Department Manager - Senior Architect

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

C&S Companies is seeking an experienced and driven Senior Architect to serve as Department Manager within our Architecture and Interior Design practice. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the department, guiding project teams through all phases of design and delivery, and serving as a trusted resource for clients and staff alike. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, a collaborative leadership style, and a commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Department Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of architects, designers, and support staff
• Oversee department workload, staffing assignments, and resource planning to meet project schedules and budgets
• Foster a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Collaborate with other department managers and firm leadership on strategic initiatives and business development

Project Management and Delivery

• Serve as Principal-in-Charge or Project Manager on select commissions, providing technical oversight from programming through construction administration
• Review and approve project deliverables at key milestones to confirm compliance with scope, schedule, and budget
• Coordinate with engineering disciplines, subconsultants, and contractors to maintain project momentum and resolve technical issues

Technical Practice

• Research and evaluate client requirements, building codes, zoning regulations, and site data to inform design decisions and project feasibility
• Apply knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal codes to all project types within the department’s portfolio
• Lead design reviews and quality control processes to confirm documents are complete, coordinated, and constructible
• Stay current with evolving codes, materials, technologies, and industry best practices

Client and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong client relationships, serving as a primary point of contact for key accounts
• Lead client meetings, presentations, and project kick-off sessions
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in coordination with the firm’s marketing and business development teams

Qualifications

Required

• Professional degree in Architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) from an accredited institution
• Licensed Architect in good standing; licensure in multiple states a plus
• Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in architectural practice, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role
• Demonstrated experience researching and applying building codes, zoning regulations, and site analysis to a broad range of project types
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and project management tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred

• LEED accreditation or other sustainability credentials
• Prior project experience in healthcare, higher education, government, aviation, and/or industrial sectors preferred
• Experience managing term contracts or on-call agreements with public clients
• Familiarity with state agency submission processes (e.g., SED, DOH, OGS)

Why C&S Companies

C&S Companies is a full-service architecture, engineering, and construction management firm with offices across the country. We offer a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment where senior professionals have the opportunity to lead meaningful projects, grow their teams, and make a lasting impact on the communities we serve. We are committed to professional development, work-life balance, and building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

C&S Companies is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Employment decisions are based on personal capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, disability, religious belief, national origin, marital or domestic partner status, veteran status, sexual orientation, age, gender (including gender identity and expression), or other protected categories.