Project Manager at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP in Washington, Washington DC

Job Description:

About the Role

As Project Manager you will lead projects and project teams through all phases of design to achieve design, technical, and financial success. You have developed outstanding client relationships that will help support and grow the business, and possess the strategic planning and communication skills necessary to deepen those relationships on behalf of SOM. You set clear expectations and manage those expectations effectively, allowing team members to work efficiently and collaboratively, while adhering to project timelines. You achieve success by ensuring your projects and teams are successful, seeking creative and innovative solutions to complex problems, while protecting the firm from financial and legal risk.

Who We Are

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm.  We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration.  Together we can achieve great things.

Who you are

Leader - You believe in the success of your teams, inspiring not only those you support but everyone around you. 

Expert -  You are at the top of your field and possess the experience, knowledge, and skills to deliver high quality work in a fast paced environment.   

Great Communicator - Whether you are interacting with clients or coaching teammates, you communicate clearly, succinctly, and effectively.

Entrepreneur - You take ownership and constantly seek new and creative ways to grow the business. 

What You’ll Do

Lead Projects and Initiatives

• Plan, direct, and coordinate work efforts through all phases of a project




• Schedule and lead project meetings, issue meeting minutes, and maintain detailed records




• Manage time and workload to meet project deadlines and commitments




• Prepare quality agreements including letters of intent, memoranda of understanding, and professional service agreements




• Proactively review and coordinate project documents 




• Lead project risk management alongside SOM Partners and legal team




• Collaborate with Leadership to issue and manage compliance plans to align with goals 




• Administer internal control procedures with Project Accountant




• Develop, monitor and maintain project schedules, work plans, and financial performance




• Analyze project reports and proactively manage the profitability of a project




• Monitor scope for contract compliance and potential additional services

• Actively engage in professional development opportunities, both internal and external




• Participate in the  development of sustainable strategies and practices




• Comply with standards, policies, and procedures and direct others in the use of those resources

Grow the Business

• Support public relations and marketing opportunities to align with business plans




• Participate in new business development activities and actively pursue leads




• Build and grow client relationships through flawless execution, exceptional communication, and the promotion of SOM’s functional markets, services, and expertise




• Recruit talent, review resumes, and participate in interviews

What You’ve Got

• 5 to 10 years of experience (or equivalent knowledge and skills)




• Understanding of sustainable strategies and principles including familiarity with LEED or other green building rating systems.




• Experience leading project teams and managing project schedules, budgets, and programs




• Understanding of Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, parametric and rendering software, and other graphic software.




• Proficiency in Google Suite, Adobe Suite. and Microsoft Office/Project.




• Familiarity with Deltek Vision and Salesforce.

Success at SOM Means 

• Ideas:  We believe in a meritocracy of ideas.  We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.  




• Knowledge:  We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning.  We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge. 




• Product:  We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work. 




• Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work.  Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.




• Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration.  A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential. 




• Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

SOM offers opportunities to work on transformational projects, competitive salaries, health insurance, wellness, retirement and financial and other work/life plans.

At SOM, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We believe an inclusive environment benefits our employees, our firm, and our community, while also enriching and challenging our own thinking about design. We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy and how to apply offline: www.som.com/employment_opportunities_and_policy

For more about SOM: www.som.com

Portfolios must be submitted for all design positions (Architecture, Interiors, Planning, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed.  Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.