Chief Operating Officer - 3E0D004

SNIPEBRIDGE•Basalt, CO

About The Position

Our CLIENT is an award-winning full-service architecture and interiors firm based in Basalt, Colorado. They specialize in timeless, sustainable, and contextually responsive design for luxury residential, hospitality, and community-based projects throughout the mountain west and beyond. Their work is rooted in the belief that architecture must blend seamlessly with its natural and built environment, honoring local materials, vernacular, and the unique character of each setting. The firm currently has a team of 25-30 professionals committed to design excellence and meaningful work. We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead both strategic and operational initiatives for this growing design practice. This role combines strategic business planning with hands-on operational management, overseeing resource planning, client management, project delivery systems, and financial performance. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in the AEC industry, particularly architecture or design, enabling them to understand the unique operational demands of a creative practice while driving efficiency, profitability, and growth.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive experience in architecture, design, or AEC industry
Proven track record in operational leadership and business management
Deep understanding of architectural project delivery, resource management, and design firm operations
Strong financial acumen with experience managing project budgets, profitability, and P&L metrics
Demonstrated success in resource planning, capacity management, and team optimization
Experience establishing and improving operational processes and systems
Excellent client relationship management and communication skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with data-driven decision-making approach
Proficiency in project management and financial software (Deltek, BQE Core, or similar platforms)
Experience managing teams in a creative, collaborative environment
Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Business, or related field (Architecture degree strongly preferred)

Responsibilities

Resource Planning & Project Staffing: Manage resource allocation and staffing assignments across multiple concurrent projects
Monitor and optimize team capacity, utilization rates, and workload balance
Forecast resource needs based on project pipeline and growth projections
Identify hiring needs and collaborate on recruitment strategy
Develop strategies to maximize team productivity while maintaining work-life balance
Operational Management: Oversee day-to-day operations across all functional areas
Establish, refine, and implement operational processes and systems to improve efficiency
Serve as escalation point for operational issues and client concerns
Ensure quality standards and firm values are maintained across all projects
Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization
Client Management: Serve as senior point of contact for client relationships, supporting Project Managers and principals
Address client concerns and manage expectations at the highest level
Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and referral sources
Participate in client meetings and presentations as needed
Project Financial Management: Establish project budgets and fee structures in collaboration with project teams
Monitor project profitability, billing, and financial performance throughout all phases
Implement systems for tracking project costs, budgets, and financial metrics
Identify and address budget overruns or profitability issues proactively
Collaborate with accounting on invoicing, collections, and financial reporting
Analyze project financial data to inform future estimating and pricing strategies
Systems & Process Improvement: Evaluate and implement project management and financial software systems
Establish standardized processes for project delivery, documentation, and quality control
Create systems for knowledge sharing and best practices across teams
Leverage technology to improve efficiency and communication