Architectural Business Leader

The Architectural Business Leader will serve as the pivotal architect and strategic driver for SSOE’s data center and high technology market initiatives. This role demands a hands-on leader who integrates deep technical expertise in data center architecture with robust business acumen to deliver scalable, high-performance designs aligned with our client and industry expectations. You will direct the architectural strategy, overseeing allocation of specialized resources, (including architects, CAD/BIM modelers, and technical consultants) and ensure alignment with project budgets and schedules. Your daily collaboration will span project managers, discipline leads (mechanical, electrical, structural, process), external engineering partners, contractors, and client stakeholders. You will ensure design solutions incorporate critical system redundancies, precision thermal management, and advanced security features essential to today’s sophisticated data centers.

AI and Innovation

As part of our commitment to innovation, all team members will be trained on Microsoft Copilot and empowered to use it as a core tool in their everyday work.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement comprehensive business strategies to expand SSOE’s leadership footprint within data center and high-tech sectors, aligning architectural capabilities with market demands and client expectations.
• Lead cross-functional resource planning and allocation for data center architecture projects, ensuring optimal utilization of architectural, project management, and technical personnel through project lifecycle management tools.
• Function as the subject matter expert in data center design principles, staying current with evolving standards, guidelines, and security design best practices specific to high availability facilities.
• Collaborating closely with project managers and discipline leads to developing integrated design solutions that address complex challenges related to facility design, critical power, cooling efficiencies, and structural load capacities.
• Oversee and mentor architectural and project management teams on best practices for data center design and delivery, emphasizing technical consistency, cross-disciplinary coordination, and standardized modeling protocols.
• Lead development and review of detailed architectural design packages, including design development, site visits, client-facing technical reviews, and submittals focused on multidisciplinary interface coordination, life-safety verification, and commissioning scope.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions and mentorship programs that foster growth of junior architects and project managers focusing on data center technologies, sustainable design, and safety-conscious project execution.
• Spearhead competitive pricing strategy formulation by leveraging quantitative cost modeling, risk assessment matrices, and benchmarking data to enhance bid-to-win ratios and help ensure profitability.
• Participate in proposal development, providing technical due diligence, architectural scope definition, resource estimation, and architectural advisories related to project risk profiles, scope clarification, and constructability.
• Support regional market expansion initiatives by engaging local industry partners, participating in high technology and data center conferences, and identifying opportunities to showcase innovation in architectural design.
• Maintain an up-to-date network of industry contacts, including clients, consultants, and regulatory authorities, promoting SSOE’s brand as a trusted expert in data center architectural solutions and driving long-term client retention.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture from NAAB-accredited program.
• Licensed Architect with responsible charge experience in data center and mission-critical facility projects.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive architectural experience, with a strong focus on data center technology project, demonstrating leadership and market expansion.
• Proficient working knowledge of data center design standards and codes.
• Experience developing and reviewing detailed architectural plans, specifications, and BIM models aligned with multidisciplinary coordination with mechanical, process, electrical, and structural teams.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and communicate effectively with C-suite clients, project teams, and external consultants, with track record of guiding technical decisions and managing stakeholder expectations.
• Direct experience supporting regional or national expansion initiatives in the data center market, including local business development and market strategy execution.
• Proven capacity to apply quantitative cost modeling and risk analyses during proposal development and project pricing formulation.
• Hands-on experience leading multi-phase project delivery from pre-design and schematic through construction administration.
• Knowledge of sustainability and resilience standards relevant to data centers, such as LEED High-Tech credits or Uptime Institute Green IT practices.
• Salary Range: $160,000 - $200,000/year depending on location, education, depth of relevant experience, and any specialized licensure/certifications. Opportunity for ample rewards, leadership incentive components, and generous bonus opportunities.
• Benefits: Includes comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401K retirement savings plan (with company matching), opportunities for professional development and training (including support for relevant licensure & certifications), and generous PTO & paid holidays.
  
  

Why SSOE

At SSOE, innovation and mentorship converge in a culture that integrates multidisciplinary expertise to deliver complex industrial and mission-critical projects worldwide. Here, senior leaders play a pivotal role not only in technical delivery but also in shaping the next generation of design professionals through structured coaching and knowledge sharing programs. Join a firm where your technical excellence directly impacts challenging projects and where defined career paths enable advancement in leadership, design mastery, and business development. Experience collaborative problem-solving in an environment that values quality, integrity, and continuous improvement, all while contributing to high-impact solutions at the forefront of architectural engineering innovation.