Senior Project Manager

Carrierjohnson; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Carrier Johnson + Culture (CJ+C) is seeking a Senior Project Manager / Architect in California to lead the delivery of complex higher education, civic, and public projects. The role requires guiding teams from planning through construction with a focus on quality, schedule, and budget, while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.

You will coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, manage procurement processes, and ensure compliance with state codes and campus requirements.

Qualifications

• Licensed Architect with California licensure preferred
• 12+ years of professional experience in higher ed and civic projects
• Proven track record leading RFQ/RFPs and design-build submissions
• Experience managing complex procurement and multi-stakeholder environments
• Strong knowledge of California Building Code and public approvals such as DSA

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery across all project phases, managing scope, schedule, budget, and resources.
• Interface with clients, design leaders, and interdisciplinary teams to align vision and performance.
• Oversee multi-project leadership, coordinating internal teams and external consultants.
• Navigate regulatory approvals, permitting, and campus-specific processes.
• Collaborate with Design Leaders and technical staff to align design with constraints.
• Direct RFQ and RFP pursuits with a focus on higher education procurement.
• Oversee construction administration, including RFIs, submittals, and site visits.
• Plan workplans, staffing, fees, and resource alignment.
• Negotiate and manage project contracts to protect firm interests.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to maintain performance.
• Maintain rigorous quality across deliverables and compliance with codes.
• Mentor project teams and promote knowledge-sharing within the firm.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Regulatory approvals

Building codes

Construction administration

RFQ/RFP leadership

Team mentoring

Project planning

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture

Tools

Revit

Job description

At Carrier Johnson + Culture (CJ+C), we are fueled by creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. Our team champions a user-first approach that pushes design boundaries and fosters innovation. Our work spans higher education, civic, mixed-use, and public projects of varying scales and complexities, delivered through collaboration, technical rigor, and thoughtful leadership. As a Senior Project Manager / Architect, you will partner with clients, design leaders, and interdisciplinary teams to deliver impactful, high-performing environments that serve communities and institutions.

Your Role

As a Senior Project Manager / Architect at CJ+C, you will lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex projects, often managing multiple efforts simultaneously. You are responsible for aligning design vision, technical execution, and project performance from early planning through construction.

With 12+ years of experience, you are a licensed professional recognized for your ability to lead teams, manage clients, and deliver projects with clarity and discipline. You bring deep expertise in higher education and civic work, including experience leading complex procurement processes and competitive pursuits. Your leadership ensures projects are delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with client goals, institutional priorities, and community impact.

What You Will Do

• Oversee and drive project delivery across all phases, managing scope, schedule, budget, and resources to achieve efficient, profitable outcomes.
• Serve as the primary client interface, leading stakeholder engagement with campus leadership, user groups, facilities teams, and public agencies, guiding alignment across complex institutional environments.
• Coordinate internal teams and external consultants to deliver fully integrated, high-performing design and technical solutions.
• Guide projects through regulatory approvals, permitting, and public agency processes, including experience with higher education frameworks such as DSA and campus-specific approval processes.
• Collaborate closely with Design Leaders and technical staff to align design intent with project constraints and delivery requirements.
• Direct RFQ and RFP pursuits, including complex higher education design-build submissions, demonstrating a strong understanding of institutional procurement processes and evaluation criteria.
• Oversee construction administration, including RFIs, submittals, site visits, and field coordination, ensuring quality and alignment with design intent.
• Manage project planning, including workplans, staffing strategies, fee management, and resource alignment.
• Negotiate and manage project contracts, ensuring alignment with project goals and favorable outcomes for the firm.
• Anticipate project risks and develop strategies to mitigate challenges and maintain consistent project performance.
• Uphold rigorous quality standards across all deliverables, ensuring compliance with codes, regulations, and firm practices.
• Mentor and guide project teams, fostering a collaborative and accountable work

Your Qualifications

• Registered/Licensed Architect required. California licensure strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited university required.
• 12+ years of professional experience, including significant work managing higher education and civic projects.
• Proven experience leading RFQ and RFP pursuits, including complex design-build submissions, with a demonstrated track record of winning work.
• Strong experience working with institutional clients, public agencies, and complex stakeholder groups.
• Experience delivering projects within active campus environments, including phasing, stakeholder coordination, and operational continuity.
• Deep understanding of project delivery methods, including design-build, CM at risk, and traditional delivery.
• Strong knowledge of California Building Code, accessibility requirements, and local permitting processes, with experience navigating public approvals such as DSA preferred.
• Strong technical background in building systems, construction methods, and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to lead complex discussions and build consensus across diverse stakeholders.
• Extensive experience in construction administration and maintaining project quality through completion.
• Commitment to professional development, leadership, and knowledge-sharing within the firm.
• Proficiency in Revit and project management tools preferred.

Final role, title, and compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's specific expertise and skills.