Perkins Eastman is a global design firm with expertise that covers all aspects of the built environment. With studios in 25 locations globally, we design for people, to enhance the human experience and leave a lasting and positive impact on people’s lives and the world we inhabit.

We are an integrated firm which our professional roster consists of architects, interior designers, planners, urban designers, landscape architects, graphic designers, construction specification writers, construction economists, environmental analysts, resiliency experts, traffic and transportation engineers, and several other professional disciplines.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a People Operations & Office Manager to lead our Guayaquil office, where Ecuadorian professionals deliver world-class architectural projects for international clients. This role combines office management and human resources, requiring an emotionally intelligent professional who believes that leading with empathy drives business success. You will ensure smooth operations, compliance with local labor laws, and alignment with global company standards to create a consistent and positive employee experience.

Primary Responsibilities:

Office Management:

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Guayaquil office and global teams.
• Lead and develop local administrative staff; oversee office logistics, facilities, and vendor performance.
• Manage vendor relationships (contracts, SLAs, invoicing) and coordinate with Finance/Legal as needed.
• Own the annual office budget: planning, forecasting, approvals, and monthly reporting.
• Maintain workspace standards, safety protocols, and office policies, coordinate IT and workspace resources.
• Plan and execute office events, executive visits, and team offsites; support travel coordination when needed.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline administrative workflows and operational efficiency.

Human Resources:

• Act as the local HR representative for Ecuador-based employees, serving as a trusted point of contact.
• Ensure compliance with Ecuadorian employment laws and regulations, coordinate with legal counsel on employment contracts and regulatory matters.
• Align local HR practices with U.S. company standards to deliver a consistent employee experience.
• Review and update benefits programs annually; manage vendor renewals and employee communications.
• Develop and maintain the employee handbook, policies, and SOPs.
• Partner on recruitment: job postings, candidate screening, interviewing, offers, and onboarding.
• Design and implement onboarding programs that accelerate productivity and cultural integration.
• Support employee relations, performance processes, training, and organizational development initiatives.
• Maintain accurate HR records/HRIS, confidential files, and data integrity; liaise with Payroll/Finance where applicable.
• Prepare HR and compliance reports; support audits (MDT/Labor Inspection, IESS, internal/external).

Required Qualifications:

• 8–10 years in office management and/or HR roles; minimum 5 years in similar leadership positions.
• Experience working with international companies or cross-border teams preferred.
• Strong understanding of Ecuadorian labor laws and local business practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop or Affinity preferred (for presentations or internal communications).
• Bilingual: Spanish and English (written and verbal); strong English reading/writing.
• Strong leadership with emotional intelligence; proven ability to mediate and resolve conflicts equitably.
• Vendor and facilities management; project management and process optimization.
• Excellent organizational skills: ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and manage multiple workflows.
• Knowledge and application of current labor regulations and HR best practices.
• Experience designing and implementing policies, onboarding, selection processes, training, OD, and (where relevant) payroll coordination.
• Strong leadership with emotional intelligence; proven ability to mediate and resolve conflicts equitably.
• Clear, respectful, and assertive communication across all levels of the organization.
• Strategic, results-oriented mindset aligned with company objectives.
• High professional ethics and confidentiality, especially with sensitive personnel information.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Organizational Psychology, or a related field.
• Professional degree in a similar discipline (e.g., Commercial Engineering).
• Preferred: Postgraduate specialization in Human Resources, Talent Management, Labor Law, or Administrative Management.

What we offer you:

• PTO
• Company Paid Holidays
• Healthcare Benefits Package
• Professional Development
• Competitive salary

Compensation may vary based on the job level and your work experience.

Salary Range: 35k to 45k.

Resume must be in English to be considered.