Senior Business Project Manager - Architecture/MEP

Senior Project Manager – Building Systems Architecture
ms consultants, inc.
Columbus, OH or Raleigh, NC

ms consultants is seeking a Senior Project Manager to join and strengthen our growing Building Systems team. In this leadership role, you will oversee multidisciplinary projects from conception through completion—managing scope, schedule, and budget while fostering trusted client relationships. You will work closely with the Building Systems Senior Vice President to drive project success, expand client opportunities, and contribute to the strategic growth of the business unit.

We are looking for a collaborative problem solver with strong communication skills, proven experience in client account leadership, and the ability to manage complex project demands. The ideal candidate brings expertise in relationship-building, budget and fee management, and conflict resolution, with a passion for delivering high-quality results.

About the Building Systems Business Unit

The Building Systems Business Unit provides integrated architecture, engineering, and planning consulting services to a diverse client base across commercial, and public clients including financial, retail, restaurant, office, municipal and grocery. Our projects range from multi-unit retail developments, schools, and municipal facilities to industrial sites, commercial interiors, and urban redevelopment. We are dedicated to creating innovative, functional, and sustainable spaces that serve communities and businesses alike.

What You Will Do:  

As a Senior Project Manager, you will lead internal teams and guide clients, ensuring that every project meets its goals with excellence: 

• Provide leadership and oversight of business and production operations.
• Serve as the primary client contact, managing relationships and strengthening trust. Develop and implement project management plans aligned with client scope, schedule, and budget.
• Track and monitor production hours per phase, coordinating with technical leaders across disciplines.
• Maintain billing projections within 5% accuracy of actuals and oversee client invoices in coordination with accounting.
• Support business development efforts, contributing to client acquisition strategies and sales goals.
• Lead preparation of fee proposals and contractual agreements; conduct fee negotiations with clients and technical leaders.
  Perform required follow-up with client regarding outstanding invoices.
• Mediate scope and fee disagreements, balancing the needs of clients, disciplines, and the firm.
• Lead the effort to prepare fee proposals, conducting fee negotiations in conjunction with Technical Services Managers and Technical Responsible Parties.
• Manage scope modifications and negotiate contract changes as needed.
• Facilitate weekly project reviews, evaluating schedule, construction costs, and profitability.

What You'll Bring:

We are seeking a motivated professional who is committed to building a long-term career with ms, with a strong desire to grow and develop. Specific requirements include:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture from an accredited institution, or BS in Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution (or related field).
• Demonstrated experience in project management, client account leadership, and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• Licensed Architect or Professional Engineer.
• Experience managing budgets, negotiating fees, and resolving scope conflicts.
• Proven ability to strengthen client relationships and support business development.
   

Why Choose ms consultants? 

We are proud to be an award-winning engineering, architecture, planning and environmental consulting firm, annually ranking within ENR’s Top 500 Design Firms. We partner with a variety of public and private clients and take pride in the many relationships we have formed by providing quality design solutions since 1963. We are dedicated to helping these clients achieve their goals through integrated, innovative solutions, and outstanding customer service.

As a member of the ms team, we consider your needs as a professional and as an individual outside of work. We offer a career path which provides opportunities for advancement at any level of your career and costs for licensure, certifications, and further education. To support yourself and your family, we offer a robust benefits package with options for health coverage, in addition to life insurance, disability, long-term care, and more. Our comprehensive 401(k) plan with company matching contributions sets you up for the future, from hire to retire. Wherever you are in your personal and professional journey, ms has you covered.

We know work-life balance is important and offer paid time off and flexible work schedules for when you need it, in addition to company paid holiday. Our focus on work-life balance also includes a hybrid work option, giving you the flexibility to work in the office and at home. We’re also able to offer full-time remote work for select position, depending on the role and work requirement.

Our Mission:
By investing in our people, we create comprehensive solutions for communities and clients.

Our Vision:
Our vision is to shape a better tomorrow.

Our Values:
We are accountable. We foster collaboration. We stand for inclusion. We are committed to excellence. We are passionate about our work.

The ms Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

ms is a company that actively promotes anti-racist values and fosters an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This means working together to speak out and take action against all forms of racism, bias, and discrimination, not only in our company but in our community and everyday lives. Read more about ms DEI here.

ms consultants, inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. ms fully supports and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. ms does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.