Architectural Studio Manager

Company Overview The Carlile Group strives to create, enhance, and maintain our built environment by providing building capital market solutions for physical plant managers and building owners. Offering architectural, inspection, and property management services to clients from the retail, office, civic, institutional, and residential market segments, we work to ensure buildings are safe, functional, and aesthetically desirable for our clients and users. We provide building services while building relationships. Opportunity Overview We have an immediate need for a full-time Architectural Studio Manager & Associate Principal . This is a pivotal leadership role designed for an experienced architect looking to trade the city burnout for a high-impact leadership position with a clear path to firm ownership.

Compensation and Benefits Salary:

Anticipated salary is approximately $115,000-$130,000 per year.

Ownership Pathway:

This role is designated for an individual seeking a defined trajectory toward Equity Partner.

Hybrid Flexibility:

To support talent from the Chicago area and South Suburbs, we offer a 4-1 hybrid schedule (4 days in our Manteno studio, 1 day remote).

Benefits:

Package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, 401K with employer contribution, performance bonus, and paid vacation/personal time. Responsibilities Oversee and optimize team assignments using project management software and other tools to ensure balanced workloads and delivery capabilities. Monitor staffing gaps or overages and recommend hiring or restructuring actions. Maintain and report on staff utilization and resource alignment to ensure a 75-80% billable rate across the studio. Analyze project budgets, timelines, and milestones to ensure a 20% net profit margin. Lead bi-monthly WIP (work in progress) meetings to track performance and identify recovery strategies. Align project scopes and fees with client expectations and firm goals. Track contract deadlines, deliverables, and internal workflows. Coordinate schedules across internal and external teams to prevent delays. Maintain quality assurance across all physical and digital deliverables. Mentor Project Architects and Project Managers, fostering leadership growth. Support staff in understanding broader firm goals and operational impact. Assist in recruiting by crafting job descriptions and interviewing candidates as we expand. Review staffing costs in relation to project revenues to ensure healthy cash flow. Monitor architectural billing, accounts payable, and profitability tracking. Provide technical oversight and design input to ensure quality and accuracy of deliverables. Offer hands-on assistance with architectural drawings and specifications as needed.

Education and Experience Licensure:

Candidate must be NCARB certified and a State of Illinois licensed architect.

Experience:

Minimum of 10 years of experience is preferred, with at least 5 years of demonstrable Project Management experience leading teams from inception through close-out.

Leadership:

Excellent communication and leadership skills are required; we are looking for a self-driven "Integrator" who can facilitate excellence.

Location:

Ideal for candidates in the Chicago South Suburbs (e.g., Frankfort, Mokena, Tinley Park) looking for a "reverse commute" or a high-level role outside of the Loop.

Pay:

$115,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Manteno, IL 60950