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 We prioritize the well-being of our team members through comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with a generous Firm contribution to health savings accounts. Other programs that further emphasizes our dedication to the holistic health of our employees include: voluntary short- and long-term disability; voluntary life insurance; accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity benefits; monthly wellness reimbursements; telehealth benefits; mental health counseling; employee assistance programs; Medicare transition services; and financial wellness benefits. Professional Development Opportunities Dedication to continued learning is ingrained in our culture. Our tuition reimbursement program empowers employees to pursue continuous learning, enhancing their education and skill sets to excel in their careers. Mentorship opportunities and benefits such as paid membership to a professional organization and opportunities for selection into our Next Generation Leadership Training or Associates and Directors Program further supports the growth and development of our team. Ownership and Prosperity As an ESOP company, GF takes pride in offering every team member a stake in our success. Through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, our employees benefit from shared company prosperity, creating a culture of shared goals and achievements. You fund your 401(k) through paycheck deferrals, and GF matches your deferrals into the ESOP with shares of company stock. Work-Life Integration We understand the importance of Work-Life Balance. Our commitment to flexible work schedules, paid time off, paid holidays, half-day Fridays, and paid parental leave allows our team members to achieve professional success while maintaining a fulfilling personal life. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, familial status, partnership status, protected veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. PAY TRANSPARENCY Where required by applicable law, the pay range for this position is provided in the job posting. Compensation is determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, skills, experience, education, internal equity, geographic location, and business needs. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and or benefits in accordance with applicable plans and policies. PAYROLL Employees paid on a bi-weekly basis, consisting of 26 pay periods annually, and is issued in arrears. Direct deposit is available. AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT Employment with GF is at will, which means that either the employee or GF may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job description or posting creates a contract of employment or alters the at-will nature of employment. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work may be performed in a standard office setting, onsite at client locations, and or on active construction or project sites. Work environments may include exposure to weather conditions, uneven terrain, construction equipment, and other site-related conditions. PHYSICAL DEMANDS This position requires sufficient physical ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform essential job functions. These may include sitting or standing for extended periods; walking on uneven surfaces; stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting; lifting, carrying, pushing, and or pulling light to moderate amounts of weight; operating office and field equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine motor coordination; communicating verbally and in writing; visual acuity within normal range with or without correction; and hearing within normal range with or without correction. This position may require physical mobility on and around active construction sites before and after installation of infrastructure and site improvements. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants throughout the hiring process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to perform essential job functions, please notify us. Reasonable accommodations may include modifications to the application process, work procedures, equipment, or work environment, in accordance with applicable law. BACKGROUND CHECK Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check, reference check, and or drug screening, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including fair chance and ban-the-box requirements. SAFETY & COMPLIANCE Employees are required to comply with all Company and client on-site safety policies and procedures. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when working on construction or project sites. WORK AUTHORIZATION Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. GF participates in E-Verify and will verify employment eligibility in accordance with federal law. HARASSMENT-FREE WORKPLACE We are committed to maintaining a professional work environment free from discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and inappropriate conduct. All employees are expected to uphold these standards and will attend annual harassment prevention training. DISCLAIMER This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications and may be modified at any time to meet business needs.   Thank you for your interest in applying for a position at GF. We appreciate you taking the time to submit your information. Our team will review your qualifications, and if your skills and experience align with the needs of the role, a member of our recruitment team will reach out to begin the next steps in the process. We look forward to reviewing your information.