Project Manager & Business Development- Architectural Design

Acoufelt•Auburn Hills, MI

About The Position

As a member of the Special Projects Team, you will lead the development and pursuit of complex, high value architectural opportunities from early design engagement through project award. This role is responsible for driving strategic project positioning, leading specifications, managing budgets, overseeing proposal development, and coordinating closely with internal partners and external stakeholders to successfully secure large-scope projects. The Special Projects Team is expected to lead the organization in product knowledge, pricing proficiency, strategic execution, and cross-team coordination on the largest and most complex opportunities.

Requirements

Strong experience in architectural products, specification sales, construction-related industries, or complex project delivery environments
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple large-scale, high-value projects simultaneously with a high level of organization and attention to detail
Strong willingness to continuously learn, develop, and refine skill sets in order to be the best possible version of this role
High level of self-motivation, personal accountability, and ownership, with the ability to work independently while driving projects forward proactively
Ability to lead through influence, earn trust quickly, and hold the confidence of internal teams and external stakeholders
Strong strategic mindset with the ability to evaluate opportunities, develop project strategies, and execute them effectively
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate concepts, pricing, scope, and strategy to designers, contractors, and internal partners
Comfortable navigating ambiguity and complexity in fast-moving project environments
Proven ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams including design, estimating, inside sales, and leadership
Willingness and ability to travel as required to support opportunity advancement and key stakeholder engagement

Responsibilities

Facilitate Special Projects from early design and concept phases through specification, bidding, and final award
Work directly with architects, designers, and specifiers to influence design intent and product selection
Guide projects through specification development, budgeting, and procurement strategy
Oversee proposal creation and coordinate submissions through award
Collaborate with the internal Project & Product Design Team to develop conceptual product ideas
Present design intent through concept drawings, renderings, and concept samples
Facilitate in-person and virtual design review meetings to advance projects strategically
Partner with the Special Projects estimating team to execute pricing and budgeting
Support pricing development during early design phases as well as formal bid and award stages
Maintain a strategic approach to pricing aligned with project size, scope, and competitive landscape
Work closely with Regional Specification Representatives on projects with potential for large scope and scale
Coordinate with Inside Sales on opportunities that transition into Special Projects
Leverage internal resources effectively by understanding team strengths, capabilities, and product offerings
Maintain direct relationships with: Owners / End Clients Architects and Designers General Contractors Subcontractors
Lead high-level strategic conversations to advance project positioning and competitiveness
Apply a high level of strategic thinking and intentionality in activity related to all Special Projects opportunities
Identify projects with potential to become the largest and most impactful wins
Execute project strategies aligned with organizational goals and market positioning
Utilize CRM systems to: Record all communications Update opportunities and project status Log actions, intentions, and next steps Set and manage future tasks Ensure smooth coordination and transparency across internal teams
Travel as required to support: Designer and stakeholder meetings Concept sample and drawing reviews Key milestone and decision-making meetings
In-person engagement is a critical component of advancing Special Project
Ongoing development of: Architectural drawing interpretation Specification workflows and communication General contractor and subcontractor engagement Productivity, organization, and project management skills
Maintain advanced knowledge of product offerings, pricing structures, and system capabilities