Managing Principal - Architecture

The Managing Principal is responsible for performing a strategic function related to the direction of the Company in order to facilitate the organisation in achieving its desired growth plan. The Managing Principal is responsible for resource allocation and other systems necessary for the successful delivery of projects. Additionally, the role will assist with optimizing financial performance on a project-by-project basis through close collaboration with Principals, Directors, Project Managers, and Accountants, as well as close liaison with the heads of Finance, HR, and IT. The role involves close collaboration with the Principals heading up the Marketing and Business Development teams.

Key Objectives

• Drive the development and growth of the Company.
• Provide clear leadership and direction to all Principals, Directors, and department heads in accordance with the agreed strategy of the RSLD and BL.
• Deliver the profitability and sales targets set by the RSLD and BL through the respective Principals, Directors, and Managers.
• Possess a thorough knowledge of architectural delivery work processes and systems, financial management/reporting processes and systems, in addition to general human resources issues.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and organizational skills and be able to effectively disseminate reports to make meaningful management decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management Responsibilities

• Define and implement processes and measures to ensure an appropriate level of client satisfaction is provided at all times.
• Act as a point of escalation for client-related matters in cooperation with the Board to ensure resolutions are in accordance with company policy and precedent while also maximizing customer satisfaction.
• Commit to and promote Design Excellence for all architectural assignments as the primary foundation of the Company's growth.
• Define and implement processes and measures to ensure profitability of planning and design assignments is delivered.
• Monitor and adjust resourcing plans to ensure adequate staff are resourced to meet the needs of the business.

Management Responsibilities

• Responsible for selecting and motivating key team members and working with them to establish clear goals in line with company objectives.
• Provide proactive support to staff through KPI development.
• Have an integral involvement in the performance evaluation of all technical staff in conjunction with the Principals and Directors.
• Ensure an annual training plan is developed and implemented.
• Address any poor performance issues as required.
• Promote a learning culture within the team and encourage professional development.

Project Performance and Finance Interface

• Ensure that all responsibilities and decisions are taken within the context of the organizational policies established and agreed upon by the RSLD.
• Operate in close and regular consultation with Principals and Directors for local decisions that support the overall business strategy.
• Manage risks, assess and identify project risks, agree with Principals and Directors on an action plan, and report the outcome to the RSLD.
• Identify weaknesses in current project approaches and improve existing methods to mitigate risks where a project is consistently underperforming.
• Recommend and implement appropriate solutions in collaboration with Finance and Principals and Directors to bring underperforming projects back on track.
• Participate in exercises to enhance profitability within projects, collaborating to identify and address issues affecting profitability.
• Ensure work is authorized by the client with contracts reviewed and approved.
• Escalate potential contractor claims to the PII provider as needed.
• Manage and coordinate ongoing PII and QA status updates.

Leadership and Overall Direction

• Provide leadership and direction on issues affecting the management team.
• Ensure maximum levels of commitment and competence in all areas of the business.
• Operate as the chairperson ensuring all relevant matters are discussed and debated in a positive atmosphere with clear obtainable objectives wherever possible through consensus.
• Support the Principals and Directors with their objectives to optimize profitability targets.

Business Development

• In consultation with key stakeholders, define business development strategies and related marketing and PR objectives in collaboration with Principals and Directors.
• Create a tactical plan for business development, review and update it quarterly to ensure it meets objectives, deadlines, and budgets.
• Partner with the Marketing teams to win new business and drive the development of business opportunities in line with agreed business goals.
• Actively participate in strategic market programs, client development efforts, and key strategic affiliations.
• Be responsible for preselected/targeted clients and prospects, assuming primary client relationships before and during sales/closing efforts.

Managing Prospects

• Identify potential projects and collaborate with the Principal Marketing on the preparation of submissions for competitions and awards as agreed with the Principals.
• Manage prospects through developing and overseeing submissions and tendering processes, ensuring the highest standard of quality.
• Manage a client relations program including obtaining client feedback, analysis, and development of an effective client relationship management (CRM) database.
• Develop and manage reporting methods to efficiently identify and manage prospects.

General

• Support continuous improvement processes and practices within the office and across the group.
• Ensure regular communication with current and past clients including entertainment, inclusion on newsletters, mailouts, emails, and all other promotional and marketing materials.
• Work with Marketing to develop marketing collateral required to support business development objectives and strategy.
• Research, identify, and organize exhibition and event opportunities with Marketing.
• Attend Board meetings to present business development opportunities as needed.
• Carry out other duties consistent with the role's nature and responsibilities.

Qualifications:

Education and Training

• Architectural degree or a design-related field.
• Masters Degree in Business Administration or Finance is highly beneficial.
• Project Management experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Project, Outlook).
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Experience

• At least 15-20 years of experience.
• No less than 5 years of experience in a management position within a consultancy.
• Middle East regional experience, particularly in the UAE.
• Previous experience in an office environment working as part of a team is preferred.

Personal Qualities

• An ambitious personality capable of achieving.