Aviation Lead

Role Overview The Aviation Lead role requires advanced design and technical expertise, ownership of key portions of aviation projects, and a strong ability to organize and lead teams with limited oversight while mentoring junior staff. The successful candidate will excel in all aspects of airport project delivery, including client engagement, design‑team and consultant coordination, and collaboration with project leaders.Responsibilities Lead the Architectural Project Team through close collaboration with SOM Partners and project leadership to achieve design, technical and financial success.Maintain a strong understanding of architectural principles, practices, and design techniques with a dedicated focus on airport facilities.Prepare, with leadership input, quality agreements with clients including letters of intent, memoranda of understanding, and professional service agreements.Execute additional service agreements and gain authorization by phase.Collaborate with Partners and senior team to prepare, issue, and manage compliance plans aligned with project goals, budgets, deliverables, and schedule.Secure agreement with senior team for labor allocation.Chair weekly team meetings to address variances from the project plan.Administer internal control procedures with the Project Accountant, including billing, collections, percent complete, expense management, and year‑end activities.Analyze project reports and proactively manage project profitability.Participate actively in project design and technical discussions and decision making.Communicate actively by chairing weekly meetings, issuing minutes, maintaining accurate project records, and sharing information and correspondence.Manage owner/client relationships and expectations to enable effective, efficient, and collaborative work.Lead new business and marketing efforts, including responses to marketing requests and maintenance of firm relationships.Initiate, monitor, and maintain project schedule and work plan, including schedule of meetings and presentations.Develop meeting agendas and project status updates for weekly internal team meetings.Maintain the SOM‑Client Services Agreement, SOM Sub‑Consultant Agreements, and requests for additional services.Monitor scope for contract compliance and potential additional services.Engage in risk management through close collaboration with SOM Partners and legal counsel.Leadership Responsibilities Actively lead multiple projects and teams.Establish an office‑wide resource in an area of expertise for market, discipline, or department.Supervise, train, and mentor team members.Engage in talent strategy to identify specialists, leaders, and future professionals through resume review, interviews, and network leveraging.Demonstrate leadership in implementing sustainable strategies across all project assignments and develop staff knowledge.Create and drive new ways of working by contributing to the development of services, standards, and procedures that protect SOM from financial and legal risk.Minimum Qualifications Professional degree in Architecture.Licensed in the state of practice; LEED accreditation preferred.Minimum 12‑15 years of experience in aviation sector projects and related business development.Strong team collaboration and consultant engagement skills.General understanding of sustainable strategies and principles, including familiarity with LEED or other green building rating systems.Demonstrated ability to lead project teams and manage schedule, budget, and program.Strong verbal and written communication skills.Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Smartsheets, Adobe Suite, Google Workspace, Revit, and Rhino.Familiarity with Deltek Vision and Salesforce.Benefits Health: Medical, dental, vision, disability, life and accident insurance.Savings: 401(k) matching, pre‑tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs.Work/Life Balance: Flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program.Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, renewals, exam fees, and specialized in‑house career development.Compensation: Typically ranges from $125,000 to $160,000, based on experience, qualifications, location, and education.Employment The role is based in the Chicago office within SOM's Airports Practice and reports to the firm‑wide Airport Practice Leaders.EEO Statement SOM is a proud equal‑opportunity and affirmative action employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment.#J-18808-Ljbffr

Role Overview The Aviation Lead role requires advanced design and technical expertise, ownership of key portions of aviation projects, and a strong ability to organize and lead teams with limited oversight while mentoring junior staff. The successful candidate will excel in all aspects of airport project delivery, including client engagement, design‑team and consultant coordination, and collaboration with project leaders.Responsibilities Lead the Architectural Project Team through close collaboration with SOM Partners and project leadership to achieve design, technical and financial success.Maintain a strong understanding of architectural principles, practices, and design techniques with a dedicated focus on airport facilities.Prepare, with leadership input, quality agreements with clients including letters of intent, memoranda of understanding, and professional service agreements.Execute additional service agreements and gain authorization by phase.Collaborate with Partners and senior team to prepare, issue, and manage compliance plans aligned with project goals, budgets, deliverables, and schedule.Secure agreement with senior team for labor allocation.Chair weekly team meetings to address variances from the project plan.Administer internal control procedures with the Project Accountant, including billing, collections, percent complete, expense management, and year‑end activities.Analyze project reports and proactively manage project profitability.Participate actively in project design and technical discussions and decision making.Communicate actively by chairing weekly meetings, issuing minutes, maintaining accurate project records, and sharing information and correspondence.Manage owner/client relationships and expectations to enable effective, efficient, and collaborative work.Lead new business and marketing efforts, including responses to marketing requests and maintenance of firm relationships.Initiate, monitor, and maintain project schedule and work plan, including schedule of meetings and presentations.Develop meeting agendas and project status updates for weekly internal team meetings.Maintain the SOM‑Client Services Agreement, SOM Sub‑Consultant Agreements, and requests for additional services.Monitor scope for contract compliance and potential additional services.Engage in risk management through close collaboration with SOM Partners and legal counsel.Leadership Responsibilities Actively lead multiple projects and teams.Establish an office‑wide resource in an area of expertise for market, discipline, or department.Supervise, train, and mentor team members.Engage in talent strategy to identify specialists, leaders, and future professionals through resume review, interviews, and network leveraging.Demonstrate leadership in implementing sustainable strategies across all project assignments and develop staff knowledge.Create and drive new ways of working by contributing to the development of services, standards, and procedures that protect SOM from financial and legal risk.Minimum Qualifications Professional degree in Architecture.Licensed in the state of practice; LEED accreditation preferred.Minimum 12‑15 years of experience in aviation sector projects and related business development.Strong team collaboration and consultant engagement skills.General understanding of sustainable strategies and principles, including familiarity with LEED or other green building rating systems.Demonstrated ability to lead project teams and manage schedule, budget, and program.Strong verbal and written communication skills.Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Smartsheets, Adobe Suite, Google Workspace, Revit, and Rhino.Familiarity with Deltek Vision and Salesforce.Benefits Health: Medical, dental, vision, disability, life and accident insurance.Savings: 401(k) matching, pre‑tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs.Work/Life Balance: Flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program.Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, renewals, exam fees, and specialized in‑house career development.Compensation: Typically ranges from $125,000 to $160,000, based on experience, qualifications, location, and education.Employment The role is based in the Chicago office within SOM's Airports Practice and reports to the firm‑wide Airport Practice Leaders.EEO Statement SOM is a proud equal‑opportunity and affirmative action employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment.#J-18808-Ljbffr

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