 2025 (flexible).
Deadline to Apply: 12 September 2025 (5pm).
Interviews: Week commencing 29 September 2025.

Applicants should submit:

A 1-page CV and short cover letter (max 300 words) via the online application form.
Please note: This role will not involve working directly on design projects. Assemble cannot offer visa sponsorship.

About Assemble
Assemble is an award-winning art, design, and architecture collective, known for using design as a tool to enrich social and cultural life in the built environment. Recipients of the 2015 Turner Prize, our projects span design, construction, event organisation, and collaborative workshops.

In 2023, we moved into Leaside Yard, our self-designed and built studio in Bow, East London, which we share with over 55 creative tenants—from carpenters and stonemasons to textile designers and musicians.

Learn more at: www.assemblestudio.co.uk

Equality & Diversity
Assemble is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and those seeking flexible working arrangements. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or background.

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