Project Manager – Commercial Architecture

ms consultants, inc. • Columbus, OH

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

ms consultants is seeking a Project Manager to join and strengthen our growing Commercial Architecture 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees