Architecture - Senior Project Manager

Job DetailsJob Location: Columbus - Grandview Heights, OH 43212Position Type: Full TimeJob 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 coordinati