The Vice President of Operations (VP of Operations) is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing and optimizing the firm’s day-to-day business operations. This individual partners closely with the President/Owner to translate vision and strategy into efficient systems, scalable processes, and strong financial and operational performance.

The VP of Operations ensures that projects, people, and resources are aligned to support high-quality design delivery, exceptional client experience, and sustainable growth. This role serves as the operational backbone of the firm, allowing design leadership to focus on creative excellence and client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the President/Owner on operational strategy, firm performance, and growth planning

• Translate firm vision and business goals into actionable operational plans

• Participate in leadership team decision-making related to growth, staffing, investments, and risk management

• Lead firm-wide initiatives to improve efficiency, profitability, and scalability

Operations & Process Management

• Oversee daily operations across design, architecture, project management, and administrative functions

• Develop, implement, and refine workflows, standards, and best practices across the firm

• Ensure consistency in project execution while supporting flexibility required for creative work

• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve delivery and performance

Financial & Business Management

• Partner with finance/accounting to oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting

• Oversee project financial controls, including fee structures, billing, and cost management

• Support pricing strategies and contract review to ensure financial sustainability

Project & Resource Oversight

• Ensure effective resource planning and staff allocation across projects

• Collaborate with studio and project leaders to balance workloads and deadlines

• Support project managers in maintaining schedules, budgets, and client expectations

• Oversee systems for tracking project performance and reporting

People, Culture & Talent Operations

• Lead operational aspects of HR, including staffing plans, performance management, and policies

• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive firm culture

• Support leadership development and career growth pathways for staff

• Ensure compliance with employment laws, workplace policies, and firm standards

• Systems, Technology & Infrastructure

• Oversee firm systems including project management, time tracking, financial, and CRM tools

• Evaluate and implement new technologies to support efficiency and scalability

• Ensure smooth onboarding and training related to operational systems

• Manage vendor relationships related to operations, IT, and facilities

Risk Management & Compliance

• Oversee operational risk management, including contracts, insurance, and regulatory compliance

• Ensure adherence to architectural and design industry standards and best practices

• Establish policies and procedures that protect the firm legally and financially

Qualifications

Required:

• 10+ years of experience in operations leadership

• Proven experience managing operations for a small to mid-sized firm

• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and project profitability

• Experience leading teams and cross-functional collaboration

• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills

Preferred:

• Experience in architecture, interior design, or related creative professional services

• Familiarity with project-based business models and billable utilization metrics

• MBA or equivalent business/operations education

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong execution skills

• Ability to balance structure with creativity

• Collaborative leadership style with high emotional intelligence

• Data-driven decision-maker

• Comfortable operating in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Improved project profitability and operational efficiency

• Clear, consistent processes that support creative excellence

• Strong alignment between leadership vision and day-to-day execution

• High employee engagement and sustainable firm growth

To be a successful team member at Carson Design Associates, you must have the ability to identify red flags and a desire to know and learn more, always asking questions and determining if there is a better way.

This is a full-time position with benefits. Travel may be required.

If you are interested in joining our team, please submit a resume to:

info@carsondesign.com