Chief Operating Officer

• Award-Winning Architecture & Design Practice
• Newly Created Executive Leadership Role
• Multi-Studio Operations Nationally, NZ & Asia Pacific
• Executive Remuneration Package

About the Company

Our client is a well-established, multidisciplinary architecture and design practice with a sizeable team operating across multiple studios in Australia, New Zealand and the wider Asia Pacific region.

The practice's expertise spans residential, hospitality, commercial and government projects, as well as urban design and master-planning. It is led by an experienced partnership group supported by studio leadership and has built a strong reputation on a collaborative culture where the best idea for a design always wins.

About the Opportunity

This newly created role will see the Chief Operating Officer join the executive leadership team, responsible for overseeing and optimising the firm's operational functions and implementing the strategic plan established by the Advisory Board.

Operating across multiple studios and markets, the practice is continuing to implement significant change to its processes and systems to support its rapid growth, while retaining its extremely strong creative culture. The COO will assist driving this transformation, with a particular focus on leveraging technology, including AI, to build efficiencies and ensure seamless integration of processes across all studios.

We are seeking a strategic leader with deep expertise in business operations and organisational management, who is comfortable with the flexibility, fluidity and occasional ambiguity of a fast-growing, creatively driven business, and who brings a genuine passion for building the business and its people.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the practice, including Technology, Marketing, Business Development, People & Culture and Sustainability, providing leadership, mentoring and clear KPIs across all teams
• Identify and implement best-practice improvements, partnering with the IT team to leverage new systems and technology, including Artificial Intelligence, to enhance performance and efficiency
• Liaise with and report to the Advisory Board, overseeing implementation of the firm's Strategic Plan and its broader reporting regime
• Monitor client project and financial performance together with the CFO, establishing robust reporting tools and metrics, and lead the annual budgeting and revenue forecasting process
• Foster a collaborative, performance-focused culture aligned with the firm's values, while maintaining high standards of work and the best possible client outcomes
• Drive company results from an operational and financial perspective, fostering accountability across the practice

Skills & Experience

• Proven track record in a senior leadership role, preferably within a professional services setting
• Strong business and commercial acumen, with expertise in financial management, strategic planning and operational efficiency
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate and align teams
• Ability to drive change, foster innovation and implement scalable business solutions
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration, or similar

Individuals with high-level problem-solving capability, strong organisational skills and the ability to influence and communicate at Board and senior management level are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

If you would like to be considered for this opportunity, please click the ‘Apply’ button or call Mal Stuart 0413 308 314 for a confidential discussion.