Client Leader, Public Safety

DLR Group's Texas region has an opening for a Client Leader to lead Public Safety projects for our Justice + Civic sector. As a Client Leader, you will play a key role in business development, managing client relationships and leading contract negotiations. You will educate clients on our design process while collaborating with the project manager to ensure the financial success of each project. Throughout the project lifecycle, you will maintain consistent client contact, foster a collaborative and innovative work environment, and ensure that both client and DLR Group goals are met.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Project Manager on staffing, responsibilities, and performance feedback for project team members; Facilitate and document meetings with staff and clients, coordinating project personnel, vendors, and consultants; Participate in client contract negotiations, manage change requests, and approve project plan modifications; Support business development initiatives by contributing to RFP responses and participating in client interviews; Oversee project invoicing, ensuring accuracy and alignment with work deliverables, and manage account receivables; Assist in negotiating scope of services, fees, and preparing Owner/Architect and Architect/Consultant Agreements; Ensure complete and accurate client and project information is input into Vantagepoint and updated as necessary; Lead the identification of key services, coordinating scope, fees, deliverables, and schedules for all disciplines involved; Develop comprehensive project plans in Planifi, including schedules, milestones, and staffing, and initiate tasks in INDEPRO; Manage project execution to meet client expectations for scope, quality, budget, and schedule, while coordinating activities of project personnel, vendors, and consultants; Track project milestones, ensuring deliverable quality and submission, and provide status updates with adjustments as needed; Assist in preparing proposals for design changes, managing additional services, and supporting invoicing and fee collection efforts; Lead and mentor project teams, ensuring alignment with project plans, and maintain regular communication with clients to manage expectations; Collaborate with design leaders to ensure compliance with DLR Group quality standards and integrate design expertise into the project at every phase

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, or related construction field; At least 12 years of professional experience in the AEC industry, inclusive of at least 5 years in a client-facing role; Proven experience leading large-scale architectural projects; Experience with state and local jurisdictions; Strong understanding of business management principles, including strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership; Knowledge of customer service principles, including needs assessment, quality standards, and customer satisfaction; Expertise in design techniques and tools for producing technical plans, drawings, and models; Familiarity with building methods, materials, and systems for construction and renovation projects; Strong critical thinking, time management, and communication skills, both verbal and written; Ability to actively listen, understand others' perspectives, and respond thoughtfully in conversations; Proficient in Vantagepoint, Planifi, and Microsoft Suite (including Project); High proficiency in standard A/E/I/P software, with the ability to mentor and train team members in technical and software skills; Strong working knowledge of design techniques, tools, and sustainable design principles for producing technical plans, drawings, and models; Excellent written, verbal, and graphic communication skills, with demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop junior staff while multitasking and maintaining high standards of quality; Working knowledge of local building and zoning codes, with experience guiding teams in compliance and regulatory requirements

Nice to have

Professional licensure

Benefits

100% employee-owned; opportunity to have ownership in the Firm; four-day in-office work model with flexibility to work somewhere other than the office on Fridays