Senior Project Manager (Licensed Architect) (Itasca)

Williams Architects - an independent, non-private equity-controlled firm - is seeking licensed and experienced Senior Project Managers in our Itasca, IL office to support our expanding municipal and recreational practice on projects throughout the country. This is a senior level position in the firm for which an architectural license is required and for which equity ownership in the firm may eventually be offered to a successful candidate. Unlicensed candidates will not be considered for this role and should not apply. The firm offers a substantial benefit package including 35 paid time off (vacation, sick, holiday, PLAW) days per year, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO health insurance, and partial remote work schedules.

Our firm works with two recruiting agencies who may be assisting us with placing a candidate for this role. As a single posting on LinkedIn often generates many more recruiter responses than candidate responses, recruiters without an active agreement with us who contact the firm will not receive a response.

Core competencies and requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• In-depth knowledge of ADA compliance, accessibility regulations, and universal design principles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to lead teams and work effectively with clients, consultants, and contractors.
• Experience in programming, designing, and leading public sector building typologies - especially public works, government centers, maintenance, and law enforcement facilities highly desirable.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to high-quality results.
• Ability to handle complex project challenges and collaborate across disciplines.
• Proficiency in architectural design software (Revit, SketchUp, etc.).
• Responds to internal requests and needs in a timely, accurate and professional manner, ensuring smooth communication and efficient resolution of issues across departments.
• Completes time records, expense reports, and other required financial documentation such as consultant invoice review and client billing in a timely and accurate manner.
• Able to work productively, cooperatively, and respectfully with junior staff members without discussing “how things used to be in my day” or complaining about current software or workflow. The firm uses Revit and is not interested in how things used to work in AutoCAD.

Job Responsibilities and Tasks:

· 12+ years of progressively responsible experience in public sector architecture in overseeing successful delivery of projects.

· Primary contact for Owner on assigned projects. Regular verbal and written contact with clients and consultants, including preparation of meeting agendas and minutes.

· May also assume role and responsibilities of Project Architect on certain projects.

· Responsibility for successful delivery, quality control/assurance, and budget conformance on all projects. Oversees complete, coordinated set of design and construction documents for all sizes of projects.

· Prepares and updates documentation as required by the firm’s project management standards.

· Responsible for project financial performance and profitability, including short- and long-term scheduling of required staff and monitoring of labor budgets and staff hours.

· Reviews and approves monthly invoices from consultants.

· Participates in design and planning of projects in accordance with firm procedures and processes.

· Reviews draft monthly invoices to Owner; recommends billing percentages to Principals.

· Develops project schedule(s) and conducts meetings / submissions required with Owner and internal project teams to achieve proper project outcomes and schedule conformance.

· Prepares owner-architect agreements in consultation with Principal-In-Charge; continuously monitors project scope and Owner direction for potential additional services; prepares and secures approval of additional services requests when warranted.

· Prepares consultant agreements and negotiates consultant fees in accordance with overall fees and firm profit expectations.

· Understands all applicable and known code and zoning requirements for a project and ensures compliance with same in design and construction documents.

· Prepares or supervises preparation of estimates of construction cost.

· Makes judgments and decisions required to conform project scope and direction to Owner’s available budget, including alternate bid items and cost reduction strategies; monitors work of project team to ensure compliance.

· Ensures documentation of known and foreseeable existing conditions for remodeling and addition projects, accounts for existing conditions in design and construction documents.

· Oversees construction administration activities of team members.

· Prepares front-end and bidding documents for projects as required.

· Leads an aspect of firm management such as standards development and documentation.

· Active participation / occasional leadership in business development activities including project interviews with potential clients, including scheduled evening and/or weekend times.

· Participation in client meetings and presentations, including scheduled evening and/or weekend times.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

· This position may require occasional site visits and inspections, including working in varying outdoor conditions.

· Travel to client sites and project locations may be required on a regular basis.

· Ability to use computers and office equipment.

Salary: $120,000 - $145,000+, with significant ($10,000+) signing bonuses for individuals with a demonstrated track record of success in similar project types and/or are currently employed by our main competitors.