What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Manager position at Bernier Carr & Associates?
BCA WORKS FOR YOU
BCA is a team of architects & interior designers, engineers, and industry professionals working across New York State on the projects communities rely on most - schools, hospitals, public spaces, and infrastructure. We have offices in Binghamton, Ithaca, Rochester, Saratoga Springs, Syracuse, Troy and Watertown, and we work as one firm across disciplines and geography.
We hire experienced people because we need what they bring. In return, you'll have real ownership of your work, colleagues who are approachable and generous with what they know, and a firm that's serious about where it's headed. We're a firm that's intentionally evolving, and the experienced people we hire are a part of how that happens. We're not the finished product - but that's part of the point. If you want to be part of building something, BCA is a place where that's actually true.
JOB SUMMARY: The Project Manager (PM) is responsible for the overall delivery of architectural and engineering projects from initiation through closeout. This role leads client relationships and oversees scope, budget, and schedule to ensure projects are delivered successfully and aligned with client expectations. The PM drives project performance, maintains financial accountability, and partners closely with the Project Architect to balance technical execution with cost and schedule outcomes.
REPORTS TO: Principal
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Client and Contract Management:
- Own the client relationship from project initiation through closeout, serving as the primary point of contact for all communications.
- Ensure all project activity aligns with contractual obligations.
- Lead contract compliance, including scope definition, fee negotiation, and management of project change events and also any additional services.
- Manage consultant coordination, including consultant contracts and invoice approval.
- Lead negotiation of construction change orders.
Financial Performance:
- Own fee management and project profitability, maintaining continuous risk awareness of fee burn rate versus percent complete.
- Prepare invoices, manage collections, and perform budget reconciliation and forecasting.
- Develop fee breakdowns and project lifecycle cost plans during pre-design.
- Manage changes (additions/deletions) to project scope.
Schedule and Scope Control:
- Own project schedule performance, establishing baseline schedules during pre-design and monitoring adherence and risks throughout all phases.
- Own scope control, including identification of scope creep and management of the change management process.
Bidding and Construction Administration:
- Manage addenda issuance during bidding and lead bid reconciliation.
- Review bids for compliance, review bids with low contractors, and validate alternates with the client.
- Lead client communications during construction.
- Responsible for managing projects through construction, including negotiating any change orders and tracking / managing the construction contingency.
- Perform final invoice reconciliation, consultant final payment approval, and client satisfaction review at closeout.
Advisory and Coordination:
- Support the Project Architect in technical QA/QC milestone planning, code review scheduling, constructability review scheduling, and regulatory submission coordination.
- Participate in design direction decisions where they materially impact budget or schedule.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related field required.
- Active board licensure (PE, RA) or PMP certification preferred.
- 8 years of relevant experience in architectural or engineering project management is preferred.
- Experience managing public-sector projects (K-12, higher education, municipal) strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience managing project budgets of $1M or more preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Strong knowledge of A/E project delivery methods, contract structures, and professional service agreements.
- Experience with project-based ERP or project accounting software (Deltek, BQE Core, or similar) is a plus.
- Proficiency in project scheduling software (Microsoft Project or similar).
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel for budget tracking and financial analysis.
- Experience with NewForma, BQE Core or similar project information management software.
- Strong understanding of the architectural and engineering design processes and construction administration procedures.
- Knowledge of public-sector procurement, including Wicks Law, NYSED submissions, and OGS requirements for New York State projects preferred.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to lead client presentations and negotiate with stakeholders.
- Excellent financial management skills, with the ability to manage fee structures, forecasting, and profitability analysis.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with a priority on cost effectiveness and client satisfaction.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining schedule and budget discipline.