Head of Design Operations

First, a little about us.

Oliver Grace was born in December 2019 when designer Nick Lehrain and brand strategist Bonnie Borland came together to build the agency they actually wanted to work for.

Driven by a shared belief in beautifully crafted work and the power of human-centred design, we've spent the last six years building something we're genuinely proud of: a team, a culture, and a client list that keeps getting more interesting.

We've delivered work for global technology companies, household-name retailers, large not-for-profits, and ambitious startups. Along the way, we've built a reputation for combining strategic thinking with exceptional execution.

We're now entering a new phase. The foundations are strong, the work is strong, and the opportunity ahead is about building a studio that operates consistently, sustainably, and profitably without relying on a handful of people to carry everything.

The chance.

We're looking for a Head of Design & Operations to join the Oliver Grace leadership team.

This is not a pure craft role, and it's not a pure operations role. It sits in the middle.

You'll work closely with our Creative Director to help lead the day-to-day running of the studio. You'll be responsible for creating the conditions for great work to happen by supporting the team, improving how we operate, solving problems before they escalate, and ensuring projects move smoothly from start to finish.

The intention of this role is to become one of the key leaders within Oliver Grace.

You'll act as a trusted senior partner to the Creative Director and founders, balancing people, projects, delivery, and commercial realities. You'll help the studio operate at a consistently high level while ensuring our team feels supported, challenged, and accountable.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who takes ownership. Someone who sees what needs doing and gets it done.

What you'll be doing.

You'll sit at the centre of the studio, balancing leadership, delivery, operations, and design.

Leadership & Studio Operations

- Lead and support the team,



helping individuals grow while maintaining accountability
- Own workflow, resourcing, and utilisation across the studio
- Identify risks, bottlenecks, and opportunities before they become problems
- Improve systems, processes, and ways of working across the business
- Support hiring, onboarding, and team development where required
- Act as a senior point of escalation for team and project challenges
- Work closely with the founders and Creative Director to ensure the business operates effectively day-to-day
- Drive accountability across the team, ensuring commitments are met and standards are upheld

Client Delivery

- Oversee delivery across projects to ensure timelines, scope, and client expectations are met
- Build trusted relationships with key clients
- Lead difficult conversations when required, whether around scope, timelines, feedback, or expectations
- Support project teams to navigate challenges and keep momentum
- Work closely with Project Managers to ensure projects are running efficiently and profitably

Design Stewardship & Contribution

- Partner closely with the Creative Director to support the successful delivery of exceptional design work
- Assist with proposals, pitch responses, and early-stage project thinking where required
- Provide senior design support across projects during periods of high demand
- Contribute to the development of Oliver Grace's brand, marketing, thought leadership, and internal initiatives
- Help ensure the studio consistently presents itself to the highest standard across client work, proposals, communications, and brand touchpoints
- Act as a trusted sounding board for project teams and the Creative Director when additional perspective or support is needed




- Remain hands-on with design where appropriate, while recognising that leadership and operational accountability are the primary focus of the role

Growth & Commercial Contribution

- Contribute to new business opportunities, proposals, and pitch conversations
- Support marketing initiatives including case studies, thought leadership, and proactive opportunities
- Understand the commercial realities of agency life, including utilisation, profitability, scope, and margin
- Help ensure the studio operates efficiently and sustainably

About you.

You're an experienced designer who has naturally grown into leadership.

You've likely worked as a Senior Designer, Design Lead, Design Director, Studio Manager, or similar role within an agency environment and are ready for broader responsibility.

You understand that great creative work doesn't happen by accident. It requires leadership, systems, accountability, strong communication, and a team that knows what's expected of them.

You'll likely bring:

- 8+ years experience in design, branding, digital, or related disciplines
- Experience leading people, projects, or teams
- Confidence navigating difficult conversations with clients and team members
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of how agencies make money
- Strong organisational and operational capability
- A proactive approach to problem solving and decision making
- The ability to move between leadership, delivery, and hands-on contribution when required

Most importantly, you're someone who takes ownership.

You don't wait to be told what to do. You notice what's needed, step in, and make things better.

You're comfortable making decisions, having difficult conversations, and carrying responsibility.

What we offer.

- Flexible working arrangements
- Onsite gym
- Weekly breakfast and coffee
- Creative expeditions
- The opportunity to play a meaningful leadership role in a respected independent agency
- A team that takes pride in what it produces
- The chance to help shape the next chapter of Oliver Grace

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📌 Head of Design Operations (Melbourne)
🏢 Oliver Grace
📍 Melbourne