Knowledge Operations Manager Jobs in Belleville, NJ

Position Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the firm's day-to-day operations, project workflows, and production systems to ensure architectural projects are delivered efficiently, profitably, and on schedule. This role provides operational leadership across the organization, driving accountability, standardization, and continuous process improvement while supporting the firm's strategic and financial objectives. This position works closely with the Principal, Project Architects, and design teams to optimize staffing, improve operational performance, and ensure the successful execution of all projects.

Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Location: In-Person (On-site)

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the firm, ensuring efficient workflows, streamlined production processes, and timely project delivery.
• Assign work, monitor project progress, and maintain accountability by ensuring Project Managers and staff meet established schedules, milestones, and deadlines.
• Monitor project financial performance by reviewing fee burn, labor hours versus budget, utilization, and phase-level profitability. Identify potential budget overruns and implement corrective actions to maintain project margins.
• Develop, document, implement, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for employee onboarding, project production, quality control, and project delivery to improve operational consistency, efficiency, and scalability.
• Lead operational aspects of talent management, including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, performance management, workload balancing, and resource allocation to support project demands.
• Collaborate with Principals and Project Managers to optimize staffing, production capacity, and firm-wide resource planning.
• Prepare and present regular reports on team utilization, project status, operational performance, key performance indicators (KPIs), and firm profitability, providing leadership with actionable recommendations.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, increase efficiency, reduce operational risk, and enhance overall project delivery and client satisfaction.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement while ensuring operational standards are consistently maintained across the firm.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as an Operations Manager, Director of Operations, Studio Manager, or similar leadership role, preferably within an architecture, engineering, interior design, construction, or professional services firm.
• Proven experience managing project operations, staffing, resource allocation, and business workflows in a fast-paced, project-based environment.
• Strong understanding of project budgeting, fee management, utilization rates, labor forecasting, and profitability metrics.
• Experience developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational best practices.
• Demonstrated success leading hiring, onboarding, performance management, and employee development initiatives.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management, resource planning, and financial reporting software. Experience with architecture practice management software is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an architecture or design firm managing multiple concurrent projects.
• Knowledge of architectural project lifecycles, consultant coordination, contract administration, and production workflows.
• Experience implementing operational improvements, change management initiatives, and performance metrics.

Benefits

• 401(k) with employer matching
• Paid holidays
• 40 hours of paid time off (PTO)
• Paid sick leave

Interview Process

• Recruiter call: A 30-minute virtual call conducted via Zoom to discuss your experience, qualifications, and interest in the role with the recruiter.
• Initial Interview: A 30-minute virtual interview conducted via Zoom to discuss your experience, qualifications, and interest in the role with the CEO.
• Final Interview: An in-person interview at our office to meet members of the leadership team, discuss the role in greater detail, and learn more about our culture and operations.

Success in This Role

The successful candidate is a proactive and strategic operations leader who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. They possess strong business acumen, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for creating efficient systems that enable teams to deliver outstanding architectural projects while supporting the firm's long-term growth, profitability, and culture.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are committed to promoting equal employment opportunities and supporting fair, inclusive hiring practices. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.