Architecture - Senior Project Manager

Senior Project ManagerThe Senior Project Manager serves as a senior role within the Studio and is responsible for the oversight, execution, and financial performance of architectural projects and major client accounts. This role provides high-level project leadership while also overseeing multiple concurrent projects, managing Project Managers, and contributing to the office operational, financial, and business development objectives.The Senior Project Manager is accountable not only for individual project success, but also for performance, client satisfaction, risk mitigation, and staff development. This position plays a critical role in maintaining design excellence, technical quality, and profitability while strengthening client relationships and supporting firm growth.The Senior Project Manager works independently with minimal supervision and exercises significant judgment in managing project scope, contracts, financial performance, and client strategy.Supervisory responsibilities include providing supervision and mentorship to architectural project staff assigned to projects.Essential duties include:Provide executive-level management of large, complex, and high-value architectural projectsOversee multiple concurrent projects and Project Managers within a studio or market sectorEstablish project delivery strategies, staffing plans, and execution frameworksEnsure projects meet client objectives, firm standards, schedules, and financial targetsProvide leadership during all project phases, including, pre-design, programming, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, permitting, bidding and negotiation, construction administration, and project closeoutIdentify risks and proactively implement mitigation strategiesServe as escalation point for project challenges, client issues, and technical conflictsFinancial management and profitability oversight includes:Assume full financial accountability for assigned projects and project portfoliosDevelop and oversee project budgets, staffing plans, and fee allocationsMonitor project profitability, labor utilization, and revenue performanceReview and approve project billing, invoices, and fee projectionsManage project financial forecasting and revenue planningIdentify scope changes and lead negotiations for additional servicesMonitor accounts receivable and assist with collections as neededEnsure projects meet or exceed firm profitability targetsClient leadership and relationship management includes:Serve as senior point of contact for key clients and strategic accountsBuild and maintain long-term client relationships and trustLead high-level client meetings, presentations, and project reviewsProvide strategic guidance aligned with client business goalsManage client expectations, scope, and project performanceResolve complex client issues and conflictsIdentify opportunities for repeat business and expanded servicesContract management and risk mitigation includes:Participate in or lead contract negotiations with clients and consultantsReview and manage project contracts to ensure alignment with firm risk standardsMonitor scope, liability exposure, and contractual complianceEnsure adherence to contractual deliverables, timelines, and obligationsCoordinate with firm leadership on contract strategy and risk managementDesign leadership and technical oversight includes:Provide senior-level design and technical leadership across projectsEnsure design integrity, quality, and alignment with project goalsOversee production of construction documents for technical accuracy and completenessEnsure compliance with building codes, zoning ordinances, accessibility requirements, and regulatory standardsLead quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processesEnsure constructability, coordination, and technical excellenceConsultant and multidisciplinary coordination includes:Oversee coordination and management of consultants, including, structural engineers, MEP engineers, civil engineers, landscape architects, interior designers, and specialty consultantsEnsure consultant integration with architectural design and documentationResolve coordination conflicts and technical challengesConstruction administration oversight includes:Provide executive oversight of construction administration activitiesReview complex submittals, RFIs, and change ordersParticipate in critical site visits and construction meetingsAssist in resolving construction issues and disputesEnsure construction aligns with design intent and contract documentsStaff leadership, mentorship, and development includes:Mentor and develop Project Managers and architectural staffProvide guidance in project leadership, financial management, and client relationsSupport leadership development and succession planningPromote collaboration, accountability, and professional growthAssist studio leadership in building strong, effective project teamsResource planning and operational leadership includes:Assist Managing Directors in staffing and resource planningBalance workload across teams to ensure efficiency and productivitySupport studio operational planning and performance monitoringBusiness development and firm growth includes:Support business development efforts, including, proposal development, client interviews and presentations, and strategic client engagementIdentify opportunities for new work and expanded servicesSupport firm growth and market sector developmentParticipate in industry events and professional engagementRequired skills and abilities include:Demonstrated leadership managing complex architectural projects and teamsAbility to oversee multiple projects and Project Managers simultaneouslyStrong problem-solving abilitiesAbility to make sound decisions with limited supervisionStrong mentorship and team development skillsAdvanced project financial management and forecasting skillsStrong understanding of project profitability and performance metricsExperience managing large project budgets and contractsAbility to negotiate fees, scope, and contractsExpert knowledge of architectural design, documentation, and construction processesComprehensive knowledge of building codes, zoning, and regulatory requirementsAdvanced understanding of building systems and construction methodsAbility to oversee QA/QC and technical coordinationExceptional verbal and written communication skillsStrong presentation and client engagement abilitiesAbility to lead high-level client discussions and negotiationsStrong interpersonal and relationship management skillsAdvanced proficiency in Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Office Suite, Project management software (Vantagepoint, Deltek, or similar), BIM coordination tools, and Adobe Creative SuiteEducation and experience includes:Bachelor's or Master's degree in ArchitectureRegistered Architect licensure strongly preferredMinimum of 15–20 years of architectural experienceMinimum of 5 years in a Project Manager roleDemonstrated experience managing large, complex architectural projectsProven experience managing multiple projects and mentoring Project Managers