Design Operations Lead — Hybrid, Global Projects

Keller Executive Search; Paris (TX); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work (2 days remote)

Relocation assistance to Paris

French statutory annual leave (25 days

Job summary

Keller Executive Search is representing a Paris-based architecture and design firm seeking a Head of Design Operations to lead a team of designers and technical staff, manage budgets and workloads, and ensure outputs meet international standards.

The role requires French proficiency, eligibility to work in France, and a hybrid working pattern with approximately 2 days of remote work per week, plus travel across Europe.

Qualifications

• Experience in an operational leadership role within architecture, design or construction.
• Proven track record managing design or technical teams and budgets.
• Ability to challenge technical plans without producing concepts.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on operational leadership to design professionals and external resources across concept development and technical design phases.
• Manage workload allocation, resourcing and scheduling to meet deadlines.
• Own budget oversight and cost control across the design function.
• Review and quality-check technical plans to ensure compliance with standards.
• Act as client-facing contact for international clients on design delivery.
• Strategically deploy freelancers to scale the team.
• Coach and develop a high-performing design team.
• Partner with pre-construction and delivery teams for seamless handover.
• Report to senior leadership on performance, status and resourcing needs.

Skills

Operational leadership

Team management

Budgeting

Client-facing

French proficiency

Tools

Revit

Job description

Keller Executive Search is representing a Paris-based architecture and design firm seeking a Head of Design Operations to lead a team of designers and technical staff, manage budgets and workloads, and ensure outputs meet international standards.

The role requires French proficiency, eligibility to work in France, and a hybrid working pattern with approximately 2 days of remote work per week, plus travel across Europe.