Principal Architect

About the role

The Principal Architect serves as a critical operations leader responsible for supporting the overall performance, coordination, and growth of the Education Market. This role ensures the efficient and high-quality execution of work across teams while also contributing to strategic initiatives, client relationship management, and staff development. The Principal Architect plays a hands-on role in day-to-day operations, including oversight of project execution, resource management, financial metrics, and market-specific initiatives that align with organizational priorities.

Responsibilities

• Support the Education Market Leader in executing strategic and operational initiatives across the assigned market.
• Oversee the daily operations of the market, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to scope and quality expectations.
• Lead resource planning and workforce management efforts, matching talent to market and client needs effectively.
• Manage and monitor key financial metrics, including revenue forecasts, backlog, utilization, and project profitability.
• Support business development activities through proposal preparation, pursuit strategy, and existing client relationship management.
• Collaborate with project managers to monitor project performance and ensure alignment with contractual and regulatory obligations.
• Partner with HR and market leadership to support employee development, career planning, and performance management within the market.
• Drive operational consistency and continuous improvement by implementing best practices and contributing to process optimization.
• Act as a culture ambassador by promoting an inclusive, collaborative, and performance-oriented environment across offices and disciplines.
• Contribute to annual planning and budgeting processes, identifying opportunities for growth, efficiencies, and risk mitigation.
• Serve as a liaison between project teams and executive leadership, escalating issues and communicating market needs as appropriate.
• Oversee compliance with health, safety, and quality assurance standards.
• Represent the market in internal forums, town halls, and leadership meetings when needed, acting as a proxy for the VP.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in operations, project management, or market leadership in the A/E/C or professional services industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams, budgets, and project portfolios.
• Proficient in tools and platforms used for project and financial management (e.g., Deltek, ERP systems, CRM platforms).
• Comprehensive understanding of market-specific trends, client expectations, and competitive positioning.
• Knowledge of project management processes, including scope, schedule, and budget control.
• Familiarity with A/E/C industry regulations, contracting methods, and delivery models.
• Understanding of organizational development practices, including performance reviews and succession planning.
• Preferred: Master’s degree or advanced certification in operations, management, or a related field.
• Preferred: Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and distributed offices or remote teams.
• Preferred: Prior experience with profit center or market P&L responsibility (direct or support role).
• Preferred: Architectural Licensure.

Benefits

• A team-oriented environment that values transparency, creativity, and shared success.
• Meaningful career paths, leadership opportunities, and space to specialize.
• Learning & Development – Education and Professional Licensing.
• Hybrid work support because well‑being matters.
• Excellent Health Care Programs – Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Company‑paid Life Insurance, Short‑Term Disability, and Long‑Term Disability.
• Voluntary Life Insurance options for employees, spouses, and dependents.
• 401k Retirement Plan with employer match.
• Paid Holidays & Competitive PTO plans.