Studio Lead/Branch Manager

Impact Recruitment; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Impact Recruitment is seeking a dynamic and experienced licensed Architect or Engineer for a Studio Lead & Branch Manager role in Vancouver, Washington. This leadership position combines operational oversight, team leadership, project management, client engagement, and strategic business development to drive regional growth.

The role requires overseeing branch operations, mentoring staff, and guiding projects through design and construction, all while maintaining strong client relationships and

Qualifications

• Licensed Architect or Professional Engineer.
• 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience managing office operations and leading technical teams.
• Strong project management experience on multidisciplinary projects.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience overseeing projects through all phases of design and construction.

Responsibilities

• Oversee branch operations, studio workload, and project delivery for profitability and client satisfaction.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation across the studio.
• Lead planning and coordination meetings with project managers and technical staff.
• Mentor design professionals and foster a collaborative, growth‑oriented culture.
• Guide project scoping, fee proposals, contracts, and client communications.
• Resolve operational, project, and technical issues within the branch.
• Collaborate with leadership teams and corporate stakeholders on operations and business development.
• Develop and execute local marketing and community engagement strategies.
• Support staff development related to client relationship management and business development.
• Represent the firm professionally in the local market and broader community.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Business development

Marketing

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Impact Recruitment is seeking a dynamic and experienced licensed Architect or Engineer for an exciting Studio Lead & Branch Manager opportunity with a growing multidisciplinary design firm in Vancouver, Washington. This leadership role combines operational oversight, team leadership, project management, client engagement, and strategic business development. The successful candidate will lead a collaborative studio environment, oversee branch operations, support staff development, and help drive continued regional growth and community presence. This is an excellent opportunity for a relationship-oriented leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys balancing technical leadership with people management and business development responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee branch operations, studio workload, and project delivery to ensure profitability and client satisfaction


• Manage staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation across the studio


• Lead planning and coordination meetings with project managers and technical staff


• Mentor and develop design professionals while fostering a collaborative, growth-oriented culture


• Guide project scoping, fee proposals, contracts, and client communications


• Resolve operational, project, and technical issues within the branch


• Collaborate with leadership teams and corporate stakeholders to support operations, staffing, and business development initiatives


• Develop and execute local marketing and community engagement strategies


• Support staff development related to client relationship management and business development efforts


• Represent the firm professionally within the local market and broader community

Qualifications

• Licensed Architect or Professional Engineer


• 10+ years of relevant industry experience


• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience


• Prior experience managing office operations and leading technical teams


• Strong project management experience on multidisciplinary projects


• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills


• Experience overseeing projects through all phases of design and construction


• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines


• Business development and strategic marketing experience is highly desirable

Why This Opportunity?

This role offers the chance to play a key leadership role in shaping the future of a growing Vancouver studio while contributing to broader organizational success. The ideal candidate is collaborative, solutions-oriented, people-focused, and motivated to help grow both teams and client relationships.

Impact Recruitment is an equal opportunity employer. Impact Recruitment does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, or terms or conditions of employment on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, medical condition as defined under state law, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. Impact Recruitment also provides reasonable accommodations to disabled individuals to assist in the hiring process and to qualified individuals with disabilities in the performance of essential job functions, as required by federal, state, or local law.