Chief Operating Officer (COO)

West Palm Beach, Florida

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an accomplished Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as the firm's senior operational executive, partnering directly with ownership to lead the business side of one of South Florida's premier architecture and interior design firms.

This individual will be responsible for creating the operational infrastructure that enables exceptional design. The COO will oversee project operations, financial performance, organizational development, technology, staffing, and strategic initiatives while building scalable systems that position the firm for continued growth.

The ideal candidate is an experienced executive who thrives in a professional services environment and has a demonstrated history of leading organizations through growth, operational improvement, and organizational excellence.

About the Company

Our client is an award-winning architecture and interior design firm recognized for delivering innovative commercial environments throughout Florida and beyond. Our culture is built on collaboration, accountability, creativity, and exceptional client service. As we continue to grow, we are seeking an operational leader who can help strengthen our internal infrastructure while allowing our design professionals to focus on what they do best.

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the Partners, the Chief Operating Officer will oversee all internal business operations of the firm.

The COO will be responsible for aligning people, processes, technology, and financial performance to ensure the organization operates efficiently while maintaining the highest level of client satisfaction.

This role requires a highly strategic executive capable of balancing day-to-day operations with long-term business planning.

Primary Responsibilities

Executive Leadership

• Partner with ownership to execute the firm's strategic vision
• Translate business goals into operational initiatives
• Develop annual operational plans
• Build accountability throughout the organization
• Lead department managers and senior leadership
• Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement

Operations Management

Oversee the firm's operational performance including:

• Project Operations
• Resource Planning
• Staff Utilization
• Capacity Planning
• Workflow Optimization
• Quality Assurance
• Operational KPIs
• Process Improvement
• Risk Management

Financial Leadership

Partner with accounting and ownership to oversee:

• Operational budgeting
• Revenue forecasting
• Profitability analysis
• Project financial performance
• Utilization targets
• Overhead management
• Cash flow planning
• Business reporting
• Operational metrics

Project Delivery

Work closely with Principals and Project Managers to improve:

• Project scheduling
• Resource allocation
• Staffing
• Client satisfaction
• Profitability
• Change management
• Quality control
• Project execution

Human Capital

Provide leadership over:

• Organizational structure
• Hiring strategy
• Workforce planning
• Employee development
• Performance management
• Leadership coaching
• Succession planning
• Compensation planning
• Team engagement

Technology & Business Systems

Lead implementation and optimization of:

• Deltek
• Project Management Systems
• ERP software
• CRM
• Workflow automation
• AI initiatives
• Cybersecurity
• Business intelligence reporting

Business Growth

Support ownership with:

• Strategic planning
• Market expansion
• Operational scalability
• Mergers or acquisitions (if applicable)
• Business development initiatives
• New office growth
• Organizational capacity planning

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field
• 10+ years of executive leadership experience
• Experience leading professional service organizations
• Strong operational and financial leadership background
• Proven success scaling organizations
• Excellent communication and executive presence
• Advanced leadership and organizational skills

Preferred

Experience within:

• Architecture
• Engineering
• Interior Design
• Construction
• Commercial Real Estate
• Consulting

MBA preferred but not required.

Leadership Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Executive presence
• Strategic thinking
• Emotional intelligence
• Organizational leadership
• Financial acumen
• Systems thinking
• Accountability
• Talent development
• Operational excellence
• Change management
• Decision making
• Client-focused leadership

Success Metrics

Within the first 12 months, the COO will be expected to improve:

• Project profitability
• Staff utilization
• Operational efficiency
• Project delivery timelines
• Team accountability
• Employee retention
• Financial reporting
• Internal communication
• Technology adoption
• Organizational scalability

Compensation

Competitive executive compensation package including:

• Base Salary
• Performance Bonus
• PTO
• Health Benefits
• Retirement Plan
• Professional Development
• Executive Leadership Opportunities

Why Join?

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of one of South Florida's premier architecture firms.

The COO will play a critical role in building the operational foundation that supports award-winning design while helping lead the firm's next phase of growth.