Senior Project Manager

NBBJ; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

NBBJ Columbus is seeking a Senior Project Manager to independently manage and lead design teams, oversee deliverables, and interpret client needs. You will leverage strong communication and collaboration skills to achieve high‑performance, sustainable outcomes across complex, multi‑phase projects.

Ideal candidates bring 15+ years in architecture and 10+ years in project management, with a Bachelor’s degree (B Arch/M Arch preferred) and licensure and readiness to travel as required.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of professional experience in Architecture.
• At least 10 years of experience as a Project Manager.
• Bachelor's degree; B Arch or M Arch desired.
• Architectural licensure is preferred.
• Experience with complex multi‑phase projects, ideally healthcare or higher education.

Responsibilities

• Lead large, diverse design teams and manage project delivery.
• Ensure accuracy and applicability of project documents from pre‑design through construction administration.
• Develop client relationships and lead presentations with consultants.
• Oversee project budgets, schedules and compliance with design intent.
• Coordinate with authorities, zoning, and entitlement processes.

Skills

Project management

Architecture

Leadership

Communication

Client relationships

Change management

Team collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

B Arch or M Arch

Architectural licensure (preferred)

Tools

Revit

BIM

Bluebeam Revu

PowerPoint

Excel

Smartsheet

Job description

NBBJ is an award‑winning design firm recognized as a TIME100 Most Influential Company, a Fast Company Most Innovative Architecture Firm, and a two‑time 2025 AIA National Honor Award recipient. These recognitions reflect our purpose‑driven approach that, fueled by ideas and a culture of collaboration, creates healthy buildings, strong communities and a resilient environment. That’s where you come in. With leading clients, diverse colleagues and offices in creative capitals around the globe, a career at NBBJ will inspire you to be extraordinary.

The role at a glance:

NBBJ Columbus office is seeking a Senior Project Manager who can work independently and collaboratively with a team to manage projects and lead work efforts of others, oversee the production of project deliverables, and interpret client needs. The successful candidate will have excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills, and the motivation to engage with the array of NBBJ’s resources in achieving high‑performance, sustainable outcomes.

In your new role, you will:

• Manage team complexity – plans, organizes, and supervises the work of large diverse design teams
• Responsible for accuracy and applicability of documents for entire project(s)
• Build and maintain day‑to‑day working relationship with client(s) and consultants
• Lead decision making process with fiscal accountability and responsibility
• Develop and execute a management work plan for the overall project(s)
• Assist with proposal preparation and participates in client presentations/interviews
• Responsible for all correspondence, reports, documentation, and general administration for the overall project(s)
• Lead interface with building and health authorities as well as zoning and entitlements
• Responsible for execution of project within the boundaries of the design intent
• Apply sound and diversified knowledge of architectural principals for all aspects of the project(s)
• Drive decision making on architectural problems and methods while collaboratively harnessing the expertise of the team
• Solve problems creatively with consultants, negotiate and draft/write fee proposals and contracts
• Assist with business development and collaborate with other studios, as needed
• Develop and leverage existing client relationships for the purposes of winning work.
• Assist Practice Leaders in developing market or client campaigns and interview to win new work.

What you will need to succeed:

• 15+ years of professional experience in Architecture
• At least 10 years of experience as a Project Manager
• Bachelor's degree; B Arch or M Arch desired
• Architectural licensure is preferred
• Experience with complex multi‑phase projects, ideally in healthcare or higher education
• LEED Accreditation or within 18 months of hire
• Adept in change management
• Must have a proven track record as a Project Manager with complex projects involving work that ranges from Pre‑design through Construction Administration, including contract negotiation, work plan development and the ability to work with a variety of project delivery methodologies
• Excellent leadership, verbal and communication skills, and effective client relationship skills and talent for leading and working with diverse teams of designers
• Knowledge of Revit and BIM delivery implications
• Working expertise in Bluebeam Revu, PowerPoint, Excel, and Smartsheet
• Ability to lead and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
• Ability to work in a collaborative, design focused open environment
• Ability to travel as the project(s) requires