Paloma Contreras Design is seeking an exceptional Studio Manager to join our Houston-based interior design firm. This is a key leadership and operations position for a highly organized, proactive, and discerning individual who thrives behind the scenes and takes genuine ownership of keeping a sophisticated creative business running seamlessly.

The Studio Manager will serve as the operational backbone of the firm, overseeing studio administration, client billing and financial coordination, human resources, and the operational management of our growing product and licensing business.

More than simply completing assigned tasks, this person will own the systems and processes that keep the business moving forward. The ideal candidate anticipates needs, follows through without prompting, creates order and accountability, and understands when something requires the Principal's attention—and when it can be handled independently.

Key Responsibilities:

* Own day-to-day studio operations and continually improve administrative systems and processes
* Manage office expenses, supplies, building maintenance, service providers, business records, and recurring administrative deadlines
* Maintain organized digital filing and cloud-based document management systems
* Own the client billing calendar, including retainers, time billing, proposal payments, project invoicing, cash receipts, and outstanding balances
* Review and process freight, receiving, warehouse, and other project-related invoices
* Coordinate financial administration with the firm's bookkeeper, accountant, and design team, including year-end 1099 filings
* Maintain the firm's master product development and launch calendar across licensing partnerships and collaborations
* Track product development milestones including samples, prototypes, approvals, photography, marketing assets, and launch dates
* Coordinate meetings, deliverables, and follow-ups with licensing partners, manufacturers,

The ideal Studio Manager is an exceptionally organized, resourceful, and proactive professional who takes pride in creating order, solving problems, and making the people around them more effective. This position requires someone with excellent judgment and follow-through who is equally comfortable working with numbers, systems, people, and details.

Qualifications & Attributes:

* 5+ years of relevant experience in studio management, business operations, office management, project management, accounting administration, or a related field
* Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail
* Demonstrated ability to take ownership of responsibilities and follow projects through to completion without extensive oversight
* Proactive and anticipatory approach to work, with the ability to identify needs and potential problems before they become urgent
* Strong project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, calendars, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously
* Financially literate and comfortable managing invoices, payments, billing, expenses, and accounting documentation
* Experience with accounting, invoicing, bookkeeping, or financial management software
* Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, Studio Designer, and cloud-based file management systems
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Sound judgment and the ability to determine what requires escalation and what can be handled independently
* Highly discreet and trustworthy when handling confidential client, employee, and financial information
* Polished, professional, and comfortable communicating with discerning clients, vendors, manufacturers, licensing partners,etc
*Resourceful, solutions-oriented, and calm under pressure
* Able to create, document, and improve processes rather than simply work within existing ones
* Experience in interior design, architecture, luxury goods, or other high-touch professional services environment is preferred

Paloma Contreras Design is a nationally recognized, Houston-based interior design firm specializing in sophisticated, timeless residential interiors. Our work combines a modern sensibility with an appreciation for classic design, exceptional craftsmanship, and beautiful materials. Our work extends beyond residential interiors through licensed product collections, brand partnerships, and editorial and media initiatives.

We are a collaborative, detail-driven studio committed to delivering an elevated and highly personalized experience for our clients and partners. As the firm enters its next chapter, we are looking for a Studio Manager who is excited not only to support where the business is today, but to help build the systems, structure, and operational foundation for where it is going. For the right person, this is an opportunity to become an essential partner in the continued growth and evolution of Paloma Contreras Design.

https://www.palomacontreras.com/