Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Operations

Strategic Partnerships & Operations Manager

Kelly Wearstler Studio is a leading Los Angeles–based design firm known for its distinctive blend of interiors, architecture, product, and experiential design. Founded by Kelly Wearstler, the studio creates iconic spaces and collections that merge luxury with bold creativity. With a global footprint and an ever-evolving brand world, we thrive on innovation, collaboration, and storytelling. We are seeking a high-agency Strategic Partnerships & Operations Manager to drive strategic partnerships and support key operational execution across the studio. This role leads business development with luxury brands, closes and manages collaborations end-to-end, and builds the systems that make partnerships scalable. The role is approximately 60% partnerships and 40% strategic operations/cross-functional execution in support of the Chief of Staff. You'll move fluidly between relationship-building, dealmaking, and execution - driving results while creating structure behind the scenes. The ideal candidate is highly organized, resourceful, AI-forward, and comfortable wearing multiple hats in a fast-paced creative environment.

Responsibilities

• Partnerships & Business Development (Primary Focus)
• Own the strategic partnerships channel end-to-end: sourcing → pitching → negotiation → contract signature → partnership execution
• Drive growth through new partnerships, renewals, and expansion opportunities
• Build and nurture relationships with luxury brands, agencies, PR firms, and industry intermediaries to generate opportunities
• Proactively execute outbound business development, with strong follow-through and responsiveness
• Identify new partnership categories and opportunities aligned with brand strategy and long-term brand equity
• Partnership Execution & Cross-Functional Coordination
• Own partnership timelines, deliverables, and approvals across creative, marketing, PR, and operations
• Coordinate partner deliverables across channels (social, Substack, website, PR moments, events/experiential) as applicable
• Maintain internal alignment on partnership priorities, resourcing, and launch plans
• Partnership Operations, Systems & Reporting
• Build operational infrastructure to scale partnerships efficiently (CRM, tracking systems, templates, rate cards, case studies)
• Implement AI and automation tools to streamline workflows (prospecting, outreach, proposal drafting, follow-ups, reporting)
• Maintain a clean, accurate pipeline with clear stages, next steps, and forecasting
• Organize contracts, timelines, deliverables, and documentation with strong attention to detail
• Strategic Operations & Chief of Staff Support (Secondary)
• Support the Chief of Staff on strategic operations, revenue operations, and cross-functional execution to drive priorities forward
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives across creative, operations, sales, and marketing teams to keep priorities on track
• Build dashboards, trackers, and reporting for key business metrics and leadership visibility
• Proactively identify operational gaps and implement lightweight systems/processes (Notion workflows, templates, calendars, documentation)
• Handle sensitive or complex matters as Chief of Staff's proxy when needed

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in brand partnerships, business development, consulting, operations, luxury brands, media/creator monetization, or high-growth startups
• Strong business acumen with ability to identify opportunities, articulate value propositions, and negotiate partnerships
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deals and timelines simultaneously
• Strong cross-functional communication skills with ability to coordinate stakeholders across creative and business teams
• Strong AI literacy and hands-on experience using AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, or similar) for workflow optimization and business operations
• Demonstrated appetite for innovation and emerging technology; actively experiments with new tools

Benefits Overview

• Health Insurance – employer-supported medical coverage options for team members
• 401(k) with Employer Contributions – plan confidently for your financial future
• Paid Time Off (PTO) – accrued based on tenure, with increases over time
• 3x Summer Fridays – enjoy extended weekends during the summer season
• Parking Benefits – complimentary on-site or covered parking provided
• Studio Wellness Programming – including Yoga, Pilates, and HIIT sessions
• In-Studio Amenities – kitchen stocked with snacks and beverages to support a comfortable and energized workday

Salary

• $100,000–$120,000 base, plus performance-based commission