Operations Manager

ARI Operations Manager (Part-Time) About Allison Ruda Interiors Allison Ruda Interiors is a boutique interior design studio focused on creating intentional, elevated homes with a refined yet livable aesthetic. Our work spans full-service furnishings, renovations, and new build projects throughout Southeast Michigan. We're seeking a highly organized, proactive Design Operations Manager to help keep our projects, systems, and day-to-day operations running smoothly. This is a local, part-time contractor role ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced creative environment, loves organization and communication, and takes initiative while working both independently and collaboratively. Important Notes About This Role While this position supports an interior design studio, it is primarily an operations, procurement, and project coordination role rather than a creative design position. The ideal candidate enjoys organization, communication, execution, and keeping projects moving behind the scenes. This role focuses heavily on operational support, vendor coordination, client communication, logistics, and project management. An appreciation for interior design and aesthetics is important, but the day-to-day responsibilities are centered around implementation and studio operations rather than creating design concepts or leading the creative direction of projects. This role will play an important part in helping our studio continue to deliver an exceptional client experience. Our clients deeply value our proactive, organized, and thoughtful approach, and this position plays a key role in maintaining that experience. While the Founder leads the overall creative direction and design strategy, this role helps lead the day-to-day execution that keeps projects moving forward seamlessly. Position Details Role: Design Operations Manager Type: Part-Time Contractor (1099) Hours: Approximately 15 hours per week Location: Local to Southeast Michigan. This role is primarily remote with occasional in-person collaboration, local meetings, photoshoots, installs, vendor coordination, and studio support as needed. Compensation: $30–$35/hour depending on experience Responsibilities Project & Studio Operations Manage project workflows and task tracking within AsanaCoordinate weekly client status updates and internal meetingsMaintain organized project files, spreadsheets, and Google Drive systemsPrepare materials and logistics for installs, presentations, and photoshootsPrint and assemble client presentations and project materialsAssist in keeping studio operations organized and moving efficientlyProcurement & Vendor Coordination Manage procurement processes and order trackingCommunicate regularly with vendors, warehouses, and tradesMonitor estimated delivery dates and follow up proactivelyCoordinate deliveries, warehouse logistics, and install preparationOrder and/or pick up samples locally as neededClient & Administrative Support Help document, refine and implement the details of our design process (systemize)Send proposals, invoices, contracts, and discovery questionnairesHelp coordinate meetings and client communicationSupport onboarding processes for new projectsAssist with scheduling and operational follow-throughTeam & Project Support Help coordinate with studio designers and outside collaboratorsEnsure projects continue progressing between design phasesProactively identify next steps and maintain momentum on active projectsIdeal Candidate Exceptionally organized and detail-orientedStrong communicator with a professional and warm demeanorSelf-starter who takes initiative and follows throughComfortable managing multiple moving parts simultaneouslyAble to anticipate needs and problem-solve independentlyExperience in interior design, procurement, construction, or project coordination is preferred but not requiredFamiliarity with Google Workspace, spreadsheets, and project management software (Asana, Studio Designer, Canva)Must be comfortable occasionally visiting job sites/vendorsExcited about potential for long-term growth within the studioWhat Success Looks Like This role is designed to create an operational structure that allows the Principal Designer to focus on creative direction, client relationships, and growing the studio. The right person will bring calm, efficiency, consistency, accountability, and proactive communication to the studio. We're looking for someone who is: OrganizedReliableProactiveA thoughtful communicator Why Join Allison Ruda Interiors We're a growing boutique interior design studio that values thoughtful design, meaningful client relationships, and creating beautiful homes that are both elevated and deeply livable. As our studio continues to grow, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping shape the systems, processes, and operational foundation of the business. If you enjoy bringing organization to creative work and want to grow alongside a small, collaborative team, we'd love to hear from you.