Permit Operations Lead ( New York )

PermitFlow is building AI agents for the $1.6T construction industry. We’re creating the leading pre-construction platform, starting with the $12B permitting market.

Our platform automates the slow, manual permitting process for builders, handling everything from jurisdiction research to application preparation, submission, and real-time tracking. By turning fragmented regulations and workflows into structured, intelligent systems, we help contractors move faster, reduce risk, and scale with confidence.

We've raised over $36.5M with Kleiner Perkins leading our Series A, with participation from Initialized Capital, Y Combinator, Felicis Ventures, and Altos Ventures. Our backers include founders and executives from OpenAI, Google, Procore, ServiceTitan, Zillow, PlanGrid, Uber, and more.

We are a team of architects, engineers, permitting experts, and product builders who know the pain of pre-construction firsthand and are committed to solving it. Demand is growing faster than we can keep up, and we’re looking for top talent to help us scale.

Our HQ is in New York City with a hybrid schedule (3 in-office days per week). We prefer NYC-based candidates or those open to relocation.

Who you are?

• Construction Permitting Expert: You have extensive hands-on experience in construction permitting, with a thorough understanding of regulations, compliance, and the entire permit lifecycle. To be successful at this role will require excitement about this space and the construction industry at large.

• Customer-Centric: You excel at building and maintaining strong customer relationships, understanding your customers’ unique needs, and identifying how PermitFlow can support their success and growth.

• Team Player: You’re a crucial contributor to the pilot process, ensuring a seamless customer journey from software adoption to full implementation. Collaboration is your strength, and you thrive in a cross-functional environment.

• Analytical Thinker: Data-driven decision-making is your specialty. You are skilled at gathering, interpreting, and leveraging data to enhance customer conversations and improve processes.

What You’ll Do:

• Manage the Permit Process: Lead the full lifecycle of permit applications, including researching requirements, preparing forms, gathering supporting documentation, and submitting applications to authorities.

• Ensure Compliance and Accuracy: Guarantee that permit applications are completed accurately and include all required documentation to meet the standards of the relevant authorities. 

• Monitor and Expedite Approvals: Track the status of permits and follow up proactively with authorities to move applications through the process as efficiently as possible.

• Customer Point of Contact: Serve as the go-to resource for customers, keeping them updated on permit status, timelines, and requirements.

• Generate Reports: Produce detailed reports on permit progress, providing regular updates to customers and stakeholders.

• Optimize Processes: Continuously identify opportunities for improvement, implementing best practices to streamline workflows, reduce bottlenecks, and increase operational efficiency.

Qualifications & Fit:

• 5+ years of relevant experience: Proven track record in construction permitting, project management, or a similar role, ideally within a SaaS or tech-driven environment.

• Comprehensive knowledge: Strong understanding of construction permitting processes, regulations, and compliance standards, with a keen awareness of how these vary across jurisdictions.

• Multi-state expertise: Experience working on permitting projects across multiple states or regions is highly preferred.

• Exceptional project management skills: Ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines efficiently while maintaining attention to detail.

• Outstanding communication: Strong interpersonal skills, capable of working cross-functionally with internal teams, managing customer relationships, and collaborating with AHJs. 

• Leadership experience: 2+ years of experience managing and mentoring teams, focusing on coaching, performance management, and driving team development.

• Customer-centric mindset: Background in customer success, customer experience, or sales, with a demonstrated ability to deliver top-notch service and support throughout the entire project lifecycle.

• Critical thinker and problem-solver: Ability to remain calm under pressure, quickly assess challenges, and find effective solutions.

• NYC based: Ability to work from our NYC office Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

   

Benefits:

• Equity packages

• Competitive Salary ($USD)

• 100% Paid health, dental & vision coverage

• Company issued laptop

• Home office & equipment stipend

• Team building events

• Unlimited PTO

Interview Process:

• Initial assessment, 30 minutes

• Recruiter interview, 20 minutes

• Permitting take-home challenge, 1-3 hours, 3 day time limit

• Hiring Manager interview, 30 minutes

• Second Hiring Manager interview, 30 minutes

• Offer!