Job DescriptionAECOM 's Chicago Buildings + Places team is seeking an experienced
Senior Project Manager with a client-development mindset to oversee multidisciplinary projects. This role requires a dynamic leader who combines creative expertise with strong project management skills. Responsible for performance across scope, schedule, budget, quality and client experience, the Senior Project Manager will serve as both a trusted advisor and delivery leader - setting direction, aligning teams, and ensuring outcomes that reflect design excellence, technical rigor, and disciplined project execution. This role is a hybrid position located in
Chicago, IL.About the Chicago Buildings + Places TeamOur practice is one of the fastest growing and highest-performing B+P practices in AECOM' s West Region. We offer a full suite of services: architecture, interiors, building systems and structural engineering, urbanism and planning (including landscape), workplace transformation, advisory services, technology solutions, and digital delivery - and serve as a Center of Excellence for many of these disciplines.
We work in a collaborative model across the West Region with other B+P practices, as well as with AECOM's Transportation, Water, Environment and Advisory business lines to support vertical infrastructure and comprehensive solutions. Our Chicago-led client base is global and includes Public Non-Federal, Cultural + Civic, Commercial, Science & Technology, Transit, and Federal clients. Most clients are repeat partners, recognizing our service model and outcomes as excellent. Recognized by over 45 awards in the past five years, we're committed to being the design firm clients trust and the employer of choice for diverse, best-in-class talent-focused on work that truly matters.
In this role you an expect to work on a wide range of small to large projects in varied market sectors such as Commercial, Science & Technology, Civic, Aerospace, Transportation, Aviation and Federal market sectors. Ongoing/recent projects include: Milwaukee County Courthouse; Fermi Welcome Center; CTA Belmont/Irving Park Station Upgrades; Rockford Air Traffic Control Tower; City of Chicago Joint Police and Training Center Emergency Medical Services Addition; Lake County Convention Center and numerous corporate client workplace projects across the country.
What You'll DoAs a Senior Project Manager, you are responsible for the successful planning, execution, and delivery of complex architecture and engineering projects from pursuit through closeout. This role serves as the primary point of accountability for scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client satisfaction while leading multidisciplinary project teams and coordinating with internal leadership and external stakeholders.
The ideal candidate brings deep A/E project experience, strong leadership and communication skills, and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to managing risk and driving project outcomes.
Key ResponsibilitiesProject Leadership & Delivery- Lead architecture and engineering projects from proposal award through completion
- Develop and manage project execution plans, schedules, staffing plans, and budgets
- Ensure adherence to contract requirements, scope, and fee structure
- Proactively identify and manage project risks, issues, and opportunities
- Oversee quality management processes and ensure technical excellence
Client & Stakeholder Management- Serve as the primary client contact and trusted advisor
- Facilitate effective communication with owners, consultants, contractors, and authorities having jurisdiction
- Lead client meetings, design reviews, and progress updates
- Support business development efforts through client relationship management and repeat work
Team & Resource Management- Lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams including architects, engineers, and consultants
- Coordinate staffing needs and workload balancing in collaboration with discipline leaders
- Mentor project managers, assistant project managers, and technical staff
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable project team culture
Financial & Contract Management- Manage project financial performance, including:
- Budget tracking and forecasting
- Change management and amendments
- Monthly invoicing and revenue recognition
- Review and negotiate contracts, scopes of services, and project deliverables
- Ensure compliance with company financial and risk management policies
QualificationsMinimum Requirements:- Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related field + 8 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of education/experience.
- Valid Driver's License.
Preferred Qualifications:- 15+ years of project management experience.
- Professional licensure (RA, PE).
- Experience managing large complex projects ($150M+).
- Experience in one or more specialized markets (federal, justice, transit, aviation).
- Experience with multiple delivery methods: CM/GC, DB, DBROM, PPP, EPC/EPCM
- Familiarity with risk management, contract negotiations, and dispute resolution.
- Detail-oriented, thorough, well-organized; excellent time management.
- Experience supporting proposals, pursuits, and client interviews
- Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
Why Join AECOM Chicago B+P- Work with a high-performing, collaborative team on projects that matter.
- Engage across multi-disciplinary practices and business lines, with opportunities to shape regional strategy.
- Build a market presence while delivering design excellence and measurable client impact.
If you're a motivated leader who thrives at the intersection of design and project delivery, we'd love to meet you. Apply to join our team and help us deliver the work that matters.
Additional Information- This position will not offer sponsorship now or in the future.
