The Studio Manager is the bridge between commercial intent and production reality. Once a project is approved, the role owns its design delivery: translating the agreed brief into a resolved, client-approved exhibition stand, activation, event space, theatrical element or large-scale cardboard installation, then coordinating its production, delivery, installation and final handover. The role combines spatial and industrial design judgement, 3D/CAD literacy, rendering capability, project leadership, client communication and practical manufacturing knowledge.

I'm told we're looking for a unicorn, but if you bring knowledge, an interest working with others and willingness to learn, you don't have to have all the skills yet.

Key responsibilities

Take ownership of approved projects from commercial handover through design resolution, client approval, production handover and final close-out

Confirm the brief, deliverables, dimensions, materials, constraints, milestones, responsibilities and approval process before work begins

Build and maintain a clear studio schedule; prioritise work, allocate resources, identify dependencies and communicate risks early

Manage scope changes and design revisions in partnership with Sales, ensuring material changes are documented and commercially approved before proceeding

Own the delivery and installation plan, including venue requirements, site access, freight, packing, crew, equipment, inductions, sequencing, client contacts and final handover

Coordinate and review spatial concepts, CAD/3D models, technical drawings, prototypes, mock-ups, renders and client presentation material, contributing hands‑on where the project or workload requires

Brief and allocate CAD work across the Studio and Rhino‑proficient Production team, matching tasks to available capability, production knowledge, priorities and deadlines

Develop final designs collaboratively with the client,



converting feedback into clear, controlled revisions and securing documented approval

Set weekly priorities and explicit briefs for the two direct reports; review work, unblock issues and maintain accountability for deadlines and quality

Coach the team in design craft, technical accuracy, client presentation, production awareness and file discipline

About you

Demonstrated experience in spatial, industrial, exhibition, experiential, product or packaging design, or a closely related field

Working proficiency in Rhino and/or comparable CAD/3D software sufficient to brief, review, coordinate and troubleshoot technical design work, and to contribute directly when required

Strong capability in 3D rendering and visual presentation; familiarity with relevant Adobe Creative Cloud tools or equivalent

Experience taking approved client work through design development, revisions, approval and manufacturing handover

Practical understanding of materials, structures, prototyping and manufacturing constraints; exhibition, event, theatrical, display, point‑of‑sale, cardboard or paper‑based experience is highly relevant

Project‑management capability across multiple concurrent deadlines, with strong attention to detail and version control

Confident client communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain technical decisions in plain language

Experience supervising, mentoring or coordinating designers or other creative/technical staff

Ability to work safely in an active production environment and comply with site rules, induction requirements and required personal protective equipment

Maintain legal right to work in Australia

About us

Cardboard Mill Pty Limited is a design and production business specialising in sustainable installations, design delivery and production leadership. The company creates exhibition stands, activations, event spaces, theatrical elements and large‑scale cardboard installations.

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📌 Studio Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Cardboard Mill
📍 Melbourne