Studio Leader - Hospitality

Nelson•Philadelphia, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

NELSON is seeking a Studio Leader to join its Hospitality Practice. The role strengthens existing client relationships and supports the studio’s operational and financial performance. The Studio Leader participates in design-phase activities and coordinates with clients, consultants, and contractors throughout projects. As part of project teams, the leader guides projects through design, construction-document production, and construction administration, and develops solutions to technical problems. The Studio Leader provides leadership, mentorship, and resource management for studio teammates and project leads; supports quality assurance and project delivery; oversees budgets, utilization, financial reporting, and revenue forecasts; and maintains and develops client relationships. The role also supports recruiting, professional development, and an inclusive workplace. The position is associated with NELSON’s Hospitality Practice. Work-from-home options and flexible schedules are available based on client needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Architecture from an accredited university.
15+ years of experience in Interior Design and/or Architecture, or equivalent in appropriate education and experience.
Experience as a Team Director, Account Manager, and/or Project Manager.
Knowledge of codes and ability to ensure permitting requirements are incorporated into deliverables.
Basic knowledge of design, trends, construction methodology, materials application, and manufacturer-supplier appropriateness.
Basic knowledge of sustainability, integrated design, and LEED, WELL, and EnergyStar guidelines.
Proficiency in Deltek Vantagepoint.
Proficiency in understanding financial management concepts.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily.

Responsibilities

Organize and prioritize work, manage expectations, communicate effectively, and foster a positive studio environment.
Resolve conflicts and conduct difficult conversations with teammates, peers, management, and clients when necessary.
Support teammates’ professional development, conduct performance evaluations, recommend salary increases, set goals, and provide feedback and mentoring.
Develop project leads in their responsibilities, communication, presentation, time-management, and workload-prioritization skills.
Support recruiting and promote a diverse workforce and inclusive environment.
Meet weekly with project leads to review progress, help resolve issues, rebalance workloads, and provide staffing recommendations.
Participate in staffing and interviews, and coordinate staffing decisions with Market Leaders and Practice Area Leaders.
Ensure timely completion of internal Deltek Vantagepoint reporting, including timesheet approvals, project planning, and pipeline projections as applicable.
Manage studio utilization, workload balance, and awareness of projects across teams.
Ensure project leads follow NELSON QA/QC protocols and provide QA/QC support as needed.
Help project leads use firm resources to deliver quality technical and creative design, and support local or regional technical initiatives and best practices.
Prioritize and meet deadlines, delegate tasks, and provide high-quality client service.
Prepare project budgets and proposals, define scopes, estimate fees, and mentor teammates in budget preparation and management.
Review financial reports and project budgets, support additional-services and fee reallocations, and identify opportunities to improve performance and profitability.
Ensure project planning and tracking, monthly project-plan updates, timely billings, and effective management of timesheets, utilization, and billable targets.
Assist with accounts receivable collection and escalate client issues that may delay payment.
Coordinate annual revenue forecasting with Market Leaders and Practice Leaders, monitor client and account revenue, and guide project leads in meeting projections.
Participate in professional organizations and events to increase the firm’s profile, seeking leadership roles where appropriate.
Maintain existing client relationships, develop new client relationships and service-delivery partnerships, and help address troubled client relationships, accounts, or projects.
Attend client meetings and KPI reviews as requested, monitor client satisfaction, and regularly solicit performance feedback.

Benefits

401(k) plan with company match
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Wellness program with rewards for healthy activities
Pet insurance
Opportunities for career advancement
Paid time off and holiday pay
Paid parental leave
Flexible working schedules and work-from-home options based on client needs
Professional development support, including discretionary reimbursement for registrations, certifications, and professional organization memberships
Bonuses, which may include Long Term Incentive Plan, Short Term Incentive Plan, and profit sharing