Chief Operating Officer
LRK is a nationally recognized design firm built around a team of architects, urban designers, planners, and interior designers. We believe that great places are created through successful collaboration and careful consideration of how these disciplines impact and respect the surrounding community.
LRK is seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead firmwide operations, team development, resource planning, and provide strategic direction. Based in Memphis, TN, this role serves as a cornerstone in aligning our multi-office operations with the firm’s values, culture, and growth.
Key Responsibilities
People, Culture & Resource Leadership
- Foster a strong, collaborative culture that reflects LRK’s values across all offices.
- Build strong relationships with leadership and staff across all offices.
- Lead firmwide staffing and resource planning, ensuring balanced workloads and optimal utilization.
- Resolve inter-studio staffing conflicts and promote cross-office team collaboration.
- Manage the Information Services team to support smooth and modern operations.
- Identify and address workflow inefficiencies that hinder productivity.
- Support and expand firmwide training, talent development, and leadership growth.
Project Support & Operational Excellence
- Partner with PMs to create realistic budgets, schedules, and staffing plans for major projects.
- Work with PMs and PICs to develop solutions for troubled projects.
- Provide ongoing coaching and mentoring to Project Managers.
- Oversee QA/QC compliance across studios to uphold the firm’s design and delivery standards.
- Participate in periodic studio reviews focused on financial and project performance.
- Provide expertise in technical, project management, and/or client management support to firmwide initiatives.
Legal, Insurance & Risk Oversight
- Serve as the primary liaison for outside legal counsel and insurance providers.
- Support the negotiation of new office leases and lease renewals.
- Participate in the Risk Management Committee and insurance policy renewals (PL, CGL, Auto, Umbrella, Cyber).
- Review contracts and legal documents (O/A’s, C401’s, NDA’s, lender consents).
- Oversee consultant compliance with insurance requirements.
- Conduct ongoing monitoring of state architectural licensing compliance.
Qualifications
- 10+ years in senior operations or leadership, preferably in the AEC industry.
- Proven ability to lead people, build culture, and scale organizational processes.
- Strong understanding of staffing strategy, project performance, and business operations.
- Experience with insurance, legal, and licensing issues in a multi-state professional setting is a plus.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a coaching mindset.
LRK offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401k plan, paid time off and more. Along with those standard employee benefits, LRK offers a mentoring program, exam and professional membership reimbursements, continuing education opportunities, and many more personal and professional benefits.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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