Studio Lead

J2T Recruiting; Vancouver (WA); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid options

Profit-sharing bonus

401K

Health benefits

PTO and sick days

Job summary

J2T Recruiting seeks a Studio Lead and Branch Manager in Vancouver, WA to steer daily operations for a 10-person multi-disciplinary team and oversee budgets, schedules, and growth. This in-office role offers hybrid options and high-visibility leadership within the firm.

You will focus on business development, client relationships, mentoring staff, and representing the firm at industry events, reporting to the Operations Manager and shaping local strategy and culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Architecture preferred.
• 10–15 years of experience in people management and operations; 8–10 years acceptable with strong leadership.
• Experience in design/build or A&E design-firm environments.
• Familiarity with Revit; strong communication, confidence, and emotional intelligence.

Responsibilities

• Lead Branch Operations: Direct daily operations, manage budgets, oversee schedules, and ensure PMs stay on target.
• Drive Business Development: Represent the firm at events, cultivate client relationships, and raise regional brand presence.
• Manage & Mentor Staff: Supervise a 10-person team, foster collaboration, and lead difficult conversations when needed.
• Enhance Office Culture: Energize the office and build strong team cohesion and community engagement.
• Align with Executive Leadership: Partner with officers to support firm-wide strategic goals.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Communication

Emotional intelligence

Mentoring

Business development

Networking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Architecture

Tools

Revit

Job description

• Rapidly Growing Firm: Join an established engineering and architecture firm that has experienced significant growth over the last five years and continues to expand.
• Executive Impact & High Visibility: Take full leadership of a 10-person multi-disciplinary branch office, overseeing operations, budgets, and team growth.
• Focus on Leadership & BD: Leave hands-on design work behind to focus on business development, client relationship management, and mentorship.
• Engaging Portfolio & Supportive Culture: Work across diverse sectors—including tribal, medical, civil, and land development—in an appreciative, employee-centric environment.

Why this job – STUDIO LEAD AND BRANCH MANAGER:

Join this dynamic firm as the Studio Lead and Branch Manager in Vancouver, WA to steer daily operations and spearhead local business development. Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, you will serve as the operational driver and cultural leader for a close-knit, multi-disciplinary team of 10. This non-technical leadership role is tailored for a proactive, high-energy professional who excels at mentoring employees, navigating difficult conversations, cultivating strong client relationships, and representing the firm at industry networking events. If you are looking to step into a true branch leadership role with high visibility and strategic impact, this is the perfect career move.

What You'll Actually Do:

• Lead Branch Operations: Direct daily operations, manage budgets, oversee project schedules, and ensure project managers are staying on target.
• Drive Business Development: Represent the firm at networking and industry events, cultivate local client relationships, and increase brand presence in the region.
• Manage & Mentor Staff: Supervise a 10-person team (architects, engineers, designers, and admin), fostering collaboration and stepping in to lead difficult conversations when necessary.
• Enhance Office Culture: Inject energy and passion into the office environment, building strong team cohesion and community engagement.
• Align with Executive Leadership: Partner closely with company officers and operational leads to support firm-wide strategic goals.

To Be Successful in This Role, You Will Need:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Architecture preferred.
• Experience: 10 to 15 years of professional experience, with strong demonstrated success in people management and operational oversight (open to 8–10 years for candidates with strong leadership experience).
• Industry Background: Design/build or A&E design-firm experience is ideal.
• Software & Soft Skills: Familiarity with Revit; exceptional communication skills, confidence, strong emotional intelligence, and a growth-oriented mindset.

Where and How Much:

• Target Compensation: $145K – $165K plus a profit-sharing bonus.
• Schedule: 4/10 schedule (Monday–Thursday) or 5 8-hour days with Friday work-from-home flexibility.
• Location: Vancouver, WA (In-office with hybrid options).
• Benefits: 4-weeks PTO + 6 sick days, competitive health benefits, 401K, and year-end performance incentives.