Director of Operations

Curioso is a leading interior and brand design firm dedicated to crafting innovative, impactful spaces and visual identities. With studios in Chicago and Mérida, Mexico, we pride ourselves on a collaborative, client-focused approach and a passion for design excellence. We are seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Director of Operations to help shape and drive the next phase of our growth.

LOCATION: Chicago, IL (Hybrid Work Schedule)

Position Overview

The Director of Operations will oversee and optimize Curioso’s day-to-day and long-term operations, ensuring alignment with company goals and operational budgets. This role requires a proven leader with exceptional organizational skills, the ability to manage complex workflows across departments, and a strategic mindset to improve efficiency and scalability. The ideal candidate will thrive in Curioso’s fast-paced, creative environment and contribute to fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Efficiency & Strategic Oversight

  • Monitor and optimize workflows across teams, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met.

  • Create and implement systems for resource allocation, project management, and cross-team collaboration in partnership with the Studio Orchestrator.

  • Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, creating actionable strategies to address and prevent them.

  • Develop, manage, and adhere to an operational budget, identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.

Team Leadership & Coordination

  • Lead and mentor a cross-functional operations team, fostering a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.

  • Facilitate daily and weekly operations meetings to align teams on company goals, priorities, and deliverables.

  • Act as a liaison between departments (design, marketing, business development, finance, and People & Culture) to address operational challenges, resolve conflicts, and ensure alignment with objectives.

  • Build trust and transparency across the team, encouraging collaboration between the Chicago and Mérida offices.

Business Support & Long-Term Strategy

  • Collaborate with leadership to align operational practices with Curioso’s objectives and long-term vision.

  • Support scalability efforts by developing processes that prepare Curioso for growth, including inter-office coordination and system integration.

  • Partner with department heads to ensure optimal resource allocation across all projects.

Financial Management & Budgeting

  • Develop, oversee, and track operational budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with company goals.

  • Collaborate with finance and project teams to ensure projects are delivered on budget, addressing overruns proactively.

  • Manage vendor relationships, procurement, and operational expenses to maintain efficiency and cost control.

Process Improvement

  • Analyze and refine existing processes to improve operational efficiency and eliminate redundancies.

  • Implement tools, systems, and technologies that streamline workflows and reduce manual tasks.

  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging team feedback and piloting new operational strategies.

Reporting & Analysis

  • Develop and maintain dashboards to track key metrics, KPIs, and project performance.

  • Provide regular reporting and insights to leadership, enabling data-driven decision-making.

  • Conduct detailed analyses of operational data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

  • 8+ years of experience in an operations management role, preferably within interior design, brand design, or other creative/consultancy industries.

  • Proven experience managing diverse operational departments and developing operational budgets.

  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with a track record of driving efficiency and improving workflows.

  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage cross-functional teams.

  • Proficiency in operational software (e.g., CMap, Asana) and financial tracking tools.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with experience leveraging data for strategic decision-making.

  • Bonus: Fluency in English and Spanish to support effective collaboration across Curioso’s Chicago and Merida offices.

Why Join Us?

  • Shape and lead operational strategies in a creative, growing company.

  • Work with a talented, collaborative team passionate about design and innovation.

  • Contribute to Curioso’s dynamic culture, which values diversity, mentorship, and professional development.

  • Competitive compensation, hybrid work flexibility, and opportunities for career growth.

Curioso is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.