Business Manager

Uncommon Bridges is seeking an experienced operational leader to work together with the firm’s Managing Partner and three other partners to lead the strategic and financial operations of the company, as well as promote company culture and the firm’s mission and vision. The Business Manager is a key leader in the organization, focusing on the firm's short- and long-term financial initiatives, with a strong, on-the-ground presence in the office to ensure mission-critical operational goals are being met, with a keen eye on quality assurance and quality control, After experiencing significant growth over the course of the last few years, this 15-year-old and ~15-person firm is ready for a leader to help strengthen and sustain the organization into the future. Changes in ownership structure (2022) and company name and branding (2024) have resulted in significant operational and internal systems development and investment. This role will help sustain this change, including through the transition of the Managing Partner role (2025).

About Uncommon Bridges

Uncommon Bridges is a consulting firm located in downtown Seattle next to Pike Place Market. Established in 2009 (as BDS Planning & Urban Design), Uncommon Bridges specializes in building consensus and unlikely coalitions, communicating complex information, demonstrating leading ideas, and shaping organizations. We build more vibrant, just and thriving communities by braiding inclusive process, consensus leadership, impactful organizations, and meaningful places into everything we do. Key services include Strategic Planning & Visioning; Facilitation; Research & Analysis; Business Improvement District (BID) Formation, Renewal, & Expansion; Community & Stakeholder Engagement; Policy & Program Development; Government Relations & Strategy; and Cultural Placemaking. Examples of current and past client work can be found at www.uncommonbridges.com. The company has a strong culture of transparency, flexibility, equity, and open communication, and is a majority people of color- and woman-owned small business.

About the Position

The Business Manager is responsible for overseeing the strategic business operations of the firm and designing and implementing company financial, operational and organizational development strategies and processes; supporting the Managing and other Partners on special projects, as needed. The Business Manager contributes significantly to the work of the firm by improving operational efficiency, streamlining processes, and driving the overall success of the firm.

Application Process

Uncommon Bridges is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Individuals of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Position open until filled.
• Apply via the Workable platform found at www.uncommonbridges.com/careers
• Only most qualified applicants will receive an interview.
• No phone calls or office visits, please.

Please see the full position description that follows. Please note that while applicants must possess all essential qualifications listed, they need not have any of the desirable qualifications to apply.

Requirements

Position Overview

The Business Manager is responsible for overseeing the strategic business operations of the firm and designing and implementing company financial, operational and organizational development strategies and processes; supporting the Managing and other Partners on special projects, as needed. The Business Manager contributes significantly to the work of the firm by improving operational efficiency, streamlining processes, and driving the overall success of the firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Executive Leadership — Plans and directs all administrative, financial, and operational activities with the Managing Partner; Organizes and prioritizes critical issues and required information for the Managing Partner to facilitate efficient decision making; Acts as a point of contact between Managing Partner and other stakeholders; Provides oversight and guidance to projects of high importance.
• Business Management — Collaborate with partners to design and implement policies to promote company culture and to actualize the firm’s mission, vision and guiding principles; Develop and implement plans to achieve the firm's short- and long-term financial initiatives and mission-critical operational goals towards a sound business plan; Monitor financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting; Identify and address areas of improvement to enhance operational efficiency and profitability across all lines of business, as well as in marketing, technology, and administration; Ensure core functions of the business meet appropriate regulatory and compliance standards (i.e. compliance with local, state and federal employment, data security and other laws, including timely registration and filing of licenses and taxes); Supervision of team members who support company operations.
• Operational Process Design and Implementation — Lead the planning and development of an organization's operational objectives and initiatives; Manage company vendor and client contracts and maintain a system for internal contractual compliance;  Evaluate existing operational policies, procedures, and processes and identify opportunities for improvement; Communicate change in a thoughtful and inclusive manner; Develop and implement streamlined processes and procedures to increase efficiency and ensure the functional capacity necessary to produce sustainable growth and minimize risk; Lead onboarding of all new employees and plan and implement ongoing training for all employees; Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation of process improvements.
• Project Management Support & Coordination — Collaborate with project teams to provide consultation and support on standards, processes, and tools used for effective project delivery toward achieving project goals; Ensure projects are executed efficiently, meeting quality standards, policies, procedures, and deadlines; Identify and address potential issues and risks, troubleshooting as needed; Foster a culture of innovation and excellence across project teams.
• Support Partners with Special Projects — Assist firm partners with research, analysis, and preparation of reports or presentations; Coordinate and support special projects initiated by partners.
• Professional Development — Participate in professional development activities, including seminars, conferences, work groups, certifications, and so forth. The firm may support some of these activities with paid time and/or payment of dues or fees.

Key Skills

• Leadership — Demonstrated leadership abilities, with the capacity to motivate and inspire teams to achieve their full potential.
• Organization — Systems-oriented thinker who can simplify complex challenges into smaller, manageable pieces and organize them into easy-to-understand protocols.
• Communication — Skilled communicator able to work in a multi-disciplinary setting and possesses strong oral communication skills.
• Problem-Solving — Creative and solutions-oriented. Can diagnose problems and identify potential solutions, both near- and long-term (in consultation with experts).
• Project Management — Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.
• Analysis — Strong analytical and data management skills (qualitative and quantitative).
• Quality Control — Strong attention to detail, able to review one’s own work, as well as provide review of final products for colleagues.
• Writing — Strong writing skills are essential. Ability to write professional reports, memoranda, and emails for client products.
• Technology — Nimble and open to continued learning on essential software and hardware, as well as utilizing evolving technological tools.
• Collaboration — Building strong working relationships with colleagues and fostering a collaborative and creative team environment is essential.
• Equity Analysis — Commitment to racial equity, and the ability to apply racial equity principles to project work and culturally responsive engagement.
• Empathetic Approach — Ability to work empathetically with a wide variety of people from different social and cultural backgrounds.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent relevant experience, in business administration, management, or a related field.
• Seven years of experience in business management, operations, or a similar leadership role.
• Experienced in providing tactical and strategic leadership, planning and day-to-day management of an organization.
• Strong skills in word processing, data management and presentation software including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides).
• Experience in and/or ability to learn video conferencing software (i.e. Zoom), project management software (i.e. Trello) and Macintosh/Apple computers.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in a small business setting, particularly consulting.
• Master’s degree, or equivalent relevant experience, in business administration, management, or a related field.
• Knowledge of the planning and urban design industry.

Working Conditions:

• Location — Hybrid: work in the firm’s downtown Seattle office a minimum of three days per week, with a consistent in-person presence strongly recommended; in-office days encouraged to align with full team meetings (i.e. staff meeting) to foster collaboration. Remote work allowed for the remaining days.
• Schedule — This is an overtime exempt position. This position typically requires a standard 40-hour work week; however, additional hours may be required to meet project deadlines, attend meetings, or address urgent project issues. Flexibility in working hours is essential, and flexible scheduling is offered to accommodate.
• Supervision — This position reports to the Managing Partner.
• Management — This position is responsible for managing 1-2 position, the Operations Associate and/or Operations Manager, and multiple consultant contracts (i.e. Human Resources, Information Technology). This position could gain additional direct reports in the future, as the team grows and/or supervision structures evolve.
• Communication — Frequent communication with team members, stakeholders, clients, and vendors through email, chat, phone, video conferencing, and in-person meetings is essential.
• Stress Levels — This a demanding role which may involve managing multiple projects simultaneously, handling tight timelines and deadlines, and resolving complex issues. The ability to be mindful of one’s stress response and to self-regulate in the moment to support oneself and others, as well as maintain a solution-oriented approach toward problem solving, is important.

Benefits

Salary for this position will depend on experience but is likely $110,000-$130,000 annually. This is a full-time, overtime exempt position. The firm offers health (medical, dental, optical) insurance, 11 fixed paid holidays, three floating paid holidays, paid time off (increasing with years of service), a retirement plan with company match, Paid Family & Medical Leave and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a hybrid work environment with flexible scheduling, and believe a strong, in-person presence will be critical for the success of this position.