Studio Management Leader

About Woods Bagot

Woods Bagot is a People Architecture company placing human experience at the centre of our design process to create and deliver engaging, future-oriented projects that respond to the way people actually use space.

With a team of over 850 experts working across 17 studios in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America, our Global Studio model allows us to work collaboratively across time zones and borders, using the latest technology to share design intelligence and strengthen our knowledge base around the world.

About the Role

This role is responsible for overseeing the commercial operations of the Melbourne Studio (Hub) and its projects. It provides strategic commercial direction, leading negotiations, establishing contracts, and managing variations to ensure projects are delivered profitably.

Working closely with studio leaders, stream leaders, project leaders, and finance teams, this role plays a key part in driving financial success. Additionally, it supports project leaders in resolving commercial challenges throughout the project lifecycle and ensures the practice remains compliant with legislative and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities:

There are four main dimensions to the role; Commercial Aspects, Management Stream, Compliance, and Project Leadership.

Commercial Aspects:

• Ensure project fees, contracts, variations for projects are properly drafted, negotiated, documented, and recorded.
• Review (major) fees and bids from a commercial perspective (terms, liability and insurance).
• Escalate approval of fees.
• Work closely with Legal in the negotiation and finalisation of contracts.
• Support project leaders and be able to review and ‘fix’ trouble projects.
• Monitor and escalate contract and risk management issues including variation and novation discussions.
• Work with Project Leaders to deliver projects to a profit.
• Monitor and resolve issues with strategic project client relationships.
• Work with Group Legal and Group Risk Manager on insurance claims and notifications.
• Manage the development of annual Studio budgets.
• Work closely with the studio accountants to oversee the Studio performance to budget and assist the Studio Chair to provide meaningful reporting.

Management Stream:

• Drive key Management Stream initiatives in collaboration with the respective key leaders.
• Ensure projects are established effectively leveraging WB systems.
• Ensure the effective management of projects, forecasts and forward resourcing.
• Work with People and Culture to ensure a people focused resourcing approach that aligns with staff development stages and career development aspirations.
• Work with the Studio Chair to regular review the studio matrix and proactively identify any recalibration requirements to align with the studio strategy.
• Oversee that studio activities relating to WIP, revenue take-up and project performance and ensure corrective actions are taken when necessary.
• Pursue, manage, and negotiate inter-studio work.
• Together with studio leadership actively manage lock-up and collections.

Compliance:

• Act of behalf of Woods Bagot at industry association dealing with building codes and other construction legislative requirements.
• Ensure that the businesses remain current by attending requisite industry compliance activities and ensuring the dissemination of code and legislative changes.
• Support training programs for project leaders.
• Work closely with the Studio Practice Manager to Implement and maintain workplace and site safety processes and standards in the studio.
• Attend the large practice forum on behalf of Woods Bagot.

Project Leadership:

• Where required ensure the efficient day to day management of projects within and outside of the Studio, including the staff and resourcing involved in the project.
• Ensuring that the project is managed effectively and with foresight and to maximise profit within the context of other responsibilities.
• Ensuring the project is executed with professionalism and expertise, leaving a positive impression both within and outside Woods Bagot, while aligning with the firm’s objectives and Business Plan.
• Ensuring that all project risks are identified and mitigated in coordination with Woods Bagot management.
• Ensuring that the client’s requirements, needs and wants are met within the terms of our conditions of engagement and fee.

About You

You are a highly professional and driven individual with a strong sense of initiative. Your strong client and project management skills ensure exceptional outcomes, while your leadership abilities enable you to mentor and develop others effectively. With a keen commercial acumen and strong management capabilities, you bring both strategic insight and hands-on expertise to every project.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Minimum 15+ years experience.
• Major scale architectural project delivery.
• Master of Architecture (or equivalent).
• Registered Architect.
• Experience in managing medium to large practices (end to end commercial practices).
• Solid Senior Leadership experience.

How to Apply

Please submit your up-to-date CV and portfolio if applicable via our Studio Leader LinkedIn Job Post. Applications will be treated with the upmost sensitivity and confidentiality. Please note: We do not accept unsolicited resumes or names from agencies.

Mandatory requirement: It is an essential requirement that at the time of applying for this position applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia (an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident).

Inspiration. Innovation. Inclusiveness. We are Woods Bagot.

Woods Bagot is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

At Woods Bagot, we are committed to creating an environment where difference is celebrated, valued and respected, practices are equitable, and our people feel like they belong. We accept that none of us is smarter than all of us. We believe building a diverse workforce is the foundation to creativity and innovative design – it is only by working together that we can realise the potential of our people, clients and communities around us. Through our inclusive leadership and our truly global studio network of strategists, experience designers and scientists, you will find your voice and have the support and flexibility required to bring your whole self to work and build an exceptional career.