Studio Manager

For more than 35 years, Bardel Entertainment has been growing and evolving, yet at our core, we remain grounded in the creative roots of the craft of animation.  Our pursuit of fresh ideas, techniques, and technologies is driven by the belief that together, through creativity and collaboration, we can accomplish anything!  If you want to be part of an environment that empowers you to experiment, learn, and contribute to exciting projects, come and join us.

We’re looking for a Studio Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our Vancouver studio and ensure a seamless, well-supported environment for our production and corporate teams. This role is central to keeping the studio running efficiently—overseeing facilities, managing vendors, supporting space planning and studio moves, and ensuring operational issues are resolved quickly and effectively.

You’ll work closely with Production, Technology, and Operations leadership to align studio services with the needs of active projects, while also driving improvements across processes, workplace experience, and cost efficiency. From managing maintenance and building relationships with landlords and suppliers, to supporting business continuity planning and studio-wide initiatives, this role requires a highly organized, proactive, and solutions-oriented approach.

We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, production-driven environment, brings strong facilities or property management experience, and is comfortable with hands-on operational tasks. If you’re detail-oriented, resourceful, and motivated to create a smooth and effective workplace for creative teams, this is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

This role requires full-time in-studio presence in our Vancouver HQ.

What You’ll Do 

Core Responsibilities 

• Oversee day-to-day studio operations across all facilities, ensuring a stable, efficient, and fully supported production environment. 

• Manage and resolve operational issues across all studio spaces, ensuring minimal disruption to production teams. 

• Maintain a high level of organization across facilities, balancing competing priorities, schedules, and operational demands. 

• Oversee general studio services and ensure consistent delivery of operational support across departments. 

Facilities, Space Planning & Maintenance 

• Lead planning and execution of office builds, refurbishments, and cyclical space reconfigurations/decorations. 

• Administer all site maintenance, including fixtures, fittings, repairs, and general building upkeep. 

• Oversee storage room organization, access control, and ongoing maintenance. 

• Liaise with building landlords and property managers regarding building operations, maintenance, and issues. 

• Ensure studio spaces remain safe, functional, and aligned with production and business needs. 

Vendor, Supplier & Property Management 

• Qualify, select, and manage suppliers and vendors to ensure cost efficiency, quality, and reliability. 

• Maintain strong ongoing vendor relationships and ensure all work is delivered to agreed standards, timelines, and budgets. 

• Support negotiation and management of service contracts and facilities agreements. 

Systems, Ticketing & Operational Support 

• Maintain and manage studio ticketing, intake, and diagnostics systems for all operational requests. 

• Ensure timely response, prioritization, and resolution of studio-related inquiries. 

• Track recurring issues and implement process improvements to improve operational efficiency and service quality. 

Business Continuity & Risk Management 

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop, maintain, and enhance business continuity, disaster recovery, and emergency preparedness plans. 

• Ensure studio readiness for operational disruptions, including safety protocols and contingency planning. 

• Support compliance with health, safety, and regulatory requirements. 

Budgeting & Financial Controls 

• Monitor and control petty cash, ensuring accurate tracking and compliance. 

• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives while maintaining operational quality and service levels. 

Collaboration & Workflow 

• Partner closely with Production, IT, and HR teams to support studio-wide operational requirements. 

• Support production teams with ad hoc operational duties as required (e.g., research, compiling lists, logistical coordination). 

• Ensure studio operations align with production schedules and evolving project needs. 

Time Management & Communication 

• Manage multiple concurrent operational projects, including facility changes, maintenance, and vendor workstreams. 

• Communicate clearly and proactively with leadership and cross-functional stakeholders. 

• Anticipate operational risks and escalate or resolve issues in a timely manner to avoid production impact. 

What You Bring 

Experience & Education 

• 5+ years of experience in facilities management, property management, or studio operations, ideally in animation, VFX, film, television, or related production environments.  

• Experience managing office builds, relocations, and space fit-outs from planning through execution.  

• Strong experience managing third-party vendors and supplier relationships effectively.  

• Post-secondary education in Business Administration, Commerce, Entertainment, Production, Fine Arts, or a related field is an asset.  

• Experience in production, film, television, or animation industries is highly desirable.  

Technical & Operational Knowledge 

• Strong understanding of building systems including plumbing, HVAC, electrical, security, and fire safety systems.  

• Knowledge of local building codes and provincial BC legislation relevant to workplace operations and facilities.  

• Experience in space planning, office fit-outs, and workplace optimization.  

• Familiarity with property management principles, including portfolio optimization and alternative workplace solutions.  

• Experience supporting business continuity and disaster recovery planning.  

• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).  

• Experience using facilities or operational ticketing systems and record-keeping tools.  

Skills & Personal Attributes 

• Exceptional attention to detail with a high level of accuracy and strong record-keeping discipline.  

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.  

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally across all levels of the organization.  

• Strong ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and work independently with initiative and self-direction.  

• Demonstrated ability to use tact, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.  

• Positive, enthusiastic, and collaborative attitude with a willingness to take on new tasks and challenges.  

• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, ownership-driven mindset.  

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.  

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.  

• Ability to climb ladders and access facility infrastructure as required.  

• Ability to use hand and power tools to assemble furniture and complete minor repairs.  

• Valid driver’s license 

• Access to a vehicle  
• Bonus: First Aid Certificate

Pay Range: CAD $72,000 - $85,000 per year  

This salary range reflects our current expectations for these roles as of this posting’s date. Your final salary offer will consider various key factors, including your education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographical location, as well as the needs and requirements of the business. 

Extended Health and Wellness from day 1, RRSP matching are just some of the benefits. For more details, check out our website. 

If this seems like a good fit, what are you waiting for, get your application in!