Senior Project Manager (Science)
Summary
A senior leader who guides complex science-sector architecture projects from inception through construction: leading multidisciplinary teams, managing budgets, schedules, and client relationships, and overseeing design quality and construction administration. Core tools include Deltek Vantagepoint, Revit, AutoCAD, Newforma, and 3D modeling software; architectural licensure and 10+ years of science
Locations:
- Baltimore, MD
- Blacksburg, VA
- Clemson, SC
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Norfolk, VA
- Raleigh, NC
- Richmond, VA
- Sarasota, FL
- Chicago, IL
About the Role:
We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced Senior Project Manager, Science who is a firmwide leader responsible for guiding the design, delivery, and execution of complex architecture projects from inception through completion. This role is accountable for ensuring design excellence, financial performance, client satisfaction, and project progress. Working closely with Managing Principals, Principal Client Leaders, and firm leadership, the Senior Project Manager leads multidisciplinary teams, strengthens client relationships, and the team’s development across multiple offices and sectors.
Job Responsibilities:
Project Leadership + Execution
- Collaborates continuously with Design Principal and Market Leaders to win work, shape pursuit strategies, and deliver services for projects in the Science market
- Direct and provide expert direction throughout all phases of design and construction for architecture and planning projects
- Lead multiple concurrent projects, overseeing teams to ensure alignment with client goals, the firm’s design standards, regulatory requirements, and quality control standards
- Collaborate with Project Principals to establish and manage project budget, schedules, and project’s progress
- Provide senior-level leadership and mentorship to staff by identifying team members’ roles and responsibilities, leveraging their strengths, providing stretch opportunities, and actively developing future project leaders
- Oversee production workflows, redlines, and document quality across project teams
Client Leadership + Communication
- Serve as a primary senior point of contact for clients, developing trust-based relationships through proactive communication, effective problem-solving, and design advocacy
- Guide client conversations to define project vision, goals, programmatic needs, budget, and schedule acting as a trusted advisor at key decision points
- Lead project meetings, deliver presentations, and manage expectations throughout the design and construction process
- Interface directly with contractors, consultants, and authorities having jurisdiction
Project Planning + Financial Management
- Develop and manage project work plans, schedules, and staffing strategies to align resources with project goals across multiple projects
- Proactively apply advanced subject-matter expertise in codes, building systems, and modeling to identify potential problems/solutions
- Direct and review activities of architects, designers and other staff providing services for the firm ensuring technical excellence and consistency across teams
- Prepare fee proposals and lead contract negotiations with clients and consultants in coordination with project leaders
- Maintain accurate project financials using Deltek Vantagepoint, including budgeting, forecasting, invoicing, and consultant payments, and overall financial performance accountability
Construction Administration
- Oversee the construction phase, including submittal review and drawing review, site observation, payment certification, change orders, and resolution of field conditions
- Advise the client and contractor on interpretation of documents and support issue resolution in a timely and professional manner
- Determine substantial and final completion in collaboration with all stakeholders
- Resolve complex construction issues and claims with a senior-level, solutions-oriented approach
- Professional degree in Architecture and architectural licensure required
- 10+ years of delivering complex design and construction projects in the Science market, including leadership of large and high-profile projects
- Deep knowledge of architecture, building systems, accessibility guidelines and QA/QC process
- Strong knowledge of the Owner-Architect Agreement, Owner-Contractor Agreement and Architect-Consultant Agreements
- Proficient with project management software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD, Newforma, 3D modeling software, etc.)
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
- Experience with Deltek VantagePoint is a plus
- Willingness to travel for projects and firm initiatives as needed