Studio Operations Director / Project Manager

We are partnered with an award-winning architecture studio with offices in NYC to secure a Director of Operations & Project Management. This is a senior-level role overseeing the day-to-day and long-term health of the business - ensuring the studio runs efficiently, profitably, and is set up for continued growth.

You'll work directly with the owner, owning all core operations including financial systems, staffing, vendor relationships, contract management, and project oversight. You'll also serve as a central coordination point across active projects - tracking timelines, deliverables, and resourcing to keep everything running on schedule.

What you'll own:

Operations & Resourcing

• Design and refine core systems, workflows, and internal tools

• Manage staffing plans, project schedules, and internal resource allocation

• Oversee software licenses, subscriptions, and IT support/vendor relationships

• Coordinate contracts, RFQs, legal documentation, and office certifications

• Build scalable infrastructure that supports firm growth

Project Oversight

• Act as project manager across a range of active efforts - tracking timelines, deliverables, and resource needs

• Coordinate across internal teams and external consultants to align schedules and expectations

• Flag scope issues early and help keep communication and execution clear across all phases

• Ensure deadlines, budgets, and client touchpoints are being met firm-wide

Finance & Business Ops

• Lead forecasting, budgeting, invoicing, and cash flow management

• Track project profitability and ensure financial visibility across the studio

• Own all billing cycles, vendor contracts, and compliance tasks

• Manage relationships with accountants, banks, and insurers

• Lead annual tax prep, financial reporting, and insurance renewals

• Implement or improve tools to track fees, staffing costs, and KPIs

Strategic & Leadership Support

• Partner with the Principal on annual business planning and BD strategy

• Identify growth opportunities-operationally, financially, and within new service offerings

• Lead special projects around firm expansion, process innovation, or market entry

What we're looking for:

• 8+ years of experience in finance/ops/project delivery roles-ideally in an architecture, design, or professional services firm

• Deep understanding of project-based financials (hourly billing, phased fees, reimbursables, consultant markups, etc.)

• Skilled in building systems and scalable processes-comfortable working both high-level and hands-on

• Familiarity with tools like QuickBooks Online, Monograph, Asana, or similar

• Great communicator who brings clarity, accountability, and structure to a fast-paced studio

• Passion for supporting creative teams and helping a design-focused firm thrive

Comp & Benefits

• Competitive salary + biannual performance bonuses

• Generous PTO and holidays

• 401(k) with company match

• Healthcare benefits

• Design-forward work environment with a collaborative, inclusive team