Art Research Technology
Business Operations Manager
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About artresearch.tech:
Artresearch.tech is a research studio providing technical solutions for complex artworks and installations worldwide.
The company was set up in 2023 by Star Holden after a decade working in the industry. We are a small team based in our workshop in Frome, Somerset, with 2 Directors, 1 full time Production Manager and 5 freelance Art Fabrication Assistants.
About the Role:
We are looking for a highly organised, proactive and practical Business Operations Manager to become a key part of the day-to-day running of the company.
This is a varied role combining business administration, financial administration, HR, project and budget oversight, contracts, client liaison and operational coordination.
You will need to keep a clear overview of what's happening across the business — from project budgets, costs and timelines to staffing, contracts and client requirements — and make sure potential problems are spotted early and followed through.
You won't be responsible for the technical delivery of projects, but you'll need to understand what's happening across them so that the administrative and commercial side of the business stays on track.
We are not specifically looking for someone from an arts organisation or creative studio and technical experience isn’t required. We are looking for someone who can bring structure, accuracy, commercial awareness and initiative to a busy small business.
Key Responsibilities:
Business & financial operations
- Keep company systems, records and information accurate and up to date.
- Add and allocate receipts and expenses in FreeAgent.
- Track project costs and budgets.
- Identify and flag potential overspends or unexpected costs.
- Support quotations and budgets
- Manage invoicing.
- Prepare contracts and maintain project documentation.
- Provide regular reports and updates to Technical and Managing Directors
Project & client support
- Maintain an overview of live projects, timelines, costs and requirements.
- Liaise with clients to understand needs, deadlines and changes.
- Work with the Technical Director on quotes, budgets and additional costs.
- Communicate relevant information to the Production Manager and wider team.
- Help ensure projects remain commercially and operationally on track.
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People & administration
- Manage employee and contractor timesheets, holidays and schedules.
- Coordinate employee and contractor administration and contracts.
- Support payroll and HR processes.
- Manage travel arrangements, accommodation, airport transfers and per diems when required.
- Provide practical PA-style support to the Technical Director.
Essential Experience and Skills:
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Experience in business administration, operations, office management, practice management, business support or a similar role.
- Confidence working with spreadsheets and digital systems.
- Good numerical awareness and confidence working with budgets and costs.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to communicate confidently and professionally with clients, contractors and colleagues.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and keep track of outstanding actions.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of responsibilities.
- Comfortable working in a small business environment where roles are varied and people need to be flexible.
- Willingness to ask questions and find out information rather than making assumptions.
Desirable Experience and Skills:
- FreeAgent, Xero or similar accounting software.
- Preparing quotes or invoices.
- Contract and agreement administration.
- HR administration and payroll support.
- Managing employee or contractor timesheets.
- Managing holidays and working schedules.
- Contractor or freelancer administration.
- Travel and logistical coordination.
- Working in a small or growing business.
Personal Attributes:
- You might come from business administration, operations, office management, practice management, project support or a similar background.
- You will enjoy detailed administration but can also think creatively, switch between different problems and take ownership.
- You will have a calm, practical and supportive approach to working with others and understand that a business operates best when the people working within it enjoy their roles and feel valued, respected and supported.
- You do not need to have technical experience in art, technology or engineering. An ability to understand and organise information is more important than technical knowledge.
- The successful candidate may not have experience across all the areas of the role, but will demonstrate an ability and enthusiasm to learn, grow into a role, develop new skills and build their knowledge as they go.
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Maternity Cover - A role with the potential to become permanent:
The position is initially an 18-month fixed-term contract, created to provide operational continuity during a planned period of maternity leave for the Managing Director.
There will be approximately 4–5 months of handover and training before maternity leave begins.
However, this is intended to be more than temporary maternity cover. As the company grows, we see potential for the Business Operations Manager to become a permanent part of our management and operational structure.
Subject to the needs and financial position of the business, and the success of the arrangement, there may be an opportunity for the role to continue beyond the initial 18 months.
There may also be an opportunity to increase hours during the Managing Director's maternity leave, by mutual agreement.
Reports to:
Company Directors
Salary & Benefits:
- £25,800 per annum (£43,000 FTE)
- 0.6 FTE / 24 hours per week
- 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- 4% employer pension contribution
Working Pattern:
Working days and hours can be discussed and arranged to suit the successful applicant, subject to the needs of the business.
Occasional home working may be possible by prior agreement where appropriate, but applicants should expect the majority of their working hours to be spent at our Frome premises.
Contract:
18-month fixed-term contract
Recruitment Process:
Please send a CV and short covering letter to
In your covering letter, we'd particularly like to hear about a role in which you have had to manage a wide range of administrative, financial and/or organisational responsibilities.
Timeline:
- Closing date: Sunday 4 October 2026
- First interviews: Week commencing 28 September 2026
- Second interviews: Week commencing 5 October 2026
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, early applications are encouraged.
References:
Please provide details of 2 previous employers who can be approached for references.
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