Project Manager - Critical Facilities and Industrial & Logistics

Gensler; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Gensler in Chicago is seeking a Design Manager (Project Manager) to lead exciting Critical Facilities and Industrial/Logistics projects. You will guide design teams, manage project delivery from setup through construction administration, and help grow new client relationships for highly technical programs.

With 10–15+ years in commercial architecture and a proven PM track record, you will mentor teams, negotiate scope and fees, and ensure adherence to local codes while advancing resilient,

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of professional experience in commercial architecture and design, with focus on project delivery and client development.
• 2+ years as a Project Manager for highly technical, engineering-forward projects such as Data Centers, Secured Spaces, Command Centers, Labs, Government or Industrial Facilities.
• Experience leading projects of various scales and mentoring Interior Designers and Architects.
• Strong leadership, organization, communication and interpersonal management skills.
• Commitment to a collaborative design process.
• Experience negotiating project scope and fees.
• Knowledge of local building codes and standards.
• Master's or Bachelor's in Architecture.
• Licensed/registered architect or LEED AP preferred.
• Commitment to resilience and sustainable building practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead collaborative design teams and set effective project workplans with attainable objectives.
• Manage all phases of architecture and interior architecture projects from set-up through design and construction administration.
• Prepare proposals, negotiate contracts and fees, and coordinate bidding processes.
• Manage scheduling, budgets, staffing, and project setup with clients, sub-consultants, vendors, and contractors.
• Track financial performance of projects.
• Develop and maintain client relationships.
• Support firmwide sustainability and resilience goals with multi-benefit design solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Mentoring

Negotiation

Client relationships

Code knowledge

Education

Master's or Bachelor's in Architecture

Job description

Description

Critical Facilities and Industrial and Logistics practice areas are rapidly evolving as technology advances and organizations pursue more energy‑efficient, lower‑carbon operations. These shifts require inventive thinking and resilient, high‑performance design. Since 1997, Gensler Chicago has contributed to the region’s architectural excellence—designing workplaces, repositioning historic spaces, mixed‑use developments, and community‑driven projects that reflect the city’s energy and ambition.

Your Role

Our Chicago team is seeking a Project Manager for exciting new projects and growth opportunities in the Critical Facilities practice area. Gensler Project Managers love pushing new ideas, are passionate about design and get excited about managing diverse projects and collaborating with extremely talented creatives. This team member is leading projects and is also helping to grow new clients for these highly technical projects.

What You Will Do

• Lead collaborative design teams and work closely with Design Directors to establish effective project workplans with attainable objectives
• Manage all phases of architecture and interior architecture projects, from project set‑up through design and construction administration
• Help prepare project proposals, negotiate contracts and fees, and coordinate the bidding process
• Manage scheduling, budgets, staffing, and project set‑up with clients, sub‑consultants, vendors and contractors
• Track financial performance of projects
• Develop and maintain client relationships
• Actively support firmwide sustainability and resilience goals, guiding clients and project teams toward multi‑benefit sustainable and resilient design solutions

Your Qualifications

• 10‑15+ years of professional experience in the commercial architecture and design field, with recent focus on project delivery and client development
• 2+ years of experience as a Project Manager with a focus on highly technical, engineering‑forward projects such as Data Centers, Secured Spaces, Command Centers, Labs, Government or Industrial Facilities
• Experience leading projects of a variety of scales and mentoring Interior Designers and Architects
• Strong leadership, organization, communication and interpersonal management skills
• Commitment to a collaborative design process
• Experience negotiating project scope and fees
• Knowledge of local building codes and standards
• Professional degree (Master or Bachelor) in Architecture
• Preferred certifications include licensed/registered architect, LEED AP
• Commitment to resilience and sustainable building practices

Job Details

• Title: Design Manager (Project Manager operating in this capacity)
• Location: Chicago office (not a remote position)
• Estimated base salary range: $100‑130K, plus eligibility for bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package, with final compensation contingent on relevant experience

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are committed to enjoying life as much as delivering best‑in‑class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well‑being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests. We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, paid time off, a 401(k), profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice‑annual bonus opportunities.

We also offer reimbursement for certain professional licenses, renewals, exam fees, and tuition for eligible programs or classes as part of our commitment to licensure and professional development.

Notice to Applicants

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affective Action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law.

Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us. We will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process.