Client Leader/Project Manager, Public Markets

Position Summary

As a Client Leader / Project Manager, you will serve as the primary client relationship manager while also providing leadership throughout project execution. This role combines strategic business development, client engagement, and project oversight to help deliver meaningful public-sector projects that improve communities.

You will work closely with clients, project teams, consultants, and firm leadership to guide projects from pursuit and planning through design and delivery. The ideal candidate brings experience working with public-sector organizations and understands how to navigate complex stakeholder environments, build trusted relationships, and lead multidisciplinary teams.

This position is well suited for professionals with experience in markets such as justice, civic, municipal, education, public safety, government, community facilities, or other public-sector environments.

If you are a collaborative leader with strong client instincts, strategic thinking skills, and a passion for delivering impactful projects, we encourage you to apply. DLR Group is 100% employee owned and as such you'll enjoy the opportunity to have ownership in the Firm. We rely on all our employee-owners to apply their financial acumen to grow the Firm profitably.

What you will do

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with public-sector clients and community stakeholders.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within government, education, civic, and other public-sector markets.
• Support business development efforts, including participation in RFQs, RFPs, interviews, presentations, and pursuit strategies.
• Collaborate with clients to understand organizational goals, priorities, and project objectives.
• Lead contract negotiations and assist in defining project scope, fees, schedules, and deliverables.
• Partner with design and technical teams to ensure projects are aligned with client expectations, budget, schedule, and quality goals.
• Oversee project execution and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, consultants, and project partners.
• Monitor project performance, including schedule, budgets, invoicing, and overall financial health.
• Facilitate project meetings, provide status updates, and proactively manage risks and opportunities.
• Guide project teams through complex stakeholder engagement and decision-making processes.
• Mentor project staff and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
• Support development of long-term client strategies and help expand the firm's presence within key public-sector markets.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, or related construction field (Professional licensure preferred)
• At least 10 years of professional experience in the AEC industry, inclusive of at least 5 years in a client-facing role
• Proven experience leading large-scale architectural projects
• Experience with state and local jurisdictions
• Strong understanding of business management principles, including strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership
• Knowledge of customer service principles, including needs assessment, quality standards, and customer satisfaction
• Expertise in design techniques and tools for producing technical plans, drawings, and models
• Familiarity with building methods, materials, and systems for construction and renovation projects
• Strong critical thinking, time management, and communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to actively listen, understand others' perspectives, and respond thoughtfully in conversations

Pay and benefits

Our comprehensive Benefits at DLR Group include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401(k) plan, employee stock ownership, and bonus opportunities. Compensation considerations are based on location, experience, and skills. The suggested pay range for this position is:

Pay Range $93,300—$144,700 USD

DLR Group is an integrated design firm delivering architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, and building optimization for new builds, renovations, and adaptive reuse projects.

We are 100% employee-owned: every employee is literally invested in our clients' success. At the core of our firm are interdisciplinary teams engaged in every step of project lifecycles. Our teams champion true collaboration, open information sharing, shared risk and reward, value-based decision making, and proficient use of technology to deliver exceptional design. We are pursuing the goals of the 2030 Challenge, the ME2040, and the SE2050, and are an initial signatory of the China Accord and the AIA 2030 Commitment.

Through our values - commitment, creativity, environmental stewardship, fun, integrity, ownership, sharing, teamwork - we elevate the human experience through design, together.

DLR Group follows a four-day in-office work model, with employees having the flexibility to work somewhere other than the office on Fridays.