Talent Acquisition and HR Operations Lead

Lessard Design Inc. (LDI) has been shaping the future of architecture for over 35 years. With a $25M Architecture division and a $20M Real Estate Development arm the firm is renowned for its innovative designs and its commitment to creating vibrant thriving communities.

LDIs diverse portfolio includes award-winning projects across the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions ranging from high-rise towers to garden apartments. By blending creative ingenuity with real estate expertise LDI is redefining whats possible in the built environment.

This is a fully in-office position based in McLean (Tysons/Vienna) offering competitive compensation and benefits.

Position Overview

LDI is conducting a search for an experienced Talent and HR Operations professional to lead full-cycle recruitment and people operations. This role partners closely with senior leadership to understand staffing needs and recruit top talent across design technical project management and administrative roles ensuring a seamless onboarding addition to recruitment the role oversees employee records performance reviews compensation tracking benefits administration and compliance with employment and immigration regulations.

The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter with strong sourcing and communication skills capable of assessing candidates for both technical expertise and cultural fit. Acting as a trusted partner to leadership and staff this person will balance hands-on operational responsibilities with initiatives that foster a positive collaborative and engaging studio culture.

Responsibilities

Talent People & Studio Operations

• Lead full-cycle hiring for a growing architecture and design studio supporting roles across design technical project management and studio operations

• Work closely with Principals and Studio Leads to understand immediate project needs long-term staffing plans and studio culture

• Develop authentic relationship-driven sourcing strategies through professional networks academic connections referrals and industry events

• Review resumes portfolios and work samples with an eye for design quality technical skill and cultural fit

• Coordinate and participate in interviews and reference checks ensuring a thoughtful and welcoming candidate experience

• Manage pre-hire processes and lead new hire onboarding helping new team members integrate smoothly into the studio

• Maintain accurate confidential candidate and employee records

• Track recruiting activity and provide clear practical insights to leadership on hiring progress and market conditions

• Continuously improve recruiting and onboarding processes to support a positive studio experience

• Serve as a trusted point of contact for candidates and staff acting with discretion and care

• Anticipate staffing needs and address gaps proactively to support project continuity

• Build and maintain relationships with architecture and design schools; attend career fairs and studio events as needed

Compensation Records & Employee Relations

• Maintain personnel files and ensure documentation is accurate organized and compliant

• Coordinate performance review cycles and support Principals and Studio Leads with timelines guidance and documentation

• Prepare and track compensation and bonus review materials

• Support offboarding processes including exit conversations and documentation

• Ensure compliance with employment regulations including EEOC requirements and state labor postings (MD DC VA)

• Assist with performance improvement conversations and related documentation

• Draft and share studio communications and help plan team gatherings celebrations and culture-building activities

Immigration and Work Authorization

• Coordinate employment-based visa processes in partnership with immigration counsel

• Track documentation timelines and approvals serving as a resource for international team members

• Maintain I-9 records and public access files in compliance with regulations

Benefits & Well-Being

• Administer employee benefit programs including health dental vision life disability and retirement plans

• Process enrollments changes and terminations and provide clear guidance to staff

• Coordinate COBRA administration and track benefits for employees on leave

• Reconcile monthly benefits invoices

• Support 401(k) administration including enrollments required notices and annual audits

Studio Support and Professional Development

• Manage relationships with external HR benefits and professional development partners

• Maintain and update the studio organizational chart

• Coordinate professional development efforts including licensure tracking certifications and informal learning opportunities such as lunch-and-learns

• Provide administrative support to Marketing Accounting and Office Management as needed

• Assist with special projects that support studio operations and growth

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Human Resources Business Administration or a related field or equivalent professional experience

• 5 years of progressive experience in recruiting and human resources preferably in a professional services creative or design-focused environment

• Proven experience managing full-cycle recruitment across a variety of roles and seniority levels

• Strong knowledge of HR operations employee relations and personnel recordkeeping

• Working knowledge of U.S. employment laws and regulations including EEOC compliance and I-9 requirements

• Experience coordinating employee benefits programs and working with external vendors and brokers

• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion professionalism and confidentiality

• Excellent interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience recruiting for architecture design engineering or other creative/technical disciplines

• Familiarity with immigration processes and working with immigration counsel on employment-based visas

• Experience administering 401(k) plans and supporting benefits audits

• Experience developing employer branding university partnerships or early-career recruiting programs

• HR certification (PHR SHRM-CP SHRM-SCP) preferred but not required

• Experience with HRIS ATS and benefits administration platforms