Managing Principal

hmcarchitects; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 197,000 - 304,000; Full time

Job summary

HMC Architects in San Jose, CA seeks a Managing Principal to lead a business unit with full accountability for financial performance, operations, and strategic direction. You will drive business development, oversee project execution, manage client relationships, and mentor staff.

The role requires 15+ years in architecture, licensure preferred, and a track record of leading teams and winning work. Hybrid schedule with three days in-office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture is required.
• Architectural license strongly preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in architectural practice with leadership experience.
• Proven ability to win work and grow markets.
• Strong understanding of design, technical coordination, and construction processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead business unit performance including profitability, staffing, and operational efficiency.
• Drive business development, including client relationships, proposals, interviews, and market growth.
• Serve as primary client contact and oversee projects from pursuit through completion.
• Direct multiple projects and teams, ensuring delivery aligns with scope, schedule, budget, and quality expectations.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop staff; oversee hiring, performance management, and team structure.
• Collaborate with internal leaders across design, technical, operations, and business development.
• Manage contracts, fees, budgets, and financial performance; address risks, claims, and project issues.
• Oversee project planning, staffing projections, and work plans.
• Ensure deliverables meet firm standards, client expectations, and code/regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with consultants, agencies, and stakeholders, including approvals and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Client relationships

Project management

Financial management

Communication

Team building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture

Architectural license

Tools

BIM/Revit

Project management systems

Job description

Who We Are

HMC Architects is an employee-owned design firm with an inherent desire to make a difference in our communities. As a purpose-driven brand based on values, our mission to design for good drives everything we do. And our ownership culture creates alignment and increased commitment to that mission, keeping us on track to being successful.

What We Do

Founded with the purpose of anticipating community needs, HMC aims to create designs that have a positive impact, now and into the future. We focus primarily on opportunities to have the most direct contribution to communities–through healthcare, education, and civic spaces.

Why Join HMC

As an employee owned company you become an owner after one year—receiving company-provided shares at no cost and building long-term financial growth as the firm succeeds. We also give back through our volunteerism with our Designing Futures Foundation, which advances sustainable and regenerative design and supports the next generation of innovators. In addition to this, we also support our team through:

• Culture: We put people over profits, giving them the flexibility to manage their work and life. We believe in fairness, equality in opportunity, and rewarding those who perform.
• Wellness: company paid wellness courses, on-site gyms (at select locations), access to financial advisors and discounts to wellness platforms, gyms and more.
• Professional Development: LinkedIn learning access, business development training, supportive mentorship, company-paid ARE study materials, exam fees, and licensure completion bonuses.
• Comprehensive Comp and Benefits: Base+Bonus+Equity+401k, including student loan repayments, wellness programs, full medical, dental, vision, time off and holidays above industry standard.

Job Summary

The Managing Principal leads a business unit or cost center with full accountability for financial performance, operations, and strategic direction. This role drives business development, oversees project execution across all phases, manages key client relationships, and develops staff, while ensuring alignment with firm goals, quality standards, and long-term growth objectives.

The position is located in our San Jose, CA office. The position requires 3 days in the office and the ability to work from home Mondays and Fridays; Fridays are also half days.

Responsibilities

• Lead business unit performance including profitability, staffing, and operational efficiency
• Drive business development, including client relationships, proposals, interviews, and market growth
• Serve as primary client contact and oversee projects from pursuit through completion
• Direct multiple projects and teams, ensuring delivery aligns with scope, schedule, budget, and quality expectations
• Supervise, mentor, and develop staff; oversee hiring, performance management, and team structure
• Collaborate with internal leaders across design, technical, operations, and business development
• Manage contracts, fees, budgets, and financial performance; address risks, claims, and project issues
• Oversee project planning, staffing projections, and work plans
• Ensure deliverables meet firm standards, client expectations, and code/regulatory requirements
• Coordinate with consultants, agencies, and stakeholders, including approvals and compliance
• Champion design quality and alignment with firm design goals
• Represent the firm through networking, public presentations, and industry involvement
• Maintain a strong backlog aligned with firm strategy and market goals
• Establish and enforce policies, procedures, and best practices within the business unit

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or equivalent required
• Architectural license strongly preferred
• Minimum 15+ years of experience in architectural practice, including project and team leadership
• Proven track record managing complex projects, teams, and client relationships
• Strong business development experience with demonstrated ability to win work and grow markets
• Expertise in project financials, including budgets, contracts, and fee management
• Advanced leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
• Ability to lead multiple teams and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Strong understanding of design, technical coordination, and construction processes across all phases
• Experience working with clients, consultants, and regulatory agencies
• Ability to mentor staff and build high-performing teams
• Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools (e.g., BIM/Revit, project management systems)
• Ability to travel as needed

The salary range for this position is $197,078 - $303,639 annually.

The actual offered salary for this position will vary depending on multiple factors including the candidate’s qualification, education, position knowledge, work experience, skills, ability, work location, and internal incumbent compensation for similar roles. We do not anticipate individuals hired into this position will start at or near the top half of the range listed; the decision will be based on each individual case. The salary range listed above does not include other compensation elements such as discretionary bonus opportunities, employee stock ownership grants, paid time off, medical insurance, and other wage and benefit opportunities.