Managing Principal
An established, employee-owned architecture and design firm with a strong focus on healthcare, education, and civic work is seeking a Managing Principal to lead its San Jose studio.
This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for the performance, operations, and strategic direction of a business unit. The position is ideal for someone who thrives in a leadership capacity that blends business development, team management, and high-level design oversight.
The Opportunity
This role offers the chance to lead a studio within a larger national platform, with real autonomy to shape its direction and performance. You will work closely with firm leadership and market sector leads while driving growth, strengthening client relationships, and developing internal teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead overall studio performance, including profitability, staffing, and operational efficiency
- Drive business development through client engagement, pursuits, and market growth
- Serve as a primary point of contact for key clients from early pursuit through project completion
- Oversee multiple projects and teams, ensuring alignment with scope, schedule, budget, and quality goals
- Build, mentor, and manage teams, including hiring and performance development
- Collaborate with internal leadership across design, technical, and operational functions
- Manage contracts, fees, and financial health at both project and studio levels
- Oversee resource planning, staffing, and project workflows
- Ensure all work meets design standards, technical requirements, and regulatory expectations
- Coordinate with consultants, agencies, and external stakeholders
- Represent the firm through networking, industry involvement, and public-facing efforts
- Maintain a strong pipeline of work aligned with strategic growth goals
- Establish and uphold processes, standards, and best practices within the studio
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture or equivalent required
- Licensed Architect strongly preferred
- 15+ years of experience in architectural practice, including team and project leadership
- Demonstrated success in business development and winning work
- Experience managing or contributing to financial performance and budgets
- Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
- Solid understanding of design, technical coordination, and construction across all phases
- Experience working with clients, consultants, and regulatory agencies
- Passion for mentoring teams and building strong studio culture
- Familiarity with industry tools such as BIM/Revit and project management platforms
- Willingness to travel as needed
More Details
- Opportunity to lead a studio within a ~600-person national firm
- Employee ownership model with company-funded equity after one year
- Focus on meaningful sectors: healthcare, education, and civic projects
- Strong internal support across marketing, pursuits, and practice leadership
- Culture centered on people, flexibility, and long-term growth
- Comprehensive benefits including healthcare, retirement, wellness programs, and professional development
- Hybrid schedule: 3 days in the office, work from home Mondays and Fridays, with half-day Fridays
Compensation
Base salary range: $197,000 - $303,000, plus performance-based bonus and long-term equity participation.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your CV and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organisations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your CV so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
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