Client Leader/Project Manager, Public Markets

DLR Group; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 93,300 - 144,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Wellness programs

401(k) plan

Employee stock ownership

Bonus opportunities

Job summary

DLR Group is seeking a Client Leader/Project Manager for Public Markets in Minneapolis. You will manage primary client relationships while providing leadership across project execution in justice, civic, education and government sectors.

Ideal candidates bring 10+ years in AEC, with 5+ years client-facing, and strong skills in strategic planning and people leadership. This role supports long-term client strategies and expands the firm’s presence in public markets.

Qualifications

• Develop and maintain relationships with public-sector clients and stakeholders.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in government, education, and other public markets.
• Support business development through RFQs, RFPs, interviews, and pursuit strategies.
• Collaborate with clients to understand goals and project objectives.
• Lead negotiations and define scope, fees, schedules, and deliverables.
• Coordinate with design and technical teams to meet client expectations and budgets.
• Oversee multidisciplinary teams and project partners.

Responsibilities

• Build trusted client relationships in public markets.
• Drive business development and capture activities in government/public sectors.
• Lead client-facing communications and presentations.
• Mentor project staff and foster a collaborative team culture.
• Guide projects through pursuit, planning, design and delivery stages.
• Monitor project performance, including schedule and budgets.
• Manage stakeholder engagement and risk mitigation.

Skills

Client relationship

Leadership

Project management

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture/Engineering/Interior Design

Professional licensure preferred

Tools

Technical design tools

Job description

Client Leader/Project Manager, Public Markets

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

DLR Group is an integrated design firm with a promise to elevate the human experience through design. This fuels the work we do around the world and inspires our mission to improve the lives of our clients, our communities, and our planet. If this sparks your interest, you’re in the right place.

Our North Central region has an opening for a Client Leader/Project Manager for our public sectors. This role could be based in the following cities: Minneapolis.

Position Summary

As a Client Leader / Project Manager, you will serve as the primary client relationship manager while also providing leadership throughout project execution. This role combines strategic business development, client engagement, and project oversight to help deliver meaningful public-sector projects that improve communities.

You will work closely with clients, project teams, consultants, and firm leadership to guide projects from pursuit and planning through design and delivery. The ideal candidate brings experience working with public-sector organizations and understands how to navigate complex stakeholder environments, build trusted relationships, and lead multidisciplinary teams.

This position is well suited for professionals with experience in markets such as justice, civic, municipal, education, public safety, government, community facilities, or other public‑sector environments.

What you will do

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with public-sector clients and community stakeholders.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within government, education, civic, and other public-sector markets.
• Support business development efforts, including participation in RFQs, RFPs, interviews, presentations, and pursuit strategies.
• Collaborate with clients to understand organizational goals, priorities, and project objectives.
• Lead contract negotiations and assist in defining project scope, fees, schedules, and deliverables.
• Partner with design and technical teams to ensure projects are aligned with client expectations, budget, schedule, and quality goals.
• Oversee project execution and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, consultants, and project partners.
• Monitor project performance, including schedule, budgets, invoicing, and overall financial health.
• Facilitate project meetings, provide status updates, and proactively manage risks and opportunities.
• Guide project teams through complex stakeholder engagement and decision-making processes.
• Mentor project staff and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
• Support development of long-term client strategies and help expand the firm’s presence within key public-sector markets.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, or related construction field (Professional licensure preferred).
• At least 10 years of professional experience in the AEC industry, inclusive of at least 5 years in a client-facing role.
• Experience with state and local jurisdictions.
• Strong understanding of business management principles, including strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership.
• Knowledge of customer service principles, including needs assessment, quality standards, and customer satisfaction.
• Expertise in design techniques and tools for producing technical plans, drawings, and models.
• Familiarity with building methods, materials, and systems for construction and renovation projects.
• Strong critical thinking, time management, and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to actively listen, understand others’ perspectives, and respond thoughtfully in conversations.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits at DLR Group include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401(k) plan, employee stock ownership, and bonus opportunities.

Pay Range

$93,300 - $144,700 USD

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/M/F/Veteran/Disabled employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

DLR Group follows a four-day in-office work model, with employees having the flexibility to work somewhere other than the office on Fridays.