About the Opportunity

Our recruitment team is partnering with an established architecture firm to identify an experienced, licensed Senior Project Manager for its growing team in West New York, New Jersey. This role offers the opportunity to lead schematic design and zoning documentation, guide architectural teams, and oversee complex projects from initial concepts through design development. Working closely with clients, internal teams, and external consultants, you’ll play a key role in delivering high-quality architectural solutions while supporting project profitability, improving design standards, and strengthening client relationships.

Candidates must hold an architectural license and have strong knowledge of New Jersey zoning and planning board processes to be considered for this position.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Leadership opportunity: Take ownership of the schematic design and zoning documentation phases while providing technical direction and mentoring to architectural team members.

• Project ownership: Oversee project schedules, budgets, resource allocation, quality standards, and deliverables across projects of varying scales and complexity.

• Technical expertise: Apply your knowledge of architectural design, building codes, accessibility requirements, permitting processes, and construction documentation.

• Client-facing responsibility: Build strong client relationships, lead presentations, coordinate multidisciplinary consultants, and provide informed design recommendations.

• Opportunity to shape standards: Help develop and implement architectural design standards, documentation processes, quality assurance procedures, and operational improvements.

• Collaborative culture: Join a people-first studio environment that values teamwork, innovation, professional development, and excellent client service.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the schematic design and zoning documentation phases, ensuring designs meet client requirements, project objectives, and applicable zoning and building regulations.

• Mentor, guide, and provide technical direction to architectural staff, including junior team members, while overseeing the quality and accuracy of their work.

• Conduct zoning analyses and site assessments, identify potential zoning-related risks, and prepare required documentation for zoning applications and approvals.

• Develop comprehensive schematic design documents independently, including design concepts, details, drawings, and supporting presentation materials.

• Review architectural designs and documentation for technical accuracy, completeness, code compliance, and adherence to established quality standards.

• Develop and implement design standards, documentation procedures, quality assurance processes, and tools to improve project delivery and consistency.

• Manage project schedules, budgets, allocated hours, resources, deliverables, and profitability while ensuring work is completed on time and within scope.

• Coordinate with clients, attorneys, planners, traffic consultants, civil engineers, MEP engineers, structural engineers, and other project stakeholders.

• Lead client meetings, technical presentations, design reviews, and planning or zoning board presentations as required.

• Oversee design development, material and product research, construction techniques, and coordination of renderings and presentation materials.

• Maintain strong client relationships, identify opportunities for new business, and contribute to departmental strategic planning and growth.

• Identify project risks, resolve resource or scope challenges, and drive continuous improvement in operational efficiency and design quality.

Your Background

• Professional architectural license is required.

• Bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited school of architecture is preferred.

• Strong experience managing architectural projects, particularly schematic design, zoning documentation, and design coordination.

• Comfortable presenting to zoning and planning boards in New Jersey and knowledgeable about local zoning requirements and approval processes.

• Advanced working knowledge of Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office products.

• Strong understanding of building codes, accessibility requirements, occupancy requirements, permitting processes, and construction document production.

• Demonstrated ability to manage project budgets, schedules, resource allocation, deliverables, and profitability.

• Experience mentoring architectural staff, delegating responsibilities, reviewing technical work, and supporting team development.

• Excellent client relationship management, communication, presentation, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and manage projects with varying levels of scale and complexity.

• A proactive, collaborative mindset with an interest in improving processes, developing standards, and contributing to business growth.

• LEED accreditation is advantageous but not required.

• Must be authorized to work in the United States without visa restrictions.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive compensation: A competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Leadership and ownership: The opportunity to take a leading role in schematic design, zoning, project delivery, and architectural team development.

• Professional growth: Opportunities to expand technical expertise, influence company standards, and contribute to departmental strategy.

• Collaborative environment: Work within a people-first architectural studio that values teamwork, innovation, and professional development.

• Meaningful project work: Contribute to a diverse portfolio of architectural projects while helping shape design quality and delivery standards.

• Opportunity to make an impact: Play a key role in strengthening client relationships, improving operational efficiency, and supporting the firm's continued growth.

Next Steps

Ready to take the next step in your architectural career? If you’re a licensed architect with strong project management experience, a solid understanding of New Jersey zoning processes, and a passion for leading teams and delivering high-quality design solutions, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today or reach out to our recruitment team for a confidential conversation about this opportunity.