The RoleThe Principal Architect serves as a critical operations leader responsible for supporting the overall performance, coordination, and growth of the Education Market. This role ensures the efficient and high-quality execution of work across teams while also contributing to strategic initiatives, client relationship management, and staff development. The Principal Architect plays a hands-on role in day-to-day operations, including oversight of project execution, resource management, financial metrics, and market-specific initiatives that align with organizational priorities.
Responsibilities- Support the Education Market Leader in executing strategic and operational initiatives across the assigned market.
- Oversee the daily operations of the market, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to scope and quality expectations.
- Lead resource planning and workforce management efforts, matching talent to market and client needs effectively.
- Manage and monitor key financial metrics, including revenue forecasts, backlog, utilization, and project profitability.
- Support business development activities through proposal preparation, pursuit strategy, and existing client relationship management.
- Collaborate with project managers to monitor project performance and ensure alignment with contractual and regulatory obligations.
- Partner with HR and market leadership to support employee development, career planning, and performance management within the market.
- Drive operational consistency and continuous improvement by implementing best practices and contributing to process optimization.
- Act as a culture ambassador by promoting an inclusive, collaborative, and performance-oriented environment across offices and disciplines.
- Contribute to annual planning and budgeting processes, identifying opportunities for growth, efficiencies, and risk mitigation.
- Serve as a liaison between project teams and executive leadership, escalating issues and communicating market needs as appropriate.
- Oversee compliance with health, safety, and quality assurance standards.
- Represent the market in internal forums, town halls, and leadership meetings when needed, acting as a proxy for the VP.
Qualifications:Required
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in operations, project management, or market leadership in the A/E/C or professional services industry.
- Demonstrated experience managing teams, budgets, and project portfolios.
- Proficient in tools and platforms used for project and financial management (e.g., Deltek, ERP systems, CRM platforms).
- Comprehensive understanding of market-specific trends, client expectations, and competitive positioning.
- Knowledge of project management processes, including scope, schedule, and budget control.
- Familiarity with A/E/C industry regulations, contracting methods, and delivery models
- Understanding of organizational development practices, including performance reviews and succession planning
Preferred
- Master's degree or advanced certification in operations, management, or a related field.
- Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and distributed offices or remote teams.
- Prior experience with profit center or market P&L responsibility (direct or support role).
- Architectural Licensure
Why you'll love Stratus- A team-oriented environment that values transparency, creativity, and shared success
- Meaningful career paths, leadership opportunities, and space to specialize
- Learning & Development - Education and Professional Licensing
- We support hybrid work and balance because your well-being matters
- Excellent Health Care Programs - Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
- Voluntary Life Insurance options for employees, spouses, and dependents
- 401k Retirement Plan with employer match
- Paid Holidays & Competitive PTO plans
Interested in learning more about Stratus, please visit https://www.stratusteam.com/.
