Design Manager - Architecture

WGI; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

LTD & STD

Life Insurance

401k with match

PTO

Holidays

HSA with company contribution

Pet insurance

Employee assistance program

Job summary

WGI seeks a Design Manager for the Buildings Division in our Tampa, FL office to lead aviation projects and drive business development. You will guide multidisciplinary design teams, ensure design quality, and manage client relationships to deliver high-performance facilities.

The ideal candidate is a licensed architect with airport experience, NCARB with reciprocity, and a proven BD track record. Travel may be required as we expand aviation capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in architecture from an accredited institution.
• Registered Architect (RA) with NCARB certification for reciprocal licensure.
• Minimum 12-15 years of professional tenure with aviation project experience.
• Proven track record of business development and client management within aviation.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and presentation skills.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Existing relationships with airport authorities and aviation stakeholders preferred.
• Experience leading complex aviation projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of airport operations and FAA requirements.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Principal-in-Charge or Project Executive for aviation projects.
• Lead governance, scope, risk, and executive reporting.
• Provide senior leadership in programming, planning, and design for aviation facilities.
• Direct multidisciplinary design teams to meet project goals and standards.
• Mentor project managers and senior staff in leadership and delivery.
• Oversee budget, schedule, and client satisfaction for delivery.
• Guide compliance with FAA, TSA, ADA, and local regulations.
• Develop and execute market strategies to grow aviation business.
• Represent the firm at industry events and in client relations.

Skills

Leadership

Client management

Market growth

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture

RA license

NCARB certification

Job description

We are currently seeking a Design Manager to be part of our Buildings Division in our Tampa office.

At WGI, you will find talented, passionate associates providing exceptional service in collaborative, team-driven environments, all while having fun and enjoying the work they do. We work to stay ahead of the curve by investing in the latest tools and technology. As one of the nation’s top consulting firms, we consistently strive to promote efficiency, cultivate a culture our associates can proudly embrace, and empower our associates to advance their career growth at WGI, and beyond.

WGI is always looking for remarkable individuals to join our team and help us grow in our vision. If you think you are an innovative, self-motivated team-player, and want to shape your community, join our WGI team today!

WGI offers a complete Benefits package including: Medical, Dental, Vision, LTD & STD, Life Insurance, 401k with match, PTO, Holidays, HSA with company contribution, Pet insurance, and Employee assistance program.

This individual will execute projects within and expand the WGI’s presence within the aviation market. This individual will also serve as a strategic leader responsible for marketing and business development, client relationships, project leadership, and market expansion within the aviation sector.

The ideal candidate is a licensed architect with deep experience in airport and aviation-related facilities, a strong industry network, proven ability to win work, and ultimately lead multidisciplinary design teams. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment and wants to play a significant role in shaping the future of a dynamic A/E firm.

Project Leadership

• Serve as Principal-in-Charge or Project Executive for aviation and related projects.
• Lead project and program governance efforts including scope management, risk mitigation, stakeholder coordination, and executive-level reporting.
• Provide senior-level leadership in programming, planning, design, strategy, and multidisciplinary coordination for aviation facilities and infrastructure improvements.
• Oversee design quality and technical execution across all phases of project delivery, ensuring consistency with firm standards and industry best practices.
• Direct multidisciplinary design teams to ensure projects achieve operational functionality, design excellence, and client objectives.
• Guide teams through complex stakeholder engagement processes including airport authorities, airlines, regulatory agencies, and community partners.
• Lead executive-level project presentations, workshops, and design reviews with clients, governing boards, and public agencies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, guiding strategic decision-making, project prioritization, and long-term capital planning initiatives.
• Support successful project execution by mentoring project managers and senior design staff in leadership, delivery strategy, and client management best practices.
• Provide oversight of overall project delivery, quality control, budgeting, scheduling, and client satisfaction.
• Lead design implementation of all applicable FAA, TSA, ADA, and local regulatory requirements.

Team Development & Collaboration

• Mentor and develop architecture and design staff within the aviation practice.
• Collaborate with engineering, planning, interiors, and construction administration teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Assist in recruiting and building a high-performing aviation team.
• Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and design excellence.

Market Leadership & Business Development

• Contribute to the strategic growth of the aviation market sector for the Buildings division.
• Develop and execute marketing and business development strategies to expand market share and strengthen client relationships.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new aviation opportunities with airports, municipalities, airlines, and aviation-related agencies.
• Maintain and expand relationships with key aviation clients, industry partners, and stakeholders.
• Represent the firm at industry conferences, trade organizations, and networking events including AAAE, ACC, ACI, regional aviation associations, and others.
• Collaborate with firm leadership to establish annual revenue goals, growth targets, and market initiatives.

Strategic Planning

• Help define long-term vision and positioning for the aviation practice.
• Monitor industry trends, funding opportunities, and emerging technologies impacting aviation infrastructure.
• Support firmwide strategic initiatives and cross-market collaboration opportunities.
• Professional bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture from an accredited institution.
• Registered Architect (RA) license required with NCARB certification for reciprocal state licensure.
• Minimum 12-15 years of professional tenure with significant aviation project experience.
• Proven track record of business development and client management within the aviation industry.
• Experience leading complex aviation projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of airport operations, FAA requirements, and aviation industry standards.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and presentation skills.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Existing relationships with airport authorities and aviation stakeholders preferred.
• Experience with medium and large-hub airport projects desired.
• Experience working within a growing or entrepreneurial A/E environment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an office setting. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate a computer, keyboard and mouse. Use of a telephone headset will allow for virtual communication with team members through Zoom and/or Microsoft Teams. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to sit for prolonged periods, use hands/fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms, speak and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of employment visas.

WGI provides a competitive salary and an outstanding work environment.

WGI is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.