Director of Operations - Bozeman

Bespoke Careers; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Bespoke Careers is seeking a Director of Operations to lead day-to-day and strategic operations for a premier design practice in Bozeman, Montana. You will partner with ownership and the CFO to drive growth, improve processes, and cultivate a high-performance culture through People Operations and Business Development teams.

The role demands a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and at least 10 years of progressive leadership in operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture is required.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, preferably within an architectural or design firm.
• Strong understanding of architectural business operations, project management, and workflow optimization.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, analyze financial data, and improve operational performance.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to align operations with broader business goals.
• Preferred: advanced degree (M.Arch, MBA, or related), architectural licensure.
• Opportunity to play a key leadership role within a highly respected design practice.
• Collaborative and team-oriented work environment.
• Professional growth and leadership development opportunities.
• Exposure to high-profile projects and clients.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health and wellness offerings.
• Supportive workplace culture focused on innovation, performance, and continuous improvement

Responsibilities

• Partner with firm leadership to develop and execute long-term strategy, including growth, profitability, and succession planning
• Oversee business operations, including policy development, compliance, risk management, and ethical standards
• Support financial performance and budgeting in collaboration with the CFO
• Establish and track key performance metrics to inform business planning and market positioning
• Lead business development strategy, including client acquisition, relationship management, and pipeline growth
• Oversee proposal development, contracts, and project planning processes
• Manage day-to-day project operations, including staffing, workload forecasting, and resource allocation
• Monitor project performance, including schedules, scopes, budgets, and profitability
• Standardize workflows and improve operational processes to drive efficiency and quality
• Oversee IT systems, technology, and facilities management
• Lead People Operations, including employee engagement, performance management, and organizational development
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and maintain HR policies, benefits programs, and internal documentation
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture across teams
• Provide regular updates and strategic guidance to leadership

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Budgeting & forecasting

Cross-functional teams

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture

M.Arch / MBA (preferred)

Job description

The Director of Operations will serve as a key member of the leadership team, responsible for guiding and overseeing the firm’s overall business operations. Working closely with Ownership and the Chief Financial Officer, this role ensures the smooth day-to-day running of the practice while supporting broader strategic initiatives and delivering high-quality project outcomes. The position is focused on driving operational efficiency, implementing administrative improvements, and strengthening people-focused practices that support long-term growth and stability. In addition, the Director of Operations will lead both the People Operations and Business Development teams, fostering organizational development and cultivating a collaborative, positive workplace culture.

This is a full-time, in-person role based in the firm’s Bozeman office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with firm leadership to develop and execute long-term strategy, including growth, profitability, and succession planning
• Oversee business operations, including policy development, compliance, risk management, and ethical standards
• Support financial performance and budgeting in collaboration with the CFO
• Establish and track key performance metrics to inform business planning and market positioning
• Lead business development strategy, including client acquisition, relationship management, and pipeline growth
• Oversee proposal development, contracts, and project planning processes
• Manage day-to-day project operations, including staffing, workload forecasting, and resource allocation
• Monitor project performance, including schedules, scopes, budgets, and profitability
• Standardize workflows and improve operational processes to drive efficiency and quality
• Oversee IT systems, technology, and facilities management
• Lead People Operations, including employee engagement, performance management, and organizational development
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and maintain HR policies, benefits programs, and internal documentation
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture across teams
• Provide regular updates and strategic guidance to leadership

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture required
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, preferably within an architectural or design firm
• Strong understanding of architectural business operations, project management, and workflow optimization
• Proven ability to manage budgets, analyze financial data, and improve operational performance
• Demonstrated success leading and developing cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels
• Strategic mindset with the ability to align operations with broader business goals
• Knowledge of industry trends, market dynamics, and competitive positioning
• Preferred: advanced degree (M.Arch, MBA, or related), architectural licensure, and experience in high-end residential or design-build environments
• Opportunity to play a key leadership role within a highly respected design practice
• Collaborative and team-oriented work environment
• Professional growth and leadership development opportunities
• Exposure to high-profile projects and clients
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health and wellness offerings
• Supportive workplace culture focused on innovation, performance, and continuous improvement