Studio Manager Residency
Type: Full- time, fixed 12 Month Residency
Location: Calhau & Mindelo, São Vicente
Hours: Full-time
About SOLM
SOLM is a nonprofit organisation reimagining the future of tourism through regenerative hospitality. Based in Cabo Verde, we work in deep collaboration with local communities to restore and revitalize the social, cultural, and ecological fabric of places impacted by tourism.
Atelier SOLM is our ceramics and community space, connecting ceramic production, learning, and hospitality. Alongside workshops and public experiences, the atelier produces functional and decorative ceramics for hospitality spaces, local partners, and SOLM collections.
The Residency
We are looking for an experienced ceramicist to join Atelier SOLM for a 12-month Studio Manager Residency in São Vicente, Cabo Verde.
This is a hands-on role combining ceramics production, product development, studio management, and teaching. The resident will lead the daily operations of the Atelier while actively making ceramics, collaborating on new collections, and working alongside our local team.
A central purpose of this residency is knowledge exchange and local capacity building. Beyond running the studio, the resident will mentor our Cabo Verdean ceramicists and help prepare a local team member to take over the Studio Manager position at the end of the residency.
We are looking for someone who brings strong technical experience, enjoys teaching and collaborating, and approaches working in a new cultural context with curiosity, humility, and respect.
What You'll Do
Ceramic Production & Design
Lead and actively participate in ceramics design, production, including throwing, clay preparation, glazing, finishing, firing, and quality control.
Collaborate with design partners and local ceramicists on product development, prototyping, and new collections.
Oversee production planning, technical standards, and fulfillment of Atelier collections and hospitality orders.
Develop and document efficient, repeatable production processes.
Studio Management
Oversee daily studio operations, team schedules, production workflows, and workshop coordination.
Manage inventory, purchasing, restocking, equipment maintenance, and studio organization.
Track studio expenses, purchases, and monthly reporting.
Maintain a safe, functional, and welcoming environment for makers and visitors.
Teaching & Knowledge Exchange
Teach ceramics workshops and guest experiences alongside the Atelier's instructors.
Coordinate workshop preparation, materials, and the finishing and firing of participant pieces.
Mentor and upskill local ceramicists in production techniques, studio operations, and technical decision-making.
Support the gradual transfer of studio management responsibilities to a local team member.
What We're Looking For
Professional ceramics production and studio experience is required, including strong wheel-throwing skills and knowledge of the full ceramics production process.
Experience managing a ceramics studio, production schedules, materials, equipment, and inventory.
Experience teaching ceramics workshops and mentoring other makers.
Experience with product development, prototyping, or commissioned production is highly valued.
Strong organizational skills, independence, and a practical approach to problem-solving.
A collaborative mindset, cultural sensitivity, and respect for local knowledge and traditional craftsmanship.
Fluency in English and Portuguese (Or willingness to learn during residency).
Availability to live in São Vicente for the full 12-month residency.
What We Offer
A paid, full-time 12-month residency in Cabo Verde.
Furnished accommodation and relocation support.
Access to Atelier SOLM's ceramics facilities, equipment, and production materials.
Opportunities to contribute creatively to collections and hospitality projects.
The opportunity to work alongside Cabo Verdean ceramicists, designers, and hospitality partners while helping build a sustainable, locally led ceramics studio.