Senior Project Manager and Office Leader

SSOE Group; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

SSOE Group in Austin seeks an experienced Senior Project Manager and Office Leader to guide complex design-build projects in advanced technology and manufacturing sectors. You will lead cross-disciplinary teams of architects, engineers, and designers, manage client relationships, and drive operational excellence across the full lifecycle.

As a dual-impact leader, you will mentor junior PMs, shape office culture, and champion AI-enabled workflows, safety, and compliance while balancing budgets

Qualifications

• Demonstrated project management experience of 10+ years in design-build environments.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred.
• PMP certification desired; additional certifications a plus.
• Experience leading office leadership and team development.
• Proficiency with scheduling tools: MS Project, Primavera P6, Deltek Vantagepoint.
• Experience leading cross-cultural, time-zone distributed teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven track record in business development and proposals.
• Mentoring project managers and developing talent.
• Field verifications and site walks on construction sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle management of complex, large-scale projects within an integrated design-build framework.
• Coordinate with international and domestic client and delivery teams across scopes, schedules, budgets, and quality.
• Define and manage project scope; develop detailed scopes of work and change control processes.
• Maintain integrated, resource-loaded schedules and identify critical path activities.
• Foster collaboration across disciplines; resolve conflicts and ensure design package integration.
• Act as primary contact for clients, contractors, and regulators; lead meetings and reporting.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation plans to protect cost, schedule, and quality.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards, codes, and client specifications.
• Provide construction phase support with submittals, RFIs, and field verifications.
• Mentor junior PMs and contribute to PM processes and standards.
• Champion safety culture and continuous improvement.

Skills

Project management

PMP certification

Leadership

Communication skills

Cross-cultural teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Civil/Structural)

Tools

Microsoft Project

Primavera P6

Deltek Vantagepoint

Job description

Responsibilities

Within SSOE’s Advanced Technology division, we specialize in high-tech facility design, offering top-tier design and engineering services to a diverse array of clients and markets. Our team is composed of highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals who excel across various disciplines. We pride ourselves on our cross-disciplinary approach, which allows us to understand and address our clients' needs more comprehensively than traditional, siloed methods. What sets us apart is our ability to seamlessly conceptualize, plan, and detail every aspect of design. Our in-house experts collaborate closely, optimizing and enhancing our work through multi-discipline strategy sessions. By leveraging cutting‑edge techniques and state‑of‑the‑art software, we deliver industry‑leading technology and innovative solutions from day one.

SSOE is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager and Office Leader to join our team; a seasoned professional who will not only lead the full lifecycle delivery of complex, large‑scale design‑build projects but also guide the culture, growth, and operational excellence. As a dual‑impact leader, you will be responsible for orchestrating successful project outcomes for the world’s leading technology companies, while simultaneously developing the next generation of project management talent, strengthening client relationships, and representing SSOE as a strategic partner. You will partner with our multidisciplinary teams of architects, engineers, and designers, orchestrating cross‑cultural collaboration, aligning stakeholders across time zones, and incorporating regional requirements to deliver consistent, exceptional results.

AI and Innovation

At SSOE, we don’t just talk about the future, we build it. As a leader in industry AI adoption, we empower our team to work smarter by providing responsible access to the industry leading AI Large Language Models, vibe‑coding platforms, and securely integrating advanced tools into every role. From day one, you’ll receive the training and support needed to leverage AI as a core tool for enhancing productivity, sparking creativity, and streamlining complex workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle management of a portfolio of complex, large‑scale advanced technology and high‑tech industrial projects, from initial conception through successful close‑out within an integrated design‑build framework.
• Lead day‑to‑day coordination with international and domestic client and delivery teams, ensuring alignment on scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk across all phases.
• Proactively define, communicate, and manage project scope, ensuring alignment with client needs and business objectives; develop detailed scopes of work, manage changes effectively through formal change control processes, and anticipate potential scope creep.
• Develop and maintain integrated, resource‑loaded project schedules utilizing tools such as Deltek Vantagepoint; track progress against milestones, identify critical path activities, and proactively implement mitigation strategies for schedule variances.
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with Discipline Leads, Department Managers, and project team members across all engineering and architectural disciplines; facilitate effective communication, resolve interdisciplinary conflicts, and ensure seamless integration of design packages to meet project objectives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other key stakeholders; lead and facilitate project meetings, prepare and deliver clear and concise project status reports, and proactively communicate potential risks and opportunities.
• Identify potential project risks, develop comprehensive risk mitigation plans, and proactively implement strategies to minimize impact on project cost, schedule, and quality.
• Ensure that all project activities adhere to SSOE's quality standards, client specifications, and relevant industry codes and regulations.
• Provide proactive support during the construction phase, including reviewing contractor submittals, responding to RFIs, participating in construction progress meetings, performing field verifications and site walks, and ensuring design intent is met.
• Actively mentor and guide junior Project Managers, sharing your expertise, best practices, and lessons learned.
• Contribute to the development of internal project management processes and standards.
• Champion a strong safety culture on all projects, ensuring compliance with SSOE's safety policies and client requirements; actively participate in safety meetings and promote safe work practices.

Office Leadership & Culture

• Serve as a visible and approachable leader within the office, cultivating a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment where all employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work.
• Act as a key representative and advocate for the office's project management function, aligning local PM goals with firm‑wide strategy, values, and vision.
• Drive staff development and career pathing for Project Managers at all levels, identify high‑potential talent, and champion professional development, PMP certification, and advanced project management training.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing, organizing project management forums, lessons‑learned workshops, and office‑wide innovation challenges that leverage SSOE’s AI and digital tool ecosystem.
• Serve as a bridge between senior firm leadership and local PM staff, communicating business updates, strategic priorities, and celebrating project and office wins to maintain transparency and alignment.
• Coordinate cross‑discipline collaboration within the office, ensuring that Project Managers effectively break down silos between the multidisciplinary teams to enhance integrated project delivery.
• Oversee office facilities, space planning, and infrastructure for the project management team, ensuring a safe, functional, and inspiring workspace that supports hybrid and in‑person collaboration.
• In partnership with firm leadership, develop and manage office‑level budgets for PM training, professional development, and team‑building activities.

Client, Stakeholder & Business Leadership

• Cultivate and expand trusted advisor relationships with key semiconductor, high‑tech, and advanced manufacturing clients, understanding their long‑term capital plans, project delivery preferences, and operational challenges to position SSOE as a partner of choice for design‑build delivery.
• Lead or actively participate in client pursuit and capture planning, developing win themes, crafting compelling proposals, delivering client presentations, and negotiating project scopes, fees, and contract terms that balance client value with firm profitability.
• Represent SSOE at industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events, building the firm’s brand as a thought leader in complex project delivery within the high‑tech facility sector.
• Act as the primary project delivery point of contact for local and regional stakeholders, including clients, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), contractor partners, and specialty consultants, navigating complex regulatory and coordination landscapes.
• Support the office‑level business development efforts, working with business development managers and discipline leaders to identify new opportunities, build a healthy pipeline of projects, and convert leads into backlog, with a focus on expanding SSOE's footprint in advanced technology markets.
• Support public and community relations efforts, presenting SSOE’s project delivery capabilities and successful project outcomes at planning commission meetings, community open houses, and client events, demonstrating corporate citizenship and a commitment to delivering value beyond the design.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated project management experience of 10+ years, with a significant portion focused on the design and delivery of industrial, advanced technology, or high‑tech manufacturing facilities (e.g., semiconductor fabrication plants, data centers, pharmaceutical manufacturing) within a design‑build or integrated project delivery environment.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly desired; additional certifications are a plus. Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Civil/Structural, or related technical discipline) is preferred.
• Proven experience in office leadership, people management, or team development.
• Expert proficiency with project scheduling software, such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or Deltek Vantagepoint; experience with resource loading, critical path analysis, and earned value management is essential.
• Demonstrated success leading cross‑cultural, cross‑time‑zone project teams, adept at tailoring communication styles and governance to diverse audiences; experience with multilingual environments is a plus.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate project status, risks, and technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences, including C‑level client stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes of project issues and develop effective, timely solutions that keep projects on track.
• A proven track record of building and sustaining client relationships, contributing to business development, and leading proposal development and interviews within the advanced technology and high‑tech sectors.
• Demonstrated experience fostering an inclusive team culture and a commitment to mentoring and developing Project Managers and other technical professionals.
• Ability to perform field verifications and site walks in industrial environments, including the ability to navigate construction sites and potentially access elevated areas.

Compensation & Benefits

SSOE offers a competitive total compensation package designed to support and empower our employees and their families.

• Salary: $130,000 – $200,000 per year, commensurate with location, education, and depth of experience.
• Incentives: Leadership bonus program and ownership investment opportunities. We believe the people who build SSOE should share in its success.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; employer‑paid life insurance; and wellness program support.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company match.
• Professional Growth: Dedicated professional development funding, PE licensure and certification exam support, conference attendance, and structured career advancement programs.
• Time Off: Generous paid time off (PTO) policy plus paid holidays.
• Work‑Life Balance: SSOE actively supports flexible scheduling within project commitments and a culture that genuinely respects your time outside the office.