Director of Operations

OVERVIEW

Our client, a distinguished San Antonio-based architecture firm with national portfolio, is seeking an exceptional Director of Operations to join their leadership team during an exciting period of growth and evolution. With offices in Texas and California, this firm has built an outstanding reputation for creating timeless classical and traditional architecture, from bespoke residential estates to institutional landmarks and commercial developments. Their client base spans the United States, and they are positioned for significant growth following anticipated high-profile project announcements.

DESCRIPTION

The Director of Operations is a strategic partner who brings operational excellence in service of exceptional design. This key leader sees operations as the essential infrastructure that enables creative vision to flourish. This position offers the opportunity to join a firm committed to design excellence, where leadership understands that sophisticated operational systems are fundamental for sustained growth. Working in close collaboration with the firm's Partners and studio leadership, the Director of Operations will enhance efficiency, strengthen financial performance, and build the operational foundation that supports long-term design goals and cultural values.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across all operational aspects of the firm, translating vision into reality through clear objectives, metrics, and implementation plans. With exceptional skills in driving organizational improvements while respecting established culture, they will lead the refinement of processes across Finance, Human Resources, Business Development, and IT. Based in San Antonio and covering both the Texas and California offices, this role requires a talented leader who can build consensus, foster collaboration among firm leaders, and ensure that operational activities align seamlessly with the firm's design ethos.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership Financial Stewardship

In close collaboration with the Controller, the Director of Operations assumes responsibility for the firm's financial health. This includes:

• Work with Partners and Studio Director to balance resources to meet both project and financial goals of the firm
• Monitoring and communicating key financial metrics (cash flow, profitability, accounts receivable/payable, overhead) to firm leadership with strategic insights and recommendations
• Implementing meaningful metrics and reporting systems that provide real-time insights and elevate decision-making capabilities
• Driving stronger, more consistent financial performance at both project and office levels through enhanced systems and accountability

People & Culture Leadership

The Director shapes the firm's approach to talent and culture, leading all HR functions while fostering a warm, collaborative environment. Responsibilities include:

• Leading administrative staff recruiting, training, and professional development initiatives
• Developing firmwide staffing strategies including employee experience and retention
• Facilitating performance review processes and creating individual development plans
• Fostering culture through initiatives that support work-life balance, professional development, and celebration of achievements
• Maintaining employee policies, facilitating conflict resolution, and advising leadership on appropriate actions

Business Development & Strategic Growth

Working alongside the Partners, the Director of Operations plays a central role in the firm's business development efforts, balancing strategic growth with operational excellence. Key responsibilities:

• Leading proposal development, RFP/RFQ coordination, and new business processing from initial vetting through contract execution
• Researching fee strategies and cultivating strategic collaborator partnerships across regions
• Managing contract development, negotiation, and project risk assessment
• Seeking exposure opportunities through publications, professional appearances, and strategic networking

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Excellence

As a key connector and facilitator, the Director ensures that firm leadership works in tandem toward shared objectives. This involves organizing regular executive meetings to identify and resolve current issues, coordinating initiatives across the organization, and maintaining strategic alignment between offices. The Director drives strategic planning forward while continuously analyzing and improving organizational communication. They oversee administrative staff, set clear objectives and standards, identify opportunities to streamline workflows and eliminate inefficiencies, and build the operational infrastructure that enables design excellence to flourish.

REQUIREMENTS

Essential Experience

• Proven operational leadership in architecture or professional services, with demonstrated success improving financial performance and organizational effectiveness
• Strong financial acumen with understanding of firm economics, project profitability drivers, and key financial metrics
• Experience managing multi-office operations leading teams across multiple functional areas
• Change management expertise with ability to implement new systems while respecting established culture and gaining buy-in
• Business development experience supporting client relationships and proposal development processes

Leadership & Cultural Fit

The successful candidate demonstrates executive-level communication skills and leadership presence, with the ability to influence across organizational boundaries and build consensus among diverse groups. They balance strategic vision with tactical excellence, thinking both long-term and day-to-day. Critically, this leader genuinely appreciates architectural excellence and understands how operations support creativity. They respect the design process while ensuring smooth operations that enable the firm to excel in collaboration, design quality and profitability.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a respected architecture firm where you will be instrumental in elevating the operational structure that enables award-winning architecture. The firm offers competitive compensation including base salary, performance-based incentives, comprehensive benefits, and potential ownership opportunities. The successful candidate will shape the future of a practice with a distinguished legacy, creating systems and processes that support business growth and the highest standards of architectural design. As Director of Operations, you will work alongside passionate design leaders who are committed to creating meaningful, timeless architecture, ensuring that operations serve as the engine that powers the organization’s creative vision.