Architecture - Senior Project Manager

Job Title: Senior Project Manager
Department: Architecture
Reports to: Managing Director/Studio Director
FLSA Status: Exempt


GENERAL SUMMARY
The 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
The Senior Project Manager provides supervision and mentorship to architectural project staff assigned to projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. General duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Project Leadership and Oversight

• Provide executive-level management of large, complex, and high-value architectural projects

• Oversee multiple concurrent projects and Project Managers within a studio or market sector

• Establish project delivery strategies, staffing plans, and execution frameworks

• Ensure projects meet client objectives, firm standards, schedules, and financial targets

• Provide leadership during all project phases, including, pre-design, programming, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, permitting, bidding and negotiation, construction administration, and project closeout

• Identify risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies

• Serve as escalation point for project challenges, client issues, and technical conflicts

Financial Management and Profitability Oversight

• Assume full financial accountability for assigned projects and project portfolios

• Develop and oversee project budgets, staffing plans, and fee allocations

• Monitor project profitability, labor utilization, and revenue performance

• Review and approve project billing, invoices, and fee projections

• Manage project financial forecasting and revenue planning

• Identify scope changes and lead negotiations for additional services

• Monitor accounts receivable and assist with collections as needed

• Ensure projects meet or exceed firm profitability targets

Client Leadership and Relationship Management

• Serve as senior point of contact for key clients and strategic accounts

• Build and maintain long-term client relationships and trust

• Lead high-level client meetings, presentations, and project reviews

• Provide strategic guidance aligned with client business goals

• Manage client expectations, scope, and project performance

• Resolve complex client issues and conflicts

• Identify opportunities for repeat business and expanded services

Contract Management and Risk Mitigation

• Participate in or lead contract negotiations with clients and consultants

• Review and manage project contracts to ensure alignment with firm risk standards

• Monitor scope, liability exposure, and contractual compliance

• Ensure adherence to contractual deliverables, timelines, and obligations

• Coordinate with firm leadership on contract strategy and risk management

Design Leadership and Technical Oversight

• Provide senior-level design and technical leadership across projects

• Ensure design integrity, quality, and alignment with project goals

• Oversee production of construction documents for technical accuracy and completeness

• Ensure compliance with building codes, zoning ordinances, accessibility requirements, and regulatory standards

• Lead quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes

• Ensure constructability, coordination, and technical excellence

Consultant and Multidisciplinary Coordination

• Oversee coordination and management of consultants, including, structural engineers, MEP engineers, civil engineers, landscape architects, interior designers, and specialty consultants

• Ensure consultant integration with architectural design and documentation

• Resolve coordination conflicts and technical challenges

Construction Administration Oversight

• Provide executive oversight of construction administration activities

• Review complex submittals, RFIs, and change orders

• Participate in critical site visits and construction meetings

• Assist in resolving construction issues and disputes

• Ensure construction aligns with design intent and contract documents

Staff Leadership, Mentorship, and Development

• Mentor and develop Project Managers and architectural staff

• Provide guidance in project leadership, financial management, and client relations

• Support leadership development and succession planning

• Promote collaboration, accountability, and professional growth

• Assist studio leadership in building strong, effective project teams

Resource Planning and Operational Leadership

• Assist Managing Directors in staffing and resource planning

• Balance workload across teams to ensure efficiency and productivity

• Support studio operational planning and performance monitoring

Business Development and Firm Growth

• Support business development efforts, including, proposal development, client interviews and presentations, and strategic client engagement

• Identify opportunities for new work and expanded services

• Support firm growth and market sector development

• Participate in industry events and professional engagement

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated leadership managing complex architectural projects and teams

• Ability to oversee multiple projects and Project Managers simultaneously

• Strong problem-solving abilities

• Ability to make sound decisions with limited supervision

• Strong mentorship and team development skills

• Advanced project financial management and forecasting skills

• Strong understanding of project profitability and performance metrics

• Experience managing large project budgets and contracts

• Ability to negotiate fees, scope, and contracts

• Expert knowledge of architectural design, documentation, and construction processes

• Comprehensive knowledge of building codes, zoning, and regulatory requirements

• Advanced understanding of building systems and construction methods

• Ability to oversee QA/QC and technical coordination

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

• Strong presentation and client engagement abilities

• Ability to lead high-level client discussions and negotiations

• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills

• Advanced proficiency in Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Office Suite, Project management software (Vantagepoint, Deltek, or similar), BIM coordination tools, and Adobe Creative Suite

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture

• Registered Architect licensure strongly preferred

• Minimum of 15–20 years of architectural experience

• Minimum of 5 years in a Project Manager role

• Demonstrated experience managing large, complex architectural projects

• Proven experience managing multiple projects and mentoring Project Managers