Senior Landscape Architect/Project Manager - Chicago

7+ years' experience in project management in commercial/civic and/or high-end residential landscape architecture. 

We’re looking for an individual with expertise in, and a love of, project management with a background/degree in either landscape architecture or architecture. This role will provide opportunities to work on amazing residential garden projects around the USA with Chicago as your home base. As a project manager, your typical tasks will include design collaboration with internal team members, planning/oversight of project timelines and budgets, defining project scope and objectives, mentoring project designers, and interacting with clients and consultants. 

A successful candidate will be highly organized, have a passion for record-keeping and problem solving, and thrive in a team setting. Some travel is required during the weekdays only – approx. 30%. 

This role reports to the Design Studio Director. This is not a remote position. 
 

Skills and Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture or architecture from an accredited university 
  • Minimum 7 years of relevant professional project management experience 
  • Critical and creative thinking when it comes to project design work. 
  • Experience with and ability to manage, mentor and train staff 
  • Creative and communicative hand and computer graphic abilities 
  • Hands-on proven ability to coordinate the delivery of large-scale, high-quality projects with high profile clients who hire us for our attention to detail and highest quality work. 
  • High proficiency with SketchUp, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Office 365 
  • Excellent organizational skills and love of problem solving 
  • Experience with project budgeting and billing 
  • Energetic attitude and ability to work well within a team and a hands-on, strategic environment. 
  • A desire to develop an environment which supports growth of both team and individuals. 
  • Expert in written and verbal communication skills, particularly with internal team members and clients 
  • Licensed landscape architect or architect in the state of Illinois (preferred, but not required) 

Role Responsibilities - Project Related 

  • Communication: proactive coordination to maximize design collaboration with internal team members, consultant and key project stakeholders. 
  • Project Health: create and proactively manage project work plans (project schedules, fee, deliverables, etc.). 
  • Anticipation: mater and effective application of our processes (Hoerr Schaudt Playbooks) 
  • Quality Control: Maintain overall design intent and standards throughout the process collaborating with internal project teams when needed per Hoerr Schaudt Playbooks. 
  • Advancing project designs, especially during design development phases. 
  • Client Service: main point of contact for your projects and all clients are happy. 
  • Reliability - Set expectations with client and deliver on them. 
  • Quick response times on communications that are to the point. 
  • Looking out for clients' best interest – put yourself in their shoes. 
  • Maintain Key Project Metrics: 
  • Contracts within budget, up-to-date projections. 
  • Hoerr Schaudt PM Tracker up-to-date prior to Design OPS Studio Weekly PM meetings. 
  • Project health – Utilization (self, team)/Realization/Quality/Timeliness. 
  • A/R and Unbilled aging (Target 0, <60 days). 
  • Project bill reviews. 

Role Responsibilities - Studio Related 

  • Leadership and mentorship of internal teammates. 
  • Ensure and model the firm core values to all staff. 
  • For all direct reports – hold individual quarterly conversation and meaningful performance reviews geared toward individual support and growth. 
  • Participate in weekly PM Coordination Meetings to provide project and staffing updates to Studio Director. 
  • Attend weekly Staffing coordination meetings to get aligned on studio schedule for the week with team. 
  • Using both internal and external resources promote individual Professional Development (personal training and growth) for the betterment of HSLA. 
  • Train staff and hold them accountable to clearly communicate individual and team goals. 
  • Champion the effort to enhance and embrace technology and innovation in project delivery systems with Leadership. 
  • Participate in process improvement initiatives. 
  • Business Development/Networking. 
  • Assistance with fee and proposal writing. 
  • Guide team members toward continually improving project delivery, project quality, and overall project profitability. 
  • Establish culture of collaboration; finds ways to improve collaboration across teams. 

What We Offer:  

  • Competitive salary and benefits package  
  • Please see a list of our benefits on our careers page  
  • Opportunities for professional development and career growth.  
  • Collaborative and supportive work environment.  
  • Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies in landscape design.   

Additional Information: 

  • Work Environment: Monday through Friday 8:30-5:30 with an hour for lunch/breaks. 
  • Benefits: Health benefits, paid time off, 401(k), to/from office commute paid, or parking provided, and opportunities for career growth within a dynamic and expanding company. 
  • Salary: Range is $90,000-110,000; the offer will be based on experience, skills and background in similar positions.  

Physical requirements of the role: 

  • Lifting, Carrying and Moving: Occasional lifting, carrying and moving up to 20 lbs. or more of plant and landscape-related materials (paint, stakes, tools, lasers, samples etc.) onsite or to/from the site and in the office. Specifically, during layouts, occasional lifting, carrying and moving can be large parts of the workday. 
  • Mobility: Occasional visits to jobsites require being outdoors for extended periods from time-to-time in variable site conditions, and this position will require walking, hiking, kneeling and standing for extended periods of time during the day on varied terrain: dirt, rocks, concrete, grass, wet and dry surfaces, finished and unfinished landscapes and varied ground conditions. 
  • Working conditions: Our clients’ projects are across the USA, and therefore this position requires the ability to work outdoors occasionally at jobsites in all weather conditions and throughout all seasons: sun, rain, ice, snow, etc., depending on location. 
  • Protective Gear: Requirement to wear clothing for the expected site and weather conditions, including protective clothing and hard-toed boots/shoes (where dictated)  

How to Apply:  

Please submit your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience to our Director of Human Resources, Meg Graham at [email protected]