Studio Manager

Role Name: Studio Manager
Reporting to: Founder & Director
Location: Woodstock, Cape Town
Type: Full-Time in office
Start date: September 2025

The Organisation:
A boutique CMT (Cut‑Make‑Trim) studio that manufactures custom B2B garments, accessories, and corporate gifts using both knit and woven fabrics.

The impact driven organisation empowers women from underserved communities through training programmes and employment opportunities in the studio; creating sustainable income, skill pathways, and meaningful social impact.

Role summary:
We are looking for a dynamic, self-driven Studio Manager to lead the commercial function of our organisation with the clear objective: to create and manage effectively the sales strategy and execution while overseeing production.

This role requires a strategic thinker and hands-on doer who can convert leads into revenue, maintain strong client relationships, and establish credibility for our organisation in the market.

Daily Responsibilities:
1. Sales Strategy & Execution:
- Own and execute a sales strategy (based on focus products/customers)
- Generate new sales leads, proactively follow up on existing ones and convert them into customers
- Set up and attend client meetings; respond to all customer queries across email, WhatsApp, and other channels
- Prepare and send out accurate, timely quotes
- Support with invoicing (TBD based on structure)

2. Customer Relationship Management:
- Maintain a well-organized, up-to-date customer database
- Deliver a high-touch customer experience that drives loyalty and referrals (also when production problems might arise)
- Collect and leverage Google reviews to build online reputation

3. Brand Building and Representation:
- Develop and maintain a compelling sales portfolio showcasing our track record (completed work and capabilities)
- Ensure sample products are well presented on the sample rack (ironed, hung, and presentable) in a representative meeting room
- Coordinate with the photographer to get high-quality product (detail) images
- Develop an e-catalogue / sample rack of basic products and finishes, showcasing craftsmanship and our capabilities
- Leverage social media (IG) to build brand visibility and highlight the quality and complexity of products

4. Production:
- Lead the production team and the ensure its productivity
- Strategic resource planning aligned with operational capabilities and commercial goals
- Proactive talent development and performance culture by identifying and addressing performance issues or skills gaps within one month
- Organizational culture shaping and leadership impact by fostering a culture of professionalism, care, and high performance
- Agile planning and client-centric service delivery by maintaining a monthly production schedule, adjusting for order changes

5. Operational Excellence & Reporting:
- Ongoing capability development and alignment to evolving market needs by continuously assessing and updating the production capability list and MOQs
- Submit weekly progress reports and lead team meetings
- Collaborate cross-functionally with production, finance, and marketing to ensure smooth operations
- Commercial strategy and margin control by preparing client costings and strategic pricing
- Proactive financial planning and client account management by submit invoicing information ahead of production
- Strategic capacity planning and throughput forecasting by maintaining and updating the production schedule for visibility on available slots
- Workforce planning aligned with delivery expectations by allocating internal resources effectively to meet timelines and targets
- Operational excellence and lean process thinking by driving continuous productivity improvements
- Financial accountability including full P&L responsibility to ensure profitability and sustainable growth
- Financial accountability and cost management to ensure the organisation´s profitability
- Reconcile monthly card spend and share receipts with the accountants.
- Process innovation for scalability and efficiency by developing and refine internal forms and documentation to streamline operations
- Strategic capability development tied to future business needs by designing and implement a clear, ongoing training plan linked to client demands and repeat orders
- Long-term resilience and internal value-chain strengthening by ensuring skill development in technical areas (e.g., machine repair, productivity boosts)

Requirements:
- Proven experience in B2B or B2C sales, ideally in a product- or design-driven environment
- Proven background in the CMT business (production line setup, costings)
- Strong leadership skills
- Strong organizational and follow-through skills
- High level of professionalism and attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Experience managing client relationships and closing deals
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with execution
- Familiarity with CRM systems, quoting tools, and basic finance admin
- A keen eye for design, presentation, and product detail is a plus

Key Success Metrics:
- Revenue generation in line with profitability targets
- Conversion of leads to paying customers
- Growth in client database and repeat business
- Quality and completeness of the sales portfolio and e-catalogue
- Customer satisfaction (measured via feedback and Google reviews)

What to expect:
- Rewarding work with a social impact
- Fun, collaborative and supportive all female team
- Competitive salary
- Room for growth and the opportunity to play a crucial part in the development of the organisation