Hybrid Managing Director bei Perkins & Will

The Managing Director is has oversight of all aspects of a studio location. The Managing Director is an analytical thinker, collaborator, and connector with a developed leadership style that will advocate for our design ethos, the creativity of our diverse staff, and our clients from many sectors.  As a key office leader, and leader of the Management, Operations and Design (MOD) studio leadership structure, the Managing Director must equally balance the development of business, the quality of design, the culture of the studio, our focus on environmental stewardship, “Living Design” and the importance of diversity in all aspects of our work. The financial wellbeing of the studio is the primary goal of the Managing Director.

What you’ll do…

Management

• Lead the management team with an extensive knowledge of diverse markets, supported by finance, operations, marketing, BD, digital practice, and a team of design and delivery practitioners.
• Facilitate leadership conversations among Principals with MOD (managing, operations, and design directors), aiming to reach consensus on decisions. The MD will bear ultimate responsibility for the collective decisions made in the studio.
• Serve as the studio representative in overall firmwide meetings, including monthly MD calls and semi-annual EXCOM and MD meetings, while also engaging periodically with the CEO, CFO, COO, CMO, and CTO (Chief Talent Officer).

Culture

• Cultivate a robust design-focused culture that promotes diversity, values creativity, and nurtures the studio's resource growth.
• Take responsibility for talent management by establishing strategies that foster collaboration, trust, and transparency. Inspires and motivates others through their philosophy, words, and actions.

Sales

• Assume responsibility for setting and achieving the Studio's revenue (NSR) with the assistance of all practice leaders, as well as the finance and operations directors.
• Work closely with the marketing and Client Engagement Leaders.

Business Development

• Actively engage in shaping the public perception of the practice and represents Perkins & Will through professional organizations, public commissions, boards, writing, speaking, and engaging with individual and groups of clients on topics relevant to the various markets that the studio and the firm operate in.

Proficiencies

• Experience in leading an office or practice area, strategic planning efforts, business development, and effectively running a profitable organization
• Must possess a highly developed level of communication, collaboration, and presentation skills
• Proven effectiveness in managing others and empowering them to make decisions
• Success that goes beyond mere numbers, including identifying trends and exploring new possibilities
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated resourcefulness and sound judgment
• Hands-on leadership, setting an example for others
• Values diversity of thought, background, and perspectives
• High level of emotional intelligence, expertise in leadership consensus building, and sound decision-making
• A successful track record in mentoring and developing high-functioning teams
• Strong business acumen
• An architect/designer at heart

 Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture or related design discipline.
• 15+ years of professional experience, including significant leadership responsibilities.
• Licensed Architect or Designer (as applicable); active in the local design community.
• LEED GA (required within 6 months); advanced accreditation in a Living Design discipline preferred (e.g., WELL AP, LEED AP, BREEAM AP, SITES AP, Passive House, Living Future Accreditation).
• Member of a relevant professional organization (e.g., AIA, IIDA, ASLA, etc.).