The Project Manager may work independently, or in close collaboration, with the Principal or Associate Principal in project planning, conceptual design, technical development, and presentations on small to mid-scale projects and/or on multiple projects with complex and/or challenging conditions to produce a final client product/project. The Project Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and conducting work requiring advanced knowledge and independent judgment in the evaluation, selection, adaptation, and modification of standard techniques and good building practices in support of the work. As the Project Leader, the Project Manager acts as the sole source of contact with the client, plans and manages staffing, monitors the financial wellbeing of the contract, and coordinates the technical aspects of the work across all disciplines and as required to meet project expectations, schedules, and budgets.
Position Responsibilities
- Plan, schedule, conduct, or coordinate detailed phases of professional work in part of a major project or in a total project of moderate scope. Coordinate appropriately with Construction Manager/Administrators and coordination of contracts with consultants and/or other third parties
- Produce and/or supervise design work according to established standards, methods, and procedures of work of the division. May produce work involving a variety of complex features such as conflicting design requirements, unsuitability of conventional materials, and difficult coordination requirements with technical guidance from the Principal/Associate Principal in Charge. In consultation with the Principal, assists in establishing the project design criteria. May include writing specifications for assigned projects and/or to assist other teams when needed.
- Coordinate the layout, design, drafting, and specifications produced by other architects, engineers, and technicians who assist in specific assignments.
- Thorough research, study, and consultation with outside consultants and professional societies, keep informed of new developments and systems as they influence the Project Manager’s particular field of architectural practice and design. Establish benchmarks and measure performance against benchmarks.
- Prepare schedules for clients, sub-contractors/consultants, and staff.
- Gather data for scope of work and fee support.
- Budget Preparation – “Cartoon” project resources.
- Establish hours/fee goals for phases of projects.
- Monitor budget against estimates.
- May participate in AIA contract writing/review.
- Act as primary client contact or support Principals/Market Sector Leaders
- Maintain positive client relations and participate in client meetings.
- Manage client expectations and meet or exceed responsiveness targets.
- Request appropriate staffing utilizing the schedule and budget as guidelines. Assist the Principal in developing and managing project man-hours and planning schedule.
- Delegate tasks and responsibilities to team members.
- Coordinate project team effort through communication.
- Review project team’s work
- Review sub-consultant’s work
- Schedule and assure QA/QC reviews are scheduled and completed including all associated documentation
- Back-check other Project Manager’s projects when necessary
- Coordination of PM activities and best practices via attendance and participation in PM meetings
General Responsibilities
- Complete all tasks and handle all situations with honesty and integrity.
- Be responsible for yourself and your job. Be on time for meetings; it is both respectful and courteous to your co-workers. Follow up on anything necessary and expect others to do the same. If something needs to be taken care of, take initiative to do so. If you need assistance, discuss that with someone else in the company. Everyone at this company is part of the team.
- Communicate in a clear, concise, and timely manner, including voicemail and email.
- Promote and uphold at all times, the values, mission, and vision of the company.
- Read, understand, and comply with the Employee Handbook.
- Follow and encourage all defined policies and procedures.
- Perform other tasks as required by management.
Core Competencies & Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Ability to represent the firm in front of clients, associates, consultants, and authorities having jurisdiction over the work.
- Ability to apply knowledge of project management methodology
- Ability to communicate effectively both in written format and oral presentation
- Ability to mitigate and resolve problems/issues in a diplomatic manner
- Ability to multi-task and establish priorities
- Ability to maintain and foster positive organizational change
- Ability to mentor and coach lesser experienced Project Managers and team members
- Ability to delegate appropriately
- Exhibits initiative, responsibility, flexibility, and leadership
- Possess a thorough knowledge of contract administration and office procedures.
- Ability to use extensive working knowledge of all paperwork procedures necessary to complete the documents necessary for architectural contracts.
- Ability to use working knowledge of all consultant work to maintain efficiencies and meet deadlines. Possess an in-depth understanding of the basics of most building systems and good building practices.
- Ability to use one or more architectural software solutions is a plus.
- Ability to operate computer aided drafting software and related MS Office software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Business acumen
- Excellent communication skills
- Demonstrates a high degree of accountability and “ownership” of results
- Customer Service
- Staff Management
- Project Management methodologies
- Building Codes and Design Practices
- Software i.e., Revit; AutoCAD; and/or 3-D Design and Production
- Deltek Vision or Ajera capabilities for project planning/budgeting/profitability
- When requested by senior leadership or when required to complete assigned tasks, work additional hours beyond the regularly scheduled 40-hour work week.
Supervisory Responsibilities
As a member of the leadership group, the Project Manager is also expected to mentor all staff members and lead by example. Project Managers may also be asked to lead or co-lead internal committees and special focus groups, assist with the daily operations of the office, participate in professional business development and special focus groups and organizations, and represent the Office in the Principals and Market Sector Leader’s absence
Education and Experience
- Bachelor or Master’s Degree in Architecture from an accredited college or university in the United States or an equivalent architecture degree from a foreign institution.
- Advanced Design Portfolio.
- Minimum of 15 years of architectural experience with a minimum of at least 5 years running mid to large size projects and acting as the lead client contact.
- Professional architect registration in the USA.
- NCARB Certification preferred.
- Project Management Certification is a plus but not required.
- LEEDap or LEED Green Associate preferred (ability to test and successfully achieve certification within 24 months of hire is highly recommended).
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk or hear; is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger/handle/feel, reach with hands and arms; frequently required to sit, balance, stoop, kneel, bend, and crouch; occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Employment
This job description is subject to change at any time and does not express or imply an employment contract. Employment with Acela is employment at will.