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.