Managing Director

At Unispace, we create spaces that empower people and businesses to thrive. We are a global design-build partner delivering workplace and life sciences projects for some of the world’s most innovative brands.

With over 500 people across four continents, we bring together strategy, design, project management, and delivery into one seamless experience. Our integrated approach enables us to move with agility, solve complex challenges, and deliver meaningful outcomes for our clients.

Our people are at the centre of everything we do. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity, accountability, creativity, and continuous improvement. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us create better experiences for our clients and each other.

At Unispace, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects, work alongside talented global teams, and grow your career in an environment that encourages innovation and new ideas.

Why you’re here:

As the Managing Director, you will provide strategic leadership and operational direction to Unispace’s New York studio. You’ll play a key role in fostering a high-performing team, driving business growth, and ensuring exceptional client service aligned with our full methodology. This is an opportunity to shape Unispace New York's operations by developing market-specific strategies, building client relationships, and nurturing a culture of collaboration and excellence.

What you’re responsible for:

• Establish and lead high-performing teams across the New York studio, supporting Discipline Leads in recruitment, talent development, and performance management.
• Develop and execute a strategic plan that focuses on resource allocation, client acquisition, team growth, and operational excellence.
• Drive Unispace’s market presence as a visible ambassador, understanding local market trends, cultural nuances, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with global and regional leaders to align New York operations with Unispace’s broader strategic objectives.
• Build and nurture strategic relationships with clients, project managers, and industry agents to expand Unispace’s portfolio and secure repeat business.
• Develop and implement client strategies tailored to local market needs, ensuring alignment with global goals.
• Identify new business opportunities, lead client presentations, and drive revenue growth by achieving pre-agreed sales targets.
• Maintain insight into project and client profitability throughout project lifecycles.
• Oversee adoption and effective use of key systems, including Salesforce, Procore, Revit, and more.
• Provide financial oversight, including reporting on sales, gross profit, labor costs, and pipeline projections.
• Ensure risk management strategies are in place and address legal, reputational, and financial risks in collaboration with global functions.
• Foster collaboration across disciplines, studios, and corporate functions, ensuring seamless operations and alignment with Unispace culture and values.

How we’ll measure it:

• Build and maintain high-performing, collaborative teams aligned with Unispace’s culture and values.
• Achieve sales targets, drive pipeline growth, and ensure high sales conversion rates with target clients.
• Deliver an exceptional client experience, resulting in repeat business and a strong local reputation.
• Maintain consistency in standards, technology solutions, and processes across studios while managing risks effectively.
• Position Unispace as a competitive leader in the New York market by driving service excellence and gaining market share.

Your experience & skills:

• Proven leadership in managing and developing high-performing teams.

• Exceptional client relationship management and networking abilities.

• Strong commercial awareness and business acumen.

• Expertise in contract negotiation, procurement processes, and pitching to clients.

• Excellent communication, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to collaborate across diverse teams and geographies.

• Extensive knowledge of the New York market, including local industry trends and regulatory requirements.

• Track record of driving business growth and achieving revenue targets in competitive markets.

• Experience in managing complex, multi-disciplinary teams and projects.

• Background in commercial real estate, design, or project management is advantageous.

• Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience and location 

Base Pay Range $215,000—$250,000 USD

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required.

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and employment lifecycle where required by applicable law.

Inclusion & Diversity

At Unispace, we believe diverse perspectives strengthen our teams, our culture, and the work we deliver for our clients. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with respect and has the opportunity to thrive.

Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.