Emboss Design
Director of Operations – Operations, People, Profitability & AI-Driven Systems Leadership
Newport, KY
(In-Person, just across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio) High base salary + performance bonuses Senior leadership role with firm-wide impact We’re a boutique architecture firm that punches well above our weight class — and we’re looking for a
licensed architect
to step into a full-time
Director of Operations
role. This is not a production-heavy role. It’s about
running the internal engine of the firm
— people, processes, profitability, and systems — so the CEO can focus on vision, design, and high-value client relationships. A critical part of your role will be
AI fluency . You’ll be responsible for
identifying, implementing, and integrating AI-powered tools
that improve efficiency, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance the quality and speed of our work. This isn’t just about trying out new tech — it’s about building
AI-enabled systems
that become core to how the firm operates day-to-day. You’ll oversee
firm-wide operations, staffing, and accountability , ensuring projects are profitable, deadlines are met, and our team thrives in a high-trust, high-accountability culture. You’ll be
Revit fluent
— able to open models, review progress, and understand scope impacts — but your day-to-day won’t be drafting. Instead, you’ll work hand-in-hand with our Director of Architecture to keep delivery smooth and the business healthy. What You’ll Do People Leadership & Accountability Manage all staff except the Director of Architecture Lead hiring and onboarding processes Conduct performance tracking, reviews, and professional development Maintain a culture of accountability, trust, and high performance Address performance or behavior issues directly and promptly Profitability & Forecasting Oversee firm-wide utilization rates, billable targets, and project profitability Monitor real-time project performance and act early to correct course Maintain the master 60-day staffing map in coordination with the Director of Architecture Partner with CEO on financial strategy and pricing ️
Operational Excellence & AI Systems Own and refine operational systems, SOPs, templates, and workflows Lead AI adoption : Research, select, and implement AI tools that improve efficiency and reduce repetitive work Train team members to use AI effectively in their daily workflows Oversee scheduling, project resourcing, and delivery processes Ensure compliance with contracts, licensing, and insurance Leadership & Reporting Run weekly leadership meetings with CEO and Director of Architecture Provide CEO with concise, data-driven updates on performance, risks, and opportunities Translate vision into measurable actions and results across the team Who You Are Licensed Architect with a strong understanding of the design and construction process AI-savvy : Already using AI tools in your work or eager to master them, with a proven ability to integrate them into team workflows Revit fluent
— comfortable navigating models, reviewing progress, and assessing scope impact (but not a primary drafter) Experienced in operations leadership, preferably in architecture, design, or professional services Exceptional at people management and holding others accountable Detail-oriented and process-driven, with strong organizational systems skills Financially literate — can read a P&L, understand margins, and manage budgets Comfortable in a
high-trust, high-accountability, in-person
environment Required Experience 10+ years in architecture, with leadership or operational management experience Licensed to stamp drawings (though stamping is not a core duty) Proven track record in managing teams and improving profitability Demonstrated experience with AI tools or systems integration is strongly preferred Familiarity with architecture/design industry tools (Ajera preferred) What We Offer A leadership seat where your impact is felt daily The chance to run and shape the future of a growing, creative, mission-driven firm Competitive salary + performance bonuses Leadership & Growth Opportunities to advance your career Medical Insurance Health Savings Account (HSA) Paid Time Off (PTO) Bank – combines vacation, sick, and personal days so you can use your time as you need Paid Holidays – seven full days Paid Parental Leave 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan with retirement savings with 3% company match Ongoing Career Development, including training and advancement opportunities Certification & Licensure Assistance Mentorship to support your professional journey Casual, Collaborative Culture with a supportive team The opportunity to use your most valuable resources - your time and energy towards making a positive mark on the world
#J-18808-Ljbffr
(In-Person, just across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio) High base salary + performance bonuses Senior leadership role with firm-wide impact We’re a boutique architecture firm that punches well above our weight class — and we’re looking for a
licensed architect
to step into a full-time
Director of Operations
role. This is not a production-heavy role. It’s about
running the internal engine of the firm
— people, processes, profitability, and systems — so the CEO can focus on vision, design, and high-value client relationships. A critical part of your role will be
AI fluency . You’ll be responsible for
identifying, implementing, and integrating AI-powered tools
that improve efficiency, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance the quality and speed of our work. This isn’t just about trying out new tech — it’s about building
AI-enabled systems
that become core to how the firm operates day-to-day. You’ll oversee
firm-wide operations, staffing, and accountability , ensuring projects are profitable, deadlines are met, and our team thrives in a high-trust, high-accountability culture. You’ll be
Revit fluent
— able to open models, review progress, and understand scope impacts — but your day-to-day won’t be drafting. Instead, you’ll work hand-in-hand with our Director of Architecture to keep delivery smooth and the business healthy. What You’ll Do People Leadership & Accountability Manage all staff except the Director of Architecture Lead hiring and onboarding processes Conduct performance tracking, reviews, and professional development Maintain a culture of accountability, trust, and high performance Address performance or behavior issues directly and promptly Profitability & Forecasting Oversee firm-wide utilization rates, billable targets, and project profitability Monitor real-time project performance and act early to correct course Maintain the master 60-day staffing map in coordination with the Director of Architecture Partner with CEO on financial strategy and pricing ️
Operational Excellence & AI Systems Own and refine operational systems, SOPs, templates, and workflows Lead AI adoption : Research, select, and implement AI tools that improve efficiency and reduce repetitive work Train team members to use AI effectively in their daily workflows Oversee scheduling, project resourcing, and delivery processes Ensure compliance with contracts, licensing, and insurance Leadership & Reporting Run weekly leadership meetings with CEO and Director of Architecture Provide CEO with concise, data-driven updates on performance, risks, and opportunities Translate vision into measurable actions and results across the team Who You Are Licensed Architect with a strong understanding of the design and construction process AI-savvy : Already using AI tools in your work or eager to master them, with a proven ability to integrate them into team workflows Revit fluent
— comfortable navigating models, reviewing progress, and assessing scope impact (but not a primary drafter) Experienced in operations leadership, preferably in architecture, design, or professional services Exceptional at people management and holding others accountable Detail-oriented and process-driven, with strong organizational systems skills Financially literate — can read a P&L, understand margins, and manage budgets Comfortable in a
high-trust, high-accountability, in-person
environment Required Experience 10+ years in architecture, with leadership or operational management experience Licensed to stamp drawings (though stamping is not a core duty) Proven track record in managing teams and improving profitability Demonstrated experience with AI tools or systems integration is strongly preferred Familiarity with architecture/design industry tools (Ajera preferred) What We Offer A leadership seat where your impact is felt daily The chance to run and shape the future of a growing, creative, mission-driven firm Competitive salary + performance bonuses Leadership & Growth Opportunities to advance your career Medical Insurance Health Savings Account (HSA) Paid Time Off (PTO) Bank – combines vacation, sick, and personal days so you can use your time as you need Paid Holidays – seven full days Paid Parental Leave 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan with retirement savings with 3% company match Ongoing Career Development, including training and advancement opportunities Certification & Licensure Assistance Mentorship to support your professional journey Casual, Collaborative Culture with a supportive team The opportunity to use your most valuable resources - your time and energy towards making a positive mark on the world
#J-18808-Ljbffr