Studio Manager

About the role

The Studio Manager is the bridge between commercial intent and production reality. Once a project is approved, the role owns its design delivery: translating the agreed brief into a resolved, client-approved exhibition stand, activation, event space, theatrical element or large-scale cardboard installation, then coordinating its production, delivery, installation and final handover. The role combines spatial and industrial design judgement, 3D/CAD literacy, rendering capability, project leadership, client communication and practical manufacturing knowledge.

I'm told we're looking for a unicorn, but if you bring knowledge, an interest working with others and willingness to learn, you don't have to have all the skills yet.

Key responsibilities

• Take ownership of approved projects from commercial handover through design resolution, client approval, production handover and final close-out

• Confirm the brief, deliverables, dimensions, materials, constraints, milestones, responsibilities and approval process before work begins

• Build and maintain a clear studio schedule; prioritise work, allocate resources, identify dependencies and communicate risks early

• Manage scope changes and design revisions in partnership with Sales, ensuring material changes are documented and commercially approved before proceeding

• Own the delivery and installation plan, including venue requirements, site access, freight, packing, crew, equipment, inductions, sequencing, client contacts and final handover

• Coordinate and review spatial concepts, CAD/3D models, technical drawings, prototypes, mock-ups, renders and client presentation material, contributing hands-on where the project or workload requires

• Brief and allocate CAD work across the Studio and Rhino-proficient Production team, matching tasks to available capability, production knowledge, priorities and deadlines

• Develop final designs collaboratively with the client, converting feedback into clear, controlled revisions and securing documented approval

• Set weekly priorities and clear briefs for the two direct reports; review work, unblock issues and maintain accountability for deadlines and quality

• Coach the team in design craft, technical accuracy, client presentation, production awareness and file discipline

About you

• Demonstrated experience in spatial, industrial, exhibition, experiential, product or packaging design, or a closely related field

• Working proficiency in Rhino and/or comparable CAD/3D software sufficient to brief, review, coordinate and troubleshoot technical design work, and to contribute directly when required

• Strong capability in 3D rendering and visual presentation; familiarity with relevant Adobe Creative Cloud tools or equivalent

• Experience taking approved client work through design development, revisions, approval and manufacturing handover

• Practical understanding of materials, structures, prototyping and manufacturing constraints; exhibition, event, theatrical, display, point-of-sale, cardboard or paper-based experience is highly relevant

• Project-management capability across multiple concurrent deadlines, with strong attention to detail and version control

• Confident client communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain technical decisions in plain language

• Experience supervising, mentoring or coordinating designers or other creative/technical staff

• Ability to work safely in an active production environment and comply with site rules, induction requirements and required personal protective equipment

• Maintain legal right to work in Australia

About us

Cardboard Mill Pty Limited is a design and production business specialising in sustainable installations, design delivery and production leadership. The company creates exhibition stands, activations, event spaces, theatrical elements and large-scale cardboard installations.