The Studio Leader demonstrates the leadership skills necessary to strengthen existing client relationships and support the performance of the office through assigned teams by creating a work environment where Teammates are engaged, excel in their abilities, and clients receive superior service. Ensuring Teammates receive the necessary support and opportunities for development and advancement, the Studio Leader mentors and grows NELSON talent.
The Studio Leader manages multiple teams led by Project Leads within a given office or region in project delivery. As Studio Leader of the Healthcare Practice, within their designated office/region, they have the ultimate responsibility for the performance of their assigned teams in the areas of promoting the NELSON values and culture, resource management, project delivery, quality, and financial performance. The Studio Leader plays a key role in supporting pursuits in either service lines, practice areas and/or the local market.
Attributes to support the NELSON Culture: Go All-In, Keep It Real, Embrace Growth, Think Boldly and Be You:
- Go All-In – Take responsibility for your actions, do what you say and always lead by example
- Keep It Real - Communicate with empathy, transparency and respect to support each other in the pursuit of great work
- Embrace Growth - Seek to learn, grow and experiment to fuel our future
- Think Boldly - Exude a passion for problem solving, creativity and curiosity in everything you do
- Be You – Express your unique self and actively engage in our fun, diverse community of real people
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
- Knowledge of design, trends, construction methodology, materials application and manufacturer-supplier appropriateness within the Healthcare Sector (Medical)
- Possess code knowledge and ensure team has incorporated permitting requirements into the deliverables
- Basic knowledge of sustainability, integrated design and LEED, Well, EnergyStar guidelines
- Proficiency in Deltek Vision
- Proficiency in understanding of financial management concepts
- Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:
Leadership:
- Organize and prioritize tasks as needed to complete within the identified time frame
- Manage expectations of project leads and Teammates, cast a vision for success of the studio
- Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing
- Lead by example
- Foster a positive studio environment and maintain harmony
- Resolve conflict and have difficult conversations with Teammates, peers, upper management and/or clients when necessary
- Provide opportunities to utilize individual’s strengths for their professional development as well as team performance
- Conduct employee performance evaluations within studio on an annual basis and provide feedback to the Market Leader; recommend salary increases for teammates with Market Leader
- Conduct performance evaluations for your direct reports within studio as needed
- Advise the Market Leader of project lead performance and team(s) dynamic on a quarterly basis
- Set goals with project leads and create opportunities to achieve these goals
- Deliver feedback to inspire continuous learning
- Develop project leads in core responsibilities for their role
- Mentor all Teammates in the execution of their responsibilities
- Provide studio performance feedback to Market Leader and Practice Leaders
- Mentor project leads on written and oral communication, presentation skills, time management, and prioritizing their team’s workload
- Develop network to support the recruiting efforts for the firm
- Embrace specific steps to create, develop and promote a diverse workforce and to promote an inclusive environment
Resource Management:
- Meet weekly with the project leads to ensure all work is progressing as scheduled. Provide direction to project leads to resolve issues that are project related or between Teammates
- Assist project leads in rebalancing workload between teams if necessary; final authority over delegation of client/account assignments and/or project assignments
- Evaluate teams’ skills and provide staffing recommendations to Market Leader or Practice Area Leader
- Participate in the staffing process; assist with seeking new talent and conduct interview with Market Leader
- Ensure internal reporting is completed in Deltek Vision on time. (i.e. time sheet approvals, project planning and pipeline projections as applicable)
- Manage studio utilization to meet targets and ensure a balanced workload
- Be knowledgeable about projects within the teams
- Coordinate with Market Leader and Practice Area Leader when staffing decisions affect both parties’ initiatives
Technical:
- Ensure project leads within studio are following NELSON protocol for QA/QC; provide QA/QC support as necessary
- Guide project leads in utilizing all NELSON resources within their office, within the team/account, and across the network to deliver quality technical and/or creative design
- Support the initiative of the local/regional Technical Leader; share experiences within the studio to inform best practices that will benefit the firm
- Prioritize and effectively meet deadlines, delegate tasks and provide high quality service to clients
Project Delivery:
- Prepare project budgets and mentor/support Teammates to follow them; teach Teammates to prepare them on their own
- Prepare proposals, define scope and estimate fees that are easy to understand and ensure profitability
Financial Management:
- Review financial reports and utilize the data for evaluating positive performance and identify areas for improvement
- Provide budget/proposal support including additional services and reallocations to manage project profitability
- Review project budgets and coordinate regarding fees with peers to ensure profitability as well as consistency across studio and/or practice area
- Enforce project planning and tracking by project leads and PMs in their usage of Deltek Vision. Review monthly project plan updates to ensure project plans are current and on track
- Ensure billings are current and completed by project leads and PMs within time frame.
- Assist in collecting AR and escalate issues with client which may delay payment to the Market Leader, or Practice Leader
- Mentor Teammates on understanding the fundamentals of timesheet entries, project budgets, and the invoicing process
- Ensure Team Leaders are managing their Teammate’s timesheets, utilization and billable percentage targets
- Coordinate with Market Leader and Practice Leaders to forecast revenue annually and direct project leads to ensure projections are on track; correct course as needed to ensure revenue projections are met
- Be actively engaged and proactive in monitoring revenue for Clients and/or accounts within local office as well as national teammates if applicable
- Coordinate with peer Studio Leaders regarding client or practice specific revenue trends
Client Service:
- Participate in professional organizations and events to increase firm’s profile; strive for a leadership role such as Committee chair assignments/board level positions for industry and commercial real estate organizations
- Maintain relationships with existing clients and build relationships with new clients, including specific service delivery partner relationships and ability to “salvage” troubled Clients, accounts, and/or projects if needed
- Attend client meetings and KPI (Key Performance Indicators) reviews with Market Leader or Practice Leaders as requested
- Keep a pulse on client satisfaction; maintain solid relationships with clients and solicit feedback on performance regularly
Education / Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or Architecture from an accredited University
- 15+ years of experience working in the field of Interior Design and/or Architecture; or equivalent in appropriate education and experience
- Experience as a Team Director, Account Manager, and/or Project Manager required
Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual is required to have proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and Outlook) and Deltek Vision. CAD/Revit knowledge is desired.
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