Principal

Do you love developing wayfinding solutions and championing brands in the built environment? Are you driven to improve experiences through environmental graphic design and be seen as an industry-leading thought leader? Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit and possess a passion for growth? If so, then we need to connect with you.
The GNU Group is looking for the right Principal to join our leadership team. We continue to significantly impact Healthcare, Corporate, Mixed-Use Residential, Educational, and other markets. Your thought leadership, experience, and drive will take us even further.
As Principal, you’ll be responsible for leading the strategic direction for and development of wayfinding solutions, architectural signage, and branded environments. You’ll also lead new business outreach in critical markets, with the support of a dedicated team of principals, project managers and designers.
We have the right culture, the right model, the right clients, and unlimited potential. All that’s missing is you. Are you the next GNU?
While our preference is to have team members based in the SF Bay Area, we have adapted to a hybrid workforce and will consider hybrid/remote options once for a candidate with the right qualifications.
Requirements
Major Principal Responsibilities.
New Business:
Responsible for $1.5MM in annual net sales. Responsible for focused Go/No Go decisions based on our ability to win, deliver project excellence to the client while generating the profit assumptions established with our initial work plans. Identify and develop qualification and bid proposals, lead client presentations and interviews. Identify markets or strategic pursuits that have the potential to be game-changers because it opens a new or expanding market.
Wayfinding Strategy &
Planning:
Develop comprehensive wayfinding strategies and designing user-friendly wayfinding sign programs. Conduct wayfinding assessments, research user group behavior and concerns, identify circulation patterns, organize destinations, establish a hierarchy of information, determine wayfinding language, and meet with stakeholders. Identify functional and aesthetic factors that define design criteria, set operational and compliance parameters and provide fabrication and installation scenarios and budgets.
Project Planning and Execution:
Review and approve the work plan during the proposal phase and upon contract execution including:
Scope &
approach, milestones and resourcing schedule, budget, and establishing primary responsibilities for client and team communication, change management, financials – (Billing, collections and budget), and project closeout – lessons learned.
Project Team Communication and Management:
Responsible to mentor, grow and engage with the team in furtherance of their professional development. Foster positive project team collaboration and a team culture where creative ideas are encouraged and implemented as appropriate. Communicate with clarity and purpose. Lead by example.
Financial Management:
Maintain a positive financial position for GNU Group and projects;
constantly understanding and resolving material variances. Accountable for delivering projects on budget. Achieve individual annual revenue goals to maintain the financial health of the company.
Thought Leadership:
Provide ongoing thought leadership in one or more key markets that we work in. Develop thought leadership content on an ongoing basis for marketing and business development. Share knowledge and lead training sessions for staff development.
Performance Expectations.
$1,500,000 in net sales annually through new clients and organic account growth
45-55% billable
Annual Salary Range:
$165,000 - $185,000
Qualifications.
Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Architecture, Environmental Design, or related field.
15+ years of experience in signage and wayfinding, with a strong portfolio and proven track record of delivering high-quality projects.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and team members.
Strong business acumen, with experience developing and implementing business strategies.
Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, timelines, and resources effectively.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Strong technical skills, including proficiency with software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Revit, Miro, and Office365.
Ability to generate sales and build relationships with clients, vendors, and team members.
Familiarity with building codes and regulations, including ADA and CBC.
Proven thought leadership in one or more key markets.
Benefits
Choice of select medical plans
Dental Plan
Vision Plan
Vacation Pay
Simple Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Plan with employer contribution (matching up to 3%)
A great organizational culture centered on transparency, honest communication, prescribed process, and personal responsibility.
Employment authorization will be conducted via E-Verify within the first three days of employment. Impec Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity),national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.