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Managing Principal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PBK

Managing Principal

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$142K - $213K/yr

The Managing Principal will serve as a top-level manager in a successful, growing office. He or she will interact regularly with senior representatives of current and prospective clients. The ...

PBK

Managing Principal

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$142K - $213K/yr

The Managing Principal will serve as a top-level manager in a successful, growing office. He or she will interact regularly with senior representatives of current and prospective clients. The ...

PBK Architects, Inc.

Managing Principal

California, MO · On-site

$142K - $213K/yr

The Managing Principal will have extremely strong inter-personal skills with an aggressive, yet personable, demeanor. It is essential that the candidate be very articulate with exceptional ...

HDR

Managing Principal

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

The Managing Principal role at HDR is one where a collaborative attitude is necessary and expected. While you will be focused on the success of the Minneapolis office, you will be required to work ...

HDR

Managing Principal

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

The Managing Principal role at HDR is one where a collaborative attitude is necessary and expected. While you will be focused on the success of the Philadelphia office, you will be required to work ...

HDR

Managing Principal

Minneapolis, MN

The Managing Principal role at HDR is one where a collaborative attitude is necessary and expected. While you will be focused on the success of the Minneapolis office, you will be required to work ...

Architect Search

Managing Principal

Austin, TX

$150K - $200K/yr

Managing Principal - Education Architecture | Austin, TX Step into a pivotal leadership role where your expertise in client engagement, business development, and design excellence will help shape the ...

HDR

Managing Principal

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

The Managing Principal role at HDR is one where a collaborative attitude is necessary and expected. While you will be focused on the success of the Philadelphia office, you will be required to work ...

Pfluger Architects

Managing Principal

Austin, TX · On-site

The Managing Principal champions client relationships, driving business development, and ensuring the highest quality standards in all projects. This strategic leadership role combines expertise in ...

BSK Associates

Managing Principal

Fresno, CA · On-site

$138K - $209K/yr

Join Our Team as a Managing Principal! BSK Associates, a trusted name in engineering with 60 years of excellence, is looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated Managing Principal - Branch Manager to join ...

Northern Impact

Managing Principal

San Diego, CA · On-site

Overview National Award-Winning Studio is actively seeking a Managing Principal for their San Diego office. With over 19 offices across the U.S., the award-winning architecture + design firm ...

RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY

Managing Principal

Folsom, CA · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Responsibilities The Managing Principal will promote the overall growth and profitability of the Sacramento office and have client relationships and commitment to community involvement Qualifications

RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY

Managing Principal

Folsom, CA · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Responsibilities The Managing Principal will promote the overall growth and profitability of the Sacramento office and have client relationships and commitment to community involvement Qualifications

HMC Architects

Managing Principal

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$197K - $303K/yr

Job Summary The Managing Principal leads a business unit or cost center with full accountability for financial performance, operations, and strategic direction. This role drives business development ...

HMC Architects

Managing Principal

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$197K - $303K/yr

Job Summary The Managing Principal leads a business unit or cost center with full accountability for financial performance, operations, and strategic direction. This role drives business development ...

RICK

Be Seen First

Managing Principal

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Responsibilities The Managing Principal will promote the overall growth and profitability of the Sacramento office and have client relationships and commitment to community involvement Qualifications

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Managing Principal information

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$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do managing principal jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for managing principal in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a managing principal?

A managing principal holds a leadership role within a company, and in some cases, you are also an owner or shareholder in the business. As a managing principal, your duties focus on client relations. In an investment business, for example, this means your career focuses on investor relations. A principal is a management position, so you need both educational qualifications that include a master’s degree or higher, and should be able to demonstrate strong leadership skills.

What is a managing principal?

A Managing Principal is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the operations and strategic direction of a firm or specific business unit, often within fields like architecture, consulting, or finance. They combine leadership duties with client management, ensuring that projects align with the company's goals and standards. Managing Principals typically supervise teams, develop business strategies, and maintain key client relationships. Their role is crucial for driving growth, maintaining profitability, and upholding the firm's reputation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a managing principal?

To thrive as a Managing Principal, you need extensive leadership experience, business acumen, and a relevant advanced degree such as an MBA. Familiarity with enterprise management software, financial modeling tools, and industry-specific certifications like PMP or LEED are often advantageous. Strategic thinking, strong interpersonal skills, and effective decision-making set top performers apart in this role. These skills are vital for steering organizational direction, fostering client relationships, and ensuring sustainable business growth.

What are some typical leadership challenges faced by a managing principal, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Managing Principals often encounter challenges related to balancing strategic oversight with day-to-day operations and leading diverse teams toward shared goals. Navigating conflicting priorities, motivating staff, and driving organizational change are common hurdles. Effective communication, fostering a collaborative culture, and delegating responsibilities strategically are key to overcoming these challenges. Additionally, staying adaptable and investing in professional development—both for themselves and their teams—can help Managing Principals lead their organizations successfully.

What is the difference between Managing Principal vs Project Manager?

AspectManaging PrincipalProject Manager
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, relevant certifications)Often requires PMP or similar project management certifications
Work EnvironmentLeadership role in consulting, architecture, or professional services firmsProject execution within various industries, including construction, IT, and engineering
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in consulting, architecture, and professional services firmsCommon across multiple industries managing specific projects

The Managing Principal generally oversees multiple projects and strategic direction within a firm, requiring broader leadership and business skills. In contrast, a Project Manager focuses on executing specific projects, managing teams, and ensuring project deliverables. While both roles require strong organizational skills, the Managing Principal has a higher level of strategic responsibility and client engagement.

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What states have the most Managing Principal jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Managing Principal jobs?

For Managing Principal jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Managing Principal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Managing Principal job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Managing Principal

La Jolla, CA • On-site

PBK
See more jobs at PBKexternal

$142K - $213K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Managing Principal will serve as a top-level manager in a successful, growing office. He or she will interact regularly with senior representatives of current and prospective clients. The Managing Principal will oversee all client relations, including project team performance and overall client satisfaction. The Managing Principal will have extremely strong inter-personal skills with an aggressive, yet personable, demeanor. It is essential that the candidate be very articulate with exceptional presentation skills.
Your Impact:
  • Strategic: The Managing Principal will be a key contributor to further defining and guiding the strategic plan throughout the Regional geographic area. PBK's corporate resources and management team will be made available to assist the Principal in meeting these goals.
  • Operational: The Managing Principal will ultimately be responsible for the delivery of services, the development of culture and the execution of processes within the offices. You will oversee client relations, including project team performance and overall client satisfaction.
  • Marketing/Business Development: The ability to establish and develop relationships with potential clients is essential. You will work closely with the firm's Marketing & BD departments to develop new opportunities and build relationships.
  • Management/Leadership: The Managing Principal will promote a support structure to further develop the abilities of the staff. You will also be responsible for overseeing the recruitment of new staff to supplement an already very talented team.

Here's What You'll Need:
  • Must have prior K-12 and/or Higher Education experience to be considered.
  • Must be a Registered Architect in your state of residence.
  • Must have a minimum of 15 years of experience in the architectural profession with no less than 10 years of experience managing project teams and processes.

The actual offered base salary for California locations will vary depending on factors such as individual qualifications, education, experience, skills, job-related knowledge, work location, and internal equity. We would not anticipate that the individual hired into this role will be at or near the top half of the range provided, but the decision will be dependent on the factors of each individual case. The compensation package may also include incentive compensation in the form of discretionary bonuses in addition to base salary and a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits. The salary range for this position is below.
$142,666.00 - $213,999.00
PBK is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants can be considered for an opportunity without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, criminal history, or any other characteristic protected by law. Additionally, it is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity in all phases of employment in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

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