Head Architect, Residential Design and Planning (Head of India Office)

As a Principal Architect (Head of India) at zHeight, you will play a crucial role in leading and scaling the India-based delivery operations of our fast-growing, design-led planning and permitting studio. Your responsibilities will include managing a team of architectural designers, ensuring timely and high-quality project delivery, implementing quality control measures, and overseeing the India P&L. Additionally, you will act as a liaison between the India team and the U.S. business and design leadership to ensure aligned execution. Key Responsibilities: - Architecture Delivery Leadership: Oversee end-to-end project delivery, from conceptual design to permit-ready drawings, ensuring quality, timeliness, and efficiency. - Team Building: Lead, manage, and grow a high-performing team of architects and drafters in India, recruiting top talent from institutes like NIT and IIT. - Hiring & Onboarding: Scale the team by rapidly onboarding top talent and implementing detailed QA/QC processes. - Quality Control: Implement and oversee QA/QC processes to maintain U.S. standards across deliverables. - P&L and Operations Management: Own the India P&L, optimize workflows, manage vendor relationships, and drive operational excellence. - Cross-border Coordination: Act as a bridge between the India team and the U.S. business and design leadership. - Tooling & Systems: Drive adoption of best-in-class architectural and project management tools to streamline delivery processes. Qualifications Required: - Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering from a top-tier institute (NIT, IIT, CEPT, etc.); Masters preferred. - Experience: 5-8 years of experience, including 2-3 years in a leadership role managing architecture/design teams. - Industry Knowledge: Experience in residential design, construction documentation, and permitting processes; U.S. experience is a plus. - Start-up Experience: Exposure to a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment is preferred. - Leadership & Communication: Proven ability to lead teams, communicate effectively with global stakeholders, and drive business outcomes. - Technical Proficiency: Proficient in tools like AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and project management platforms.,