Sustainable Design Consulting, LLC · 1 day ago
Senior Associate, Business Operations
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$122K/yr - $130K/yrSustainable Design Consulting, LLC is seeking a Senior Associate, Business Operations to support the Managing Principal and enhance the firm’s internal operations. This role involves translating leadership priorities into effective systems and processes while overseeing various operational functions and ensuring organizational accountability.
AdviceConstructionGreen BuildingProfessional ServicesTraining
Hiring Manager
Michelle Kolev
Responsibilities
Serve as a principal‑aligned leader, providing structured operational and organizational support to the Managing Principal
Translate leadership direction into clear expectations, roles, systems, and workflows
Provide follow‑through on firm priorities, ensuring initiatives move from decision to implementation
Anticipate operational, organizational, or capacity challenges and surface practical, solution‑oriented recommendations
Supervise three direct reports
Lead efforts to strengthen organizational clarity, including role definition, responsibility alignment, and decision‑making authority
Review, update, and maintain job descriptions and role documentation across the firm
Establish and reinforce accountability expectations, including ownership of work, performance standards, and communication norms
Identify opportunities to improve collaboration, coordination, and consistency across teams
Oversee core Human Resources operations, including policies, employee lifecycle processes, and internal guidance
Support managers with practical tools, structure, and training related to supervision, performance expectations, and communication
Coordinate internal training, mentorship, and learning initiatives that support staff development and organizational learning
Ensure people practices are consistent, transparent, and aligned with firm values, business objectives, and sustainability commitments
Oversee client and vendor contract administration, ensuring clarity, documentation, and process discipline
Serve as an internal resource on contract processes, compliance, and procurement workflows
Support leadership and project teams on client relations, collections, and delivery coordination, as needed
Provide oversight and direction to Accounting, IT, Office, Facilities, and Marketing functions, ensuring alignment and efficiency
Lead operational quality and process improvement efforts across internal workflows
Own the development, documentation, and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Work in close alignment with consulting staff to improve project management tools, processes, and internal accountability
Depending on experience, support or lead special projects, including serving as Owner’s Representative for the firm’s upcoming Richmond office renovation
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree and relevant professional training
Senior‑level experience in business operations, organizational effectiveness, people operations, or related functions
Demonstrated success supporting senior leaders in a small business or professional services environment
Experience with organizational structure, job descriptions, and role clarity
Experience with HR operations and practical manager support
Experience with contract administration and operational process management
Experience with accountability systems, workflow ownership, and continuous improvement
Company
Sustainable Design Consulting, LLC
Sustainable Design Consulting, LLC (SDC) is an award-winning, prolific green building consulting and training firm dedicated to bettering our built environment through sustainable planning, design, construction, operations, maintenance, and reporting.
Founded in 2002
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase