Project Manager

Role Overview

Project Manager at SOM, a global architecture and design firm committed to creating sustainable and impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams.

Company Overview

SOM is a collective committed to shaping a better future for clients, communities, and the planet. The firm aspires to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with the resources and diversity of a global firm. SOM values excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration.

Role Purpose

Lead architectural project teams in partnership with SOM Partners to achieve design, technical, and financial success. Manage project scope, budget, schedule, and client relationships while maintaining compliance, quality agreements, and profitability. Mentor and develop staff while contributing to firm standards and sustainable practices.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Team Management

• Lead the Architectural Project Team through close collaboration with SOM Partners project leadership.
• Inspire and lead others by example, participate in staff mentoring and training, and clearly define team member expectations and responsibilities.
• Directly supervise staff and commit to direct reports' professional development.
• Empower others and delegate based on recognized abilities and potential.
• Manage time and workload of own work efforts and those of others to meet project task deadlines and commitments.
• Guide and teach less experienced staff with occasional interaction and direction from team leaders.

Client & Contract Management

• Prepare quality agreements with clients including letters of intent, memoranda of understanding, and professional service agreements.
• Execute additional service agreements and gain authorization by phase.
• Initiate and maintain SOM-Client Services Agreement and SOM Sub-Consultant Agreements.
• Assist in managing the owner/client relationship and expectations to allow SOM and team to work effectively, efficiently, and collaboratively.
• Manage requests for additional services and monitor scope for contract compliance.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Collaborate with Partners and senior team to prepare, issue, and manage compliance plans to align project goals including budget, deliverables, and schedule.
• Gain agreement with the senior team for labor allocation.
• Administer internal control procedures with Project Accountant including billing, collections, percent complete, expense management, and year-end activities.
• Analyze project reports and proactively manage the profitability of a project.
• Initiate, monitor, and maintain project plan and financial performance of project.
• Protect SOM from financial and legal risk.

Scheduling & Coordination

• Chair weekly team meetings to address variances from the project plan.
• Schedule and lead internal team weekly project meetings; develop the meeting agenda and project status update.
• Issue meeting minutes, maintain accurate project record keeping, and share project information and correspondence.
• Initiate, monitor, and maintain project schedule and work plan including schedule of meetings and presentations.

Design & Technical Involvement

• Participate actively in project design and technical discussions and decision making.

Risk & Compliance Management

• Actively engage in project risk management through close collaboration with SOM Partners and legal group.

Professional Development & Standards

• Develop and engage in talent strategy to find specialists, leaders, and future professionals for the firm through resume review and interviews.
• Actively engage in internal and external professional development opportunities.
• Contribute to the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.
• Contribute to the development of standards, policies, and procedures.

Business Development

• Participate in new business and marketing efforts including responses to marketing requests and maintenance of firm relationships.

Qualifications & Experience

• Professional degree in Architecture.
• Minimum 6 years of experience or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Professional licensure process close to completion; LEED accreditation preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead project teams and manage project schedule, budget, and program.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• General understanding of sustainable strategies and principles including familiarity with LEED or other green building rating systems.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, parametric and rendering software, and other graphic software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Smartsheets, Adobe Suite, and Google Workspace.
• Familiarity with Deltek Vision and Salesforce.

Additional Information

• SOM offers opportunities to work on transformational projects, competitive salaries, health insurance, wellness, retirement and financial and other work/life plans.
• Portfolios must be submitted for all design and project management positions.
• Portfolio requirements: one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks for your Resume or CV.
• Applications without work samples will not be reviewed.
• SOM welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.