Planning Project Manager - PLA

Title: Project Manager      

Division: Planning and Landscape Architecture                            

LJA recognizes that our success depends on the quality of the people we hire. We are currently seeking highly talented individuals that take pride in their work, function exceptionally well in team environments, and contribute to the overall success of the company. As a 100% employee-owned company, we promote an entrepreneurial spirit that helps drive the bottom line and the long-term professional and financial success of our employees. With more than 70 office locations, LJA is growing and ready for talented people to help us build our future.

Summary:  As A Design Project Manager at LJA Planning & Landscape Architecture, you will be responsible for the design planning and project management efforts of the PLA group. With a focus on creativity, design oversight, and project execution, you will work closely with the design team to ensure successful project outcomes. Your responsibilities will include design coordination, project management, client communication, quality control, and creative problem-solving.

General Responsibilities: 

• Design Coordination:
  • Collaborate with the design team to develop creative and innovative design solutions that align with client objectives and project requirements.
  • Coordinate design activities, ensuring timely completion of deliverables and adherence to design standards.
• Project Management:
  • Responsible for project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to ensure efficient project execution.
  • Create project scopes, budgets, and timelines.
• Client Communication:
  • Serve as a point of contact for clients, providing updates on project progress, addressing concerns, and ensuring client satisfaction.
  • Effectively communicate design concepts and solutions to clients, incorporating their feedback and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Quality Control:
  • Under the supervision of a Principal Planner or Associate Principal Planner, conduct regular quality control reviews to ensure design deliverables meet the highest standards of excellence and align with project goals.
  • Identify and address design issues or discrepancies in a proactive and timely manner.
• Creative Problem-Solving:
  • Apply creative problem-solving skills to overcome design challenges, proposing innovative solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and feasibility.
  • Collaborate with the design team to generate ideas and explore alternative design approaches.
• Design Oversight:
  • Under the supervision of a Principal Planner or Associate Principal Planner, provide design oversight and guidance to the design team, ensuring design integrity, adherence to project objectives, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Review and provide feedback on design deliverables, offering constructive suggestions for improvement.
• Project Documentation:
  • Prepare and maintain project documentation, including design plans, specifications, and project records.
  • Ensure accurate and up-to-date documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaboration and Teamwork:
  • Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment, promoting effective communication, knowledge sharing, and teamwork among project team members.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including landscape architects, engineers, and consultants, to integrate design elements seamlessly.
  • Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project objectives are met.
• Continuous Learning and Development:
  • Stay updated with industry trends, design standards, and emerging technologies to enhance design capabilities and contribute to continuous improvement.
  • Seek opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.
• High-Stress Situations:
  • Perform well under high-stress situations, meeting deadlines and effectively managing competing priorities.
  • Maintain composure and problem-solving abilities in challenging project scenarios.
• Follow-through and Initiative:
  • Keep projects moving forward, proactively addressing tasks, and seeking solutions to obstacles.
  • Demonstrate high self-motivation and reliability in fulfilling requested items and completing assigned tasks.

Required Education and Certification:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in urban planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.

Required Experience:

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to support multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in design software, including but not limited to AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and other relevant tools.
• Excellent creativity and design sense, with the ability to develop innovative and visually appealing solutions and use hand-sketching as a medium to communicate ideas to client and team members.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with clients, team members, and stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality design deliverables.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically to overcome design challenges.
• Understanding of design principles, urban planning, and urban design concepts.
• Familiarity with zoning regulations, codes, and guidelines related to urban and land planning.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in a dynamic work environment.
• Adaptability and flexibility to adjust to changing project requirements and client preferences.

As a Project Manager at LJA Planning & Landscape Architecture, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the successful execution of projects, collaborate with a talented design team, and play a vital role in the development of the department.