Approval Project Manager

Design 2147, Ltd.; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Design2147 Ltd. in NYC seeks a Senior Approvals Project Manager to lead high-stakes municipal approvals from strategy to permits.

You will work with architects, engineers, developers and city agencies, driving complex filings with minimal micromanagement in a hybrid setup. Ideal candidates have a deep NYC approvals background, strong project leadership, and a track record of navigating DOB NOW, BIS and related processes.

Qualifications

• 10+ years NYC approvals/expediting experience.
• Minimum 5 years managing complex approvals projects.
• Direct management of complex filings (not support role).
• Strong understanding of NYC municipal systems (DOB NOW, BIS).
• Proven ability to resolve objections in complex approvals.

Responsibilities

• Lead approvals for complex projects from strategy through permits.
• Develop filing pathways and regulatory strategies.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, developers and city agencies.
• Navigate objections and resubmissions.
• Interface with DOB and other agencies (FDNY, DEP, LPC).
• Manage multiple large projects simultaneously.
• Maintain timelines, momentum and quality of submissions.
• Provide clear status updates to stakeholders.
• Anticipate risks and resolve issues proactively.

Job description

+Senior Approvals Project Manager

Hybrid | High-Impact Role | Large-Scale Development Projects

About Design2147

Founded in 1986 and headquartered in New York City, Design2147 Ltd. is one of NYC's most established and respected expediting and consulting firms. We specialize in navigating complex municipal approvals, building code and zoning matters, and regulatory challenges for major developments across the city.

Our reputation is built on deep technical expertise, strategic problem-solving, and the ability to move difficult projects forward.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly experienced Approvals Project Manager to lead complex municipal approvals projects from pre-filing strategy through permit issuance.

This is a senior individual contributor role for an experienced expeditor who can independently handle large, high-stakes projects while coordinating with architects, engineers, clients, and city agencies.

You will play a critical role in expanding our capacity to deliver on increasingly complex development work across NYC.

Why This Role Is Different

• Work on significant, high-profile projects, not routine filings
• High autonomy and trust, minimal micromanagement
• Hybrid role with flexible structure
• Stable workload expectations
• Direct visibility with senior leadership
• Opportunity to shape strategy, not just execute tasks

What You'll Do

• Lead approvals for complex approval projects from strategy through permits
• Develop filing pathways and regulatory strategies
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, developers, and city agencies
• Navigate objections and resubmissions
• Interface with DOB and other agencies (FDNY, DEP, LPC, etc.)
• Manage multiple large projects simultaneously
• Maintain timelines, momentum, and quality of submissions
• Provide clear status updates and guidance to stakeholders
• Anticipate risks and resolve issues proactively

Required Experience (Non-Negotiable)

• 10+ years of NYC approvals / expediting experience
• Minimum 5 years managing complex approvals projects
• Direct management of complex filings (not support role)
• Deep knowledge of NYC municipal systems, including but not limited to DOB NOW and legacy BIS
• Proven ability to resolve objections and navigate complex approvals
• Strong understanding of NYC building code and regulatory processes
• Proficient in reading and interpreting architectural plans and drawings

Required Credentials

• Bachelor's Degree (Architecture, Engineering, Construction Project Mgmt.)
• RA/PE or Class 2 Filing Rep Registration

Preferred Background

Strong candidates will come from:

• Expediting firms
• Architecture firms with in-house approvals teams
• Owner's Rep or development firms
• Former DOB personnel

What Success Looks Like

Within your first year, you will:

• Take ownership of complex approval projects
• Help increase organizational capacity for large filings
• Reduce bottlenecks in the approvals pipeline
• Deliver reliable progress on high-stakes work

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Highly autonomous and self-directed
• Organized under pressure and ambiguity
• A strategic thinker, not just a processor
• Comfortable managing multiple complex projects
• A clear and professional communicator
• Collaborative but capable of operating independently
• Accountable for outcomes, not just activities

Work Environment

• Hybrid role
• Collaboration with a diverse team
• Minimal required travel or site visits
• Standard full-time workload

Reporting Structure

Reports to: Approvals Division Executive

Executive Oversight: EVP of Operations

Compensation

Competitive and commensurate with experience.

Aligned with senior individual contributor standards for NYC approvals experts.

Why Join Design2147

• Established firm with decades of credibility
• Professional, respectful environment
• Leadership that values expertise and judgment
• Opportunity to make a measurable impact

Equal Opportunity Statement

Design2147 is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.