Senior Project Manager, Placemaking

Common Arts; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

RDC in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead the largest and most complex architectural projects, coordinating design, technical, and administrative work to meet client goals. You will act as the primary client liaison, guiding staffing, schedules, and budgets while negotiating scopes and contracts.

You will oversee project meetings, billing reviews, and ensure contract documents meet agency requirements, with a focus on quality and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture from an accredited program.
• Architectural licensure in the state where the office is located preferred.
• 5 years of experience as a Project Manager.
• Advanced knowledge of architectural detailing and current construction standards.
• Advanced knowledge of construction contract administration processes.
• Advanced leadership communication abilities required to collaborate with client and development team.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD/Revit (latest version) and other business software and their application to contract documents.

Responsibilities

• Has full responsibility for managing all aspects of the largest and most complex projects or runs multiple midsize projects concurrently.
• Coordinate design, technical, and administrative efforts to ensure efficient and cost‑effective execution.
• Serve as the primary client liaison and complete projects to satisfy client's goals.
• Manage project schedules, programs, documentation, and team assignments.
• Estimate fees, determine scope of work, and negotiate contracts with clients.
• Lead project meetings, review billing, and ensure contract document submittals for agency review.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Client liaison

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture

Architectural licensure

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit (latest version)

Job description

Company Overview

Making Everyday Places Extraordinary.

Founded in 1979, RDC is a full-service, award-winning architecture firm dedicated to making everyday places extraordinary. Headquartered in Long Beach, CA, we are a 160+ team with offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, Washington D.C., and Arkansas.

Position Summary

Has full responsibility for managing all aspects of the largest and most complex projects or runs multiple midsize projects concurrently. The Senior Project Manager is responsible for the coordination of all design, technical, and administrative efforts, to assure the most efficient and cost-effective execution of assigned work. Serves as the primary client liaison and is responsible to complete projects to satisfy client's goals. Actively manages project schedules, programs, documentation, and team assignments. Utilize regularly updated work plans to identify staffing needs and communicate projections to operations leadership. Estimates fees, determines scope of work, and negotiates with clients to obtain approved contracts.

Additional Responsibilities

• Consistently utilize Project Management Road Map Tools and Project Manager Checklist.
• Assist staff in development of industry knowledge and architectural skills by example, and by seeking out learning opportunities related to new codes, technologies, and materials.
• Ensure contracts are executed and retainer checks are obtained prior to starting work.
• Issue and record Change of Service Agreements in a timely manner when requests are made for work that falls outside of the original scope of work.
• Provide weekly time sheet review.
• Provide regular updates to Operations Director on staffing needs and project deadlines.
• Complete monthly billing review and meet with Operations Director as required.
• Lead project meetings with agendas and ensure accuracy of meeting minutes, including project kickoff and post project review meetings.
• Ensure project directories are maintained.
• Maintain continuous flow of critical information.
• Collaborate with Project Architect and Technical Director to complete all required quality review milestones.
• Oversee and assure contract document submittals for agency review, agency corrections, and permit approval.
• Direct the preparation and issuance of bid documents, pre-bid RFI responses, and addenda as required by project contract.
• Oversee construction contract administration and attend construction meetings as required by project contract.
• Pursue new project opportunities with existing clients.

Measures of Performance

The Senior Project Manager will be evaluated based on all the items in this document as they apply to their specific role. The following items represent the primary performance benchmarks that the company will be measuring and the tools that will be used to provide measured input.

• Quality of contracts
• Quality of all published deliverables, including contract documents.
• Client satisfaction levels.
• Ability to establish and maintain a project schedule and budget.
• Utilization of company project management tools and documents.
• Success developing the acumen and skills of others, and utilizing firm tools for ongoing regular feedback and professional development.

Accountable to

• Senior Project Managers reports to the Studio Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture from an accredited program preferred.
• Architectural licensure in state where office is located preferred.
• 5 years of experience as a Project Manager.
• Advanced knowledge of architectural detailing and current construction standards.
• Advanced understanding of architectural design and related fields.
• Advanced knowledge agency review process and ability to successfully complete the entitlement and permitting process.
• Advanced knowledge of construction contract administration processes.
• Advanced leadership communication abilities required to collaborate with client and development team.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD/Revit (latest version) and other business software and their application to contract documents.

Salary

The base salary is estimated between $105,000- $135,000 plus bonuses and benefits and is contingent on location & relevant experience.

RDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.