Architectural Group Leader – Federal & Pacific Markets

Jacobs; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

401(k) plan

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking an Architectural Group Leader in Honolulu, Hawaii to lead and grow the architecture practice while overseeing various projects across the Pacific region. This role includes people leadership, business development, and ensuring project delivery aligns with client expectations. Candidates should have a professional degree in architecture, be a registered architect, and possess at least 10 years of relevant experience. Benefits include comprehensive health packages and paid time off, with a salary range of $140,000 to $200,000.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in an architectural or engineering organization.
• Strong working knowledge of predesign and preconstruction processes.
• Ability to pass background screening per client needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the architecture practice in Hawaii.
• Optimize financial utilization and balances team workload.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Skills

Leadership

Project delivery methods

Client relationship development

Technical excellence

Education

Professional Degree in Architecture

Registered Architect (RA)

Tools

Revit

Job description

Overview

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Based in Honolulu, you’ll work on projects throughout Hawaii and across the Pacific, collaborate with colleagues nationwide, and help shape the next generation of architectural talent at Jacobs.

This role reports to the Hawaii Federal Operations Director and plays a key role in advancing the continued growth and maturity of the architectural practice in the region.

Your Impact

Jacobs is seeking an Architectural Group Leader to lead and grow our architecture practice in Hawaii while supporting a diverse and evolving portfolio of projects across the state and the Pacific region. This role combines people leadership, technical excellence, and strategic collaboration within Jacobs’ Federal practice—while also contributing architectural expertise in support of other Jacobs business lines, including rail and bus transit, sustainability initiatives, data centers, and other complex infrastructure, civic, and mission‑driven facilities.

Responsibilities

Practice & People Leadership

• Promotes BeyondZero® and actively fosters an incident and injury free culture.
• Assigns projects and provides day‑to‑day leadership of team members, ensuring accountability for delivery and performance.
• Optimizes financial utilization and balances team workload to support operational efficiency and profitability.
• Develops workforce plans in collaboration with key stakeholders; serves as hiring manager in alignment with staffing strategies and ensures seamless onboarding of new team members.
• Leads performance management and supports employee growth through regular feedback, coaching, and career development planning.
• Supports staff skill development, professional advancement, and opportunities for expanded responsibility.
• Mentors and develops team members to deliver strong individual and collective results.
• Coordinates across Regions, Business Units, and Lines of Business to ensure optimal resource management and to create opportunities for staff development and practice growth.
• Communicates effectively with team members through regular meetings, one on one discussions, and clear expectations.
• Approves timesheets and expenses for direct staff.
• Collaborates with Federal Architectural Group Leaders across the company to promote consistency in project delivery and technical standards.
• Provides leadership over all projects assigned to the group, including ensuring adherence to quality review processes, leveraging team resources to meet quality, schedule, and billability goals, estimating and executing project scope, schedule, and fee for architecture‑led efforts, developing staffing plans and supporting workload forecasting.
• Drives continuous improvement within Operations, identifying opportunities to enhance process efficiency and project outcomes.
• Supports business development and marketing efforts within the Federal practice area.

Project & Client Delivery

• Ensures projects are delivered on time, within construction budgets, and in accordance with agreed scopes.
• Leads the development of design documents for design bid‑build projects—including plans, specifications, and design analyses—as well as design build RFPs, feasibility studies, and other deliverables for large or complex Corporate and DoD projects.
• Provides overall direction to project teams, coordinating effectively with external stakeholders, internal disciplines, and subcontractors to meet milestone commitments.
• Ensures all project deliverables comply with the Scope of Work and meet client expectations.
• Serves as project lead, engaging with internal departments and partners across the project lifecycle.
• Evaluates project requirements and recommends design strategies that align with both client needs and project objectives.
• Develops and manages communication plans, ensuring timely and effective information exchange among project team members and clients.

Financial, Quality & Growth Responsibilities

• Prepares initial project fee proposals, coordinates with discipline Directors of Responsibility (DORs), and participates in fee negotiations as needed.
• Ensures adherence to Jacobs’ Quality Program and drives continuous improvement in design and documentation quality.
• Monitors internal project costs, operational budgets, schedules, and staffing needs to ensure effective project execution.
• Supports construction phase services as required, including RFI responses, submittal reviews, construction modifications, and site assistance that is consistent with the project scope.

What Makes This Role Compelling

• Leadership with impact – Shape and lead a growing architectural practice in one of Jacobs’ most strategically important and geographically unique regions.
• Diverse portfolio – Work across Federal, State, and local government projects while supporting transportation, sustainability, data center, and other infrastructure markets.
• Pacific‑region exposure – Support projects throughout Hawaii and the broader Pacific; travel is typically around 10% but may vary.
• Mentorship‑focused – Build a legacy by developing junior‑ and mid‑level designers and helping them grow technically and professionally.
• Endless opportunity – Access long‑term career growth, leadership pathways, and collaboration across Jacobs’ national and global platform.

Requirements

• Professional Degree in Architecture (Bachelor or Master of Architecture).
• Registered Architect (RA).
• U.S. Citizenship.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience within an architectural or engineering organization, with demonstrated experience in Federal markets.
• Strong working knowledge of predesign and preconstruction processes, contract management, project delivery methods, building systems, technology, team leadership, and client relationship development.
• Ability to pass background screening per client needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with Federal clients.
• Working knowledge of Revit.

Benefits

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full‑time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

Salary

The base salary range for this position is $140,000.00 to $200,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.