About this role
Office Manager – EPA Design Location: Rayne, Braintree, Essex – Office Based
Salary: £37,500–£40,000 per annum, depending on experience
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:30pm
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
EPA Design is a design-led architectural and structural engineering studio based in Rayne, Essex.
We are looking for an experienced Office Manager to join our team and take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the studio across finance, people, office operations, compliance and studio support.
This is a varied and responsible position at the heart of the business. Reporting directly to the Directors, you will have considerable autonomy and play an important role in ensuring the studio runs efficiently, allowing our architectural and engineering teams to focus on delivering exceptional work for our clients.
The Role
Your responsibilities will include:
Coordinating project invoicing and maintaining financial records using our in-house systems and Xero.Credit control, including monitoring aged debt and following up outstanding invoices.Preparing payroll information and administering pensions alongside our accountant.Maintaining holiday, sickness, training and staff records.Supporting recruitment and managing employee onboarding and offboarding.Managing office suppliers, utilities, maintenance, equipment and software licences.Overseeing studio compliance, including health and safety, GDPR, insurance records and QA.Managing incoming calls and welcoming clients and visitors.Logging new enquiries and assisting with project administration.Supporting the Directors and wider team with the smooth day-to-day operation of the studio. About You
We are looking for someone who is highly organised, dependable and confident taking ownership of a busy and varied role.
You will ideally have:
Previous experience as an Office Manager or in a senior administration or operations position.Experience within architecture, engineering, construction or a related professional environment would be particularly beneficial.Confidence with invoicing, credit control and general financial administration.Experience preparing payroll information and administering pensions.A working knowledge of HR administration, including contracts, absence records, onboarding and right-to-work checks.Strong Microsoft 365 skills and experience with accounting software such as Xero.Excellent communication skills and a professional approach when dealing with clients, consultants and suppliers.The ability to prioritise effectively, use your own initiative and handle confidential information with discretion. Experience using Monday or similar workflow and project management systems would be an advantage but is not essential.
What We Offer
Permanent, full-time position within a growing design-led studio.Salary of £37,500–£40,000 per annum, depending on experience.Private healthcare.Holiday allowance that increases with length of service.Regular CPD and professional development opportunities.Training and support on our in-house software systems.Regular studio social events.A supportive, sociable and collaborative working environment.An attractive converted barn studio in Rayne, Essex.A dog-friendly workplace – well-behaved dogs are welcome to join our four-legged studio team! How to Apply
Please apply with your CV and a short covering letter outlining your relevant experience and why the role appeals to you.
Closing date: 1 November 2026
Interviews: First and second weeks of November 2026
Start Date: Ideally the first week of January 2027, although this is negotiable.