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 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 

Working at GFWHY YOU'LL WANT TO WORK AT GF
Join a team where you can contribute and grow your career without limits. At GF, you’ll help build community through meaningful work while shaping your professional growth and career path. Our team brings together diverse talents and backgrounds, creating an environment where you can explore fresh ideas, navigate new challenges, and adapt as your career and goals evolve. From our 4½-day workweek and comprehensive benefits to intentional mentorship and career development, GF provides an environment where growth, balance, and job satisfaction go hand in hand.

CAREER PROGRESSION
We are passionate about supporting your career progression and professional growth. GF maintains a career progression framework that illustrates typical advancement in both title and responsibility. During the annual performance review process, and at other appropriate times, we will discuss the skills, experience, and competencies that may be demonstrated to achieve the next level position.

Career progression is not prescriptive. Advancement is based on a combination of demonstrated capability, technical and interpersonal skills, experience, initiative, attitude, performance, and overall contribution to the firm. We encourage open, direct, and ongoing conversations with your manager regarding your career goals and professional development.

We also recognize that not every employee aspires to continued upward advancement. If you are content in your current role, we are committed to supporting your growth through expanded responsibilities, new challenges, and horizontal development opportunities that allow you to remain engaged, challenged, and professionally fulfilled while maintaining your current level.

BENEFITS
Health and Wellness Support
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