Client Leader (Science & Technology or Highed Ed)

SmithGroup is an award-winning, integrated design firm that blends research, data and technology with innovation and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and move us closer to a carbon-free future. Care to join us?

SmithGroup is looking for a Client Leader to establish and grow a local presence in the Higher Education and/or Science and Technology markets in Philadelphia.

Working with us, you will:

• Lead locally focused initiatives targeting business development and project pursuits.
• Work closely with Business Development, Marketing, and discipline leaders to effectively market and grow our services.
• Clearly demonstrate the ability to consistently win work and assist teams in profitably delivering design excellence and client satisfaction.
• Maintain relationships with past clients and develop relationships with current/new clients
• Work with the Regional Director and Market Directors to ensure that marketing & sales budgets, revenue, and project performance targets are properly prioritized and achieved.
• Develop and implement strategic objectives and budgets in concert with market, regional and local objectives.
• Provide leadership and be actively involved in projects through all phases, from initial client contacts through marketing pursuits, sales efforts, contract negotiations, project kick-off, feasibility studies, strategic planning, master planning, programming, conceptual studies, schematic, design, design development, construction documentation, bidding and award, construction administration, move-in, follow-up, and on-going client relationship maintenance. Primary project roles will primarily be Client Leader or Project Manager.
• Lead/coordinate communication efforts within assigned studio and between other studio leaders in the region.
• Provide leadership and management necessary for the development and growth of local team consistent with SmithGroup's strategic themes of growing the firm, building expertise, and designing holistically.
• Participate in recruiting, coaching, and career development of staff.
• Make authoritative decisions and recommendations of significant impact on the local office's primary activities, strategic objectives, guidelines, quality, standards, and principles.
• Work with discipline leaders and staff assuring the technical, administrative, and schedule targets are met.
• Contribute to thought leadership initiatives that support either higher education or science and technology markets.
• Participate in national market forums and present at regional and national conferences.
• Consistently exhibit and demonstrate a commitment to SmithGroup core values - passion, sustainability, equity, community, curiosity, and integrity.

An ideal candidate has:

• A professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, or equivalent combination of related experience and/or training.
• 12+ years related experience preferred and/or training (or equivalent combination of education and experience) in the AE Industry.
• Registration or licensure in relevant field; LEED AP preferred.
• Project experience that includes a range of building/program types, complexity, and scale in either the Science & Technology or Higher Education markets.
• Demonstrated track record of winning work, as part of an overall team, in planning, renovation, or new construction projects.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in working in a team setting, delivering high levels of client satisfaction and technical competence.
• Strong business acumen and critical thinking skills in the pursuit of the work.
• The ability to take responsibility and ownership to meet standards, budgets, schedules, and deadlines.
• A high degree of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel 10-15%.
  
  

At SmithGroup, we are committed to helping our staff thrive with great projects and time to unwind. We offer flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 3 weeks of PTO within your first year of employment with the option of purchasing additional time off, 8 paid federal holidays, plus 15 extra Fridays off! Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellbeing resources, paid parental leave, a flex spending account and voluntary insurance options. We invest in your future through our 401(k) program with employer matching, tuition reimbursement program, one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities. While we may ultimately pay more or less than a posted salary range, at the time of posting the anticipated salary range for this position is $123,000 to $145,000 annually and you are eligible for a performance-based bonus each year. To be considered for this role, please create a profile and apply!

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to careers@smithgroup.com.