Key Responsibilities:
Studio operations & maintenance
- Ensure the studio is safe, clean, well-organised and fully functional at all times
- Oversee the day-to-day running of the studio, maintaining a smooth workflow and an efficient, productive working environment
- Manage studio supplies and consumables, ensuring essentials are stocked and replenished ahead of need
- Oversee equipment upkeep, servicing and repairs, arranging maintenance promptly to avoid disruption to production
- Manage studio layout, space planning and storage to support effective production flow
- Maintain health, safety and cleanliness standards across the studio
- Liaise with utilities, contractors and service providers (e.g. electricians, internet, water) and act as the point of contact for premises matters
Production scheduling & order flow
- Work closely with the Lead Studio Ceramist to plan studio output, aligning what can be produced and fired with order demand, lead times and delivery deadlines
- Manage production schedules across all collections and orders, with accountability for on-time delivery
- Oversee order fulfilment from production through to dispatch across retail, wholesale and commissions
- Anticipate and resolve delays before they affect deadlines
Logistics, shipping & documentation
- Oversee packing, documentation and shipment for local and international delivery, working with logistics and packaging partners
- Ensure shipping and customs documentation is accurate, complete and submitted on time — a critical function of this role
- Maintain accurate, well-organised records and filing across the business
Stock & inventory control
- Manage materials and equipment inventory, including ordering, storage, condition checks and reorder points
- Maintain optimal stock levels, ensuring the studio neither runs short nor over-stocks
Suppliers, artisans & sourcing
- Source, vet and onboard new local and traditional artisans, makers and suppliers
- Manage long-term supplier and artisan relationships, terms and agreements
- Travel across the greater Ghana area (e.g. Mankessim, Vume, etc. ) for sourcing, site visits and partner management
Team management
- Coordinate the studio team's day-to-day scheduling and operational needs
- Conduct preliminary screening and interviews ahead of founder interviews
- Maintain an efficient, positive studio culture and resolve operational issues as they arise
Finance (with founder oversight)
- Administer on-the-ground payments to artisans and suppliers, petty cash and reimbursements within agreed budgets
- Track operational costs and spending accurately, maintaining clear, well-organised financial records
- Prepare and submit a monthly financial report covering studio spend, costs against budget, and any variances or concerns
- Ensure all financial records are transparent, reconciled and ready for review at any time
Reporting & performance analysis
- Produce and submit weekly production and studio reports analysing team productivity, output and overall studio performance
- Track output against targets, identify what is and isn't working, and flag bottlenecks, risks and opportunities for improvement
- Serve as the primary communication line to the UK across time zones, keeping the Founder fully informed
- Use reporting to drive continuous improvement in studio efficiency and output
Systems & documentation
- Develop, maintain and continuously improve the operational systems that keep the studio running — functional, shareable documents, trackers and filing systems
- Produce clear spreadsheets, PDFs and records across production, inventory, logistics and finance, ensuring the business is thoroughly documented
- Raise the operational standard of the studio, not simply maintain it
What Success Looks Like
In the first 3 months
- You have taken full responsibility for studio operations, with the Founder no longer involved in day-to-day running
- Production and order schedules are documented and being met
- Inventory, suppliers and key processes are mapped and under control
In the first 6 months
- Clear, reliable systems are in place across scheduling, inventory, logistics, documentation and reporting
- Weekly reporting to the UK is consistent and trusted
- The studio runs smoothly and predictably, with issues handled on the ground before they reach the Founder
- The operation is measurably better organised than when you arrived
Requirements:
- 4+ years in operations, production or studio/logistics management, with a track record of running operations independently
- Experience in a production or operations environment (manufacturing, studio, workshop or similar); craft or ceramics experience an advantage, not essential
- A university degree (required, no exemptions)
- Substantial financial and budget-management experience
- Exceptionally organised and systems-minded, with excellent spreadsheet, documentation, filing and process-building skills
- Strong people and coordination skills, confident managing external partners, suppliers and teams
- Self-managing and dependable, able to take ownership with minimal oversight
- Effective under pressure — practical, accountable and solutions-focused
- A clear communicator across time zones and within a small team
- Available for regular travel to various regions and based at the Accra studio/office
Advantageous
- International shipping, export documentation or customs experience
- Familiarity with the craft, design or ceramics sector
Details
- Full-time, senior level, based at the North Alajo studio with regular field travel across Ghana
- Probationary period applies, with review against the expectations above
- Salary competitive and negotiable based on experience
- Reports to: Founder | Works alongside: Lead Studio Ceramist
