Project Manager, Landscape Architecture - West Chester, OH, US

Job Summary · The Landscape Architecture Project Manager will bring outdoor spaces to life, by collaborating with team members to provide concept design through technical construction documentation and administration of landscape architecture projects including landscape and hard ...

Job description

Job Summary

The Landscape Architecture Project Manager will bring outdoor spaces to life, by collaborating with team members to provide concept design through technical construction documentation and administration of landscape architecture projects including landscape and hardscape plans, details, and specifications. They lead and manage the design team and client through the design and construction documentation and administration phases of projects including parks, streetscapes, public space design, development sites, industrial sites, higher education, and master planning, etc.

The Project Manager is responsible for leading the client through the design process by spearheading project meetings, visioning sessions, design charrettes, and client presentations, etc.  The PM is also accountable for directing staff, delegating, and assigning workloads to appropriate team members.  They are to provide clear verbal and written instructions to staff to keep projects proceeding and on schedule. Communication will include providing direction on design, construction documentation, and administration.  The Project Manager reviews projects to sign and seal plans for construction and provides help to the department in any way necessary for the good of the department. The PM needs to be a self-starter, organize projects, and be able to work on multiple projects concurrently.

The Project Manager regularly interacts with employees inside and outside of the department, including regular interaction with clients.  The PM should present to the public (agencies, government entities, professional affiliations, etc.), publicly speak on behalf of the profession of landscape architecture for industry related conferences and regularly participate in selling to clients. The Project Manager, while leading the client through the design process, is required to be able to design and problem solve 'on the fly', as they are the primary contact with clients.  It is expected that the Project Manager manages assigned staff, manages profit and loss of a project, while being the model of professionalism, representing the Company and the department in a positive light. The PM will provide revenue projections for the six-month revenue forecast, review billing reports, and ensures projects are set up correctly in Unanet. The PM provides scope and fee proposals, landscape architecture led proposal writing, and will prepare for and lead interviews. They are responsible for gathering feedback from clients on how well we are performing on projects.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the client through the entire design process and ensure follow-through until completion.
• Actively listen to the client to understand their goals of the project and clearly provide goals to the design team.
• Lead, delegate, and engage with the design team to ensure client goals are being met on time, on budget, and with high accuracy.
• Consults with and provides guidance to clients and staff regarding requirements for landscape projects.
• Retain and ensure satisfaction of new and existing clients.
• Plans projects based on the analysis of relevant materials such as drawings, blueprints, aerial photography, survey reports, maps, grading plans, and other geologic and topographical data.
• Reviews projects for compliance with regulatory requirements based on knowledge of state and local regulations.
• Collaborates with architects, contractors, subconsultants and other engineers to ensure projects progress properly.
• Monitors project progress and ensures design specifications and standards are met.
• Must be able to complete projects independently with minimal oversight.
• Advanced level of understanding of design tools and landscape architecture practices.
• Complete construction administration responsibilities for projects including, but not limited to addressing contractor questions, lead pre-construction meetings, review substitutions requests and shop drawings, perform site walkthrough, develop punch lists. 
• Ability to assign projects and oversee those assigned for accuracy of work, timeliness of completion, with accurate and timely time entry.
• Ability to storyboard out construction documents, presentations etc.
• Develop, mentor, train, evaluate, coach/discipline, and engage with assigned staff.
• Able to teach and explain to others the methodologies used by The Company.
• Actively utilize and update Company accounting software and project metric applications. 
• Develops business by selling the Company's services to new and existing clients.
• Provide scope and fee proposals in support of landscape architectural and engineering department project opportunities.
• Coordinates LA qualifications-based proposals.
• Ability to write project approach narrative and detailed scope for LA led project proposals.
• Prepares and Leads interviews to gain new business.
• Ensures projects are communicated to the Project Coordinator and are set up correctly in Unanet throughout all phases of projects.
• Review contract language.
• Ensure financial success of projects.
• Completes billing reports in a timely manner. 
• Completes SMRF documentation.
• Responsible for touch base activities with previous/current clients.
• Participate in appropriate meetings, association memberships, and events to establish and build networking contacts.
• Develop and lead project or industry related speaking presentations.
• Daily timekeeping in Unanet for appropriate project billing.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Education, & Experience

• Eight (8) or more years of professional experience in the field of Landscape Architecture with client facing responsibilities is preferred. 
• Bachelor's/Master's degree in Landscape Architecture or related field from an accredited program. 
• Licensed Landscape Architect, is preferred.
• Advanced level understanding of construction documentation, administration, and specification writing.
• Be able to motivate and lead team members to successful completion of projects on time, on budget, and accurately.
• Review project for compliance with regulatory requirements based on knowledge of state and local regulations.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Advanced understanding of landscape architecture principles, practices, and tools.
• Proficient in AutoCAD and Microsoft. 
• Ability to identify and solve complex problems.
• Above average design ability.
• Design and problem solve 'on the fly' with clients/ team members.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to be both creative and analytical.
• Ability to work on multiple projects with multiple deadlines.
• Extremely detail-oriented and accurate.
• Demonstrated intermediate level of understanding of specifications and construction administration. 
• Public speaking ability.
• Manage, mentor, delegate, guide, and engage staff on landscape architecture related projects.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to travel to various project sites.
• Must be able to access and navigate job sites and construction areas.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Personal Qualities we Value:

Detail-Oriented: You thrive on getting the little things right and delivering high-quality work every time.

Self-Starter: You take initiative, are comfortable working independently, and enjoy a good challenge.

Collaborative: You're a team player who can work across departments and get things done together.

Problem Solver: You can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions to recruiting challenges.

Organized: You love keeping things in order and making sure the right resources are at your fingertips.

Kleingers Core Values:

• Honor Our Commitments
• Listen To Our Clients
• Deliver An Exceptional Client Experience
• Build Lasting Relationships
• Do The Right Thing

 Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, FSA
• Company-paid Life, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) plus matching up to 50%
• Employee Assistance Program
• Experience-based PTO, Paid Volunteer Hours
• Wellness Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Professional Memberships & Licensing Fees
• Kleingers Academy and Development Training

Why Kleingers is YOUR Destination Employer:

• People-First Culture – our employees are our best asset. We walk the talk. Kleingers believes in their employees and sets them up for success.
• Community-Based Projects - make a difference by working on meaningful projects with lasting, positive impacts upon the communities where you live and work.
• Career Growth - career paths and plenty of opportunities for advancement.
• Personal Development – we offer continuous learning opportunities throughout the year. Whether it is training, development, or coaching we are committed to your growth.
• Be You – We value equity, inclusion, and belonging. Kleingers welcomes and encourages diverse perspectives and insights.

The Kleingers Group does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.