Studio Manager

Studio Manager (Project-Focused Operations Role)

Location: Washington State (Remote within WA)

Employment Type: Full-Time, W2

Reports To: Principal

About Temper And Forge

Temper And Forge is a digital design and development studio that builds high-performing websites and marketing ecosystems for clients across North America. We are a small, high-functioning team that values precision, care, and collaboration.

We are seeking a Studio Manager who thrives in the details of project coordination, client communication, and operational support. This role focuses primarily on managing the flow of work through the studio, ensuring deadlines are met, deliverables are clear, and the team is supported.

This position is ideal for someone with agency or studio experience who understands the pace, process, and structure of creative and digital projects.

Key Responsibilities

Project Coordination (~80%)

• Support the Principal and Project Managers in coordinating digital design, development, and marketing projects across multiple clients.
• Manage project schedules, track tasks and dependencies, and ensure deadlines are met.
• Capture action items during client calls and follow up with team members for accountability.
• Prepare client status updates, internal briefs, and delivery checklists.
• Assist with quality control by reviewing deliverables and ensuring they meet studio standards.
• Maintain project documentation and task boards in Monday.com, Notion, or similar tools.
• Coordinate team resourcing and project handoffs between design, development, and marketing.
• Monitor production flow and identify potential blockers early.

Operational and Administrative Support (~20%)

• Assist with preparing contracts, SOWs, and client documentation.
• Support invoicing and budget tracking for ongoing retainers and projects.
• Help with new client onboarding and account setup.
• Schedule client meetings and internal reviews.
• Maintain organized records for contracting and invoicing.

Ideal Experience and Qualifications

• 3 to 6 years of experience in a digital or creative agency, ideally in project management, production coordination, or studio operations.
• Strong understanding of digital project workflows from discovery through design, development, QA, and launch.
• Excellent communication and organization skills, with the ability to translate technical discussions into clear action items.
• Experience using project management tools such as Monday.com, Asana, or Notion.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent timelines and client relationships.
• Familiarity with contracts, SOWs, and invoicing systems such as QuickBooks.
• Based in Washington State, with the ability to align with Pacific Time hours and attend occasional in‑person meetups.

Soft Skills

• Highly organized and proactive, with the ability to anticipate challenges before they arise.
• Detail‑oriented and process‑driven, yet adaptable when project priorities shift.
• Professional and approachable communicator, both internally and with clients.
• Collaborative, dependable, and invested in maintaining a positive studio culture.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $68,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on experience and scope.
• Healthcare, Vision Coverage, Life Insurance, 401(k), paid holidays, and generous PTO.
• Fully remote within Washington.
• Annual team retreats and a culture centered on respect, growth, and care.