Studio Practice Manager - Mission Critical

HKS, Inc.; Camden Town; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading architecture firm in Camden Town seeks a Studio Practice Manager to oversee operational and financial management. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years in the AEC industry, focusing on leadership and project financial management, along with excellent interpersonal skills. The role includes strategic planning, staffing, and client engagement. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in the AEC industry with a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in project financial management and talent development.
• Ability to manage teams with a collaborative leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates in strategic planning and resource allocation.
• Manages staffing and project schedules for efficiency.
• Acts as primary interface with clients for studio projects.

Skills

Leadership skills

Interpersonal skills

Project financial management

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Negotiation skills

Education

Professional degree in Architecture or Interior Design

Licensure or certification in chosen field

Tools

Vision application software

MS Office Suite

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Responsible for operational and financial management and oversight of a studio, focusing on staff and financial management, growing experience, relationship skills, collaboration and interpersonal skills while working on great projects for exceptional clients. Depending on the size of the office or studio, the Studio Practice Leader and Studio Practice Manager may be the same individual. The Studio Practice Manager often also leads projects with multiple clients concurrently. In this role, the Studio Practice Manager will be held accountable to the responsibilities and expectation of documented in the job description for Senior Project Manager role.,

Responsibilities

• Collaborates in strategic planning for the studio and facilitates communication for the specific practice with other leaders, such as vetting studio marketing strategy and allocating needed project resources
• Supports practice leaders and participates in strategic, Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), and financial planning for the respective practice
• Partners with studio practice leader and Office Director to evaluate performance and growth in a manner which is consistent with HKS's priorities, core values, and purpose
• Represents the interests, concerns and problems within the studio and ensures issues are addressed and resolved expeditiously
• Communicates practice / studio initiatives to respective project teams as appropriate
• Oversees projects assigned to the respective studio, focusing on the project process, service/delivery, work environment, and project documentation
• Actively manages staffing and schedules, monitors utilization and efficiency, financial performance, and growth management across the studio, including recommending adjustments where necessary
• Collaborates with other studio practice leaders such as project managers, project architects, construction administrators, and designers through all phases by guiding, advising, and mentoring on project work
• Collaborates during the initial marketing stages through completion of construction, including programming client needs, conceptual and schematic design, design development and delivery
• Serves as a technical resource advisor for the studio, assisting in the resolution of complex problems, and helping them grow in their roles
• Serves as senior manager on projects within the studio; acts as a primary interface with clients for respective studio
• Exercises skills of persuasion and negotiation on critical issues
• Travel will be required

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or related field
• Licensure or certification in chosen field preferred
• Typically, 15+ years of experience in the AEC industry, including experience in a leadership role with demonstrated success in both project work, project financial management, and talent/resource development
• Familiarity with Vision application software preferred
• Experience in MS Office Suite, and Microsoft Teams preferred
• Demonstrated ability in connecting people and resources to the right place at the right time
• Successful track record in directing and providing leadership for teams to follow
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a focus on collaboration and developing/nurturing talent
• Exercise skills of persuasion and negotiation on critical issues
• Strong leadership, organization, communication, and relationship management skills
• Ability to work closely with design directors to promote an inter-disciplinary design approach and philosophy, and to facilitate its advancement across the firm
• Ability to manage team with diplomatic and collaborative leadership style which puts value on relationships and collaboration, both internal and external
• Ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions
• Ability to collaborate and encourage collaboration in a team environment
• Ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality