Head of Design Operations

Keller Executive Search International

. Provide hands-on operational leadership to design professionals and external freelance resources across concept development and technical design phases .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeParis • FranceLead💰 €75,000 - €90,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates strong operational leadership in architecture and design, with a focus on budget oversight, team development, and client relationship management. Proficient in ensuring compliance with technical and regulatory standards while delivering high-quality design outputs.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Operational LeadershipBudget OversightTeam DevelopmentClient-Facing ExperienceTechnical Literacy

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Project ManagementWorkload PlanningCost ControlTechnical Plan ReviewDesign Quality Assurance

Soft Skills

CoachingMentoringBuilding TrustTeam Culture Development

Tools & Technologies

Revit

Industry Keywords

ArchitectureInterior DesignWorkplace Fit-OutConstructionCommercial Interior Projects

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide hands-on operational leadership to design professionals and external freelance resources across concept development and technical design phases
Manage workload allocation, resourcing and scheduling to ensure reliable, on-time delivery
Own budget oversight and cost control across the design function
Review, challenge and quality-check technical plans and design outputs before client submission
Ensure outputs meet technical, accessibility and regulatory standards
Act as a key client-facing contact for design quality and delivery on large-scale workplace projects
Strategically deploy freelance and external resources to support team scalability
Coach, mentor and develop creative and technical professionals
Build a stable, high-performing team culture
Partner with pre-construction and delivery teams for seamless project handover through completion
Report to senior leadership on team performance, project status and resourcing needs

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant experience in an operational leadership role within architecture, interior design, workplace fit-out or construction, gained in a design, delivery or technical management capacity
Proven track record managing and developing teams of design or technical professionals, including workload planning and resourcing
Demonstrated experience overseeing project budgets and cost control
Strong technical literacy, with the ability to read, review and challenge technical and design plans
Client-facing experience and ability to build trust with international clients
Professional working proficiency in French
Eligibility to work in France, or to obtain the relevant right to work
Background as an architect, interior designer, or related technical/design discipline is preferred, though a design qualification is not essential
Candidates from construction or similar technical backgrounds are encouraged to apply
Working knowledge of Revit is preferred
Fluency in English is valuable
Experience developing creative concepts and pitching to clients is an advantage, not a requirement
Experience in workplace design, fit-out, or large-scale commercial interior projects is preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Variable incentive to be confirmed and discussed with shortlisted candidates
Hybrid working pattern with 2 days of remote work per week
Approximately 5% travel across European project sites
French statutory annual leave entitlement (minimum 25 working days)
Additional leave or benefits to be confirmed with shortlisted candidates
Relocation assistance available for Paris