<p>Job Title: Project Manager - Restaurant Architecture</p> <p>Job Description</p> <p>This role leads the full lifecycle of restaurant-focused architectural projects, managing scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables from initial planning through construction completion. The Project Manager oversees a team of architects and engineers, ensures the quality and accuracy of construction documents, and serves as the primary liaison between clients, contractors, consultants, and authorities. The position requires strong technical knowledge of architectural and engineering systems, hands-on experience with Revit and Bluebeam, and a proven track record delivering ground-up restaurant projects.</p> <p>Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables across all phases of restaurant projects, from concept through construction closeout. </li><li>Develop, monitor, and adjust architectural and engineering work plans, including staffing plans and projected hours for each discipline. </li><li>Lead a multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, and designers to ensure thorough quality assurance and quality control for all deliverables, particularly construction drawings and specifications. </li><li>Review construction documents in Revit for accuracy, coordination, and compliance with project requirements and applicable codes. </li><li>Oversee construction administration activities, including managing RFIs, submittals, and other field-related documentation. </li><li>Manage project scope changes, aligning client expectations with contractual obligations and project constraints. </li><li>Coordinate with contractors, consultants, and authorities having jurisdiction to resolve owner concerns and project issues in a timely manner. </li><li>Serve as the primary liaison between clients, contractors, and the internal project team to maintain strong, long-term client relationships. </li><li>Monitor project financial performance, including tracking budgets, forecasts, and invoices, and take corrective actions as needed to keep projects on track. </li><li>Guide and mentor a team of 4-6 designers, providing leadership, direction, and feedback throughout the project lifecycle. </li><li>Support scheduling and coordination efforts using project management and scheduling tools to keep the team aligned and on schedule. </li><li>Contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented culture by communicating clearly, sharing knowledge, and actively participating in studio and firm-wide initiatives. </li></ul> <p>Essential Skills</p> <ul> <li>10-15 years of professional experience in architecture or a closely related field, including at least 5+ years in a Project Manager-titled role. </li><li>Recent and relevant experience managing restaurant projects, including ground-up work. </li><li>Demonstrated ability to manage and lead projects, schedules, people, and budgets across all project phases. </li><li>Strong knowledge of construction administration processes, including experience leading RFIs and submittals. </li><li>Proficiency in Revit, with the ability to review and evaluate construction documents for accuracy and coordination. </li><li>Proficiency in Bluebeam for document review, markup, and coordination. </li><li>Knowledge of architectural and engineering systems, building codes, and the permitting process. </li><li>Strong understanding of project financials, including monitoring project performance, forecasting, and invoicing. </li><li>Proven leadership and interpersonal skills with experience leading a team of 4-6 designers. </li><li>Experience with construction documentation and drafting within an architectural context. </li><li>Ability to coordinate effectively with contractors, consultants, authorities, and internal team members. </li><li>Strong communication skills to serve as the primary liaison with clients and project stakeholders. </li></ul> <p>Additional Skills & Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Licensed Architect credential is a plus. </li><li>Experience with Office 365 software is beneficial. </li><li>Experience using Smartsheet for scheduling is an advantage. </li><li>Familiarity with Vantage Point for budgeting is a plus. </li><li>Experience working on restaurant projects within an architectural or engineering firm environment. </li><li>Background in architecture with exposure to multidisciplinary project teams. </li><li>Comfort working with digital tools and platforms to support collaboration, documentation, and project tracking. </li></ul> <p>Work Environment</p> <p>The role sits within a restaurant-focused studio that operates as part of a larger, fully integrated architecture and engineering practice. The restaurant team is approximately 35 employees, with colleagues located across multiple offices, including other major North American cities. The environment combines the resources and perks of a large international firm with the close-knit, small-company feel of a specialized studio. The culture is casual and team-oriented, with an emphasis on collaboration rather than rigid hierarchy or titles. The team typically follows a hybrid work schedule, with most team members in the office around 80% of the week while maintaining flexibility for personal and project needs. Work involves close collaboration with architects, engineers, planners, and interior designers across multiple market sectors, supported by modern design and project management technologies such as Revit, Bluebeam, and scheduling and budgeting tools. The organization encourages ownership thinking, professional growth, and long-term career development within a supportive, design-driven environment.</p> <p>Job Type & Location</p> <p>This is a Permanent position based out of Chicago, IL.</p> <p>Pay and Benefits</p> <p>The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $125000.00/yr.</p> <p>Full health insurance - can share full benefits package to candidates PTO Holiday pay/sick pay</p> <p>Workplace Type</p> <p>This is a hybrid position in Chicago,IL.</p> <p>Application Deadline</p> <p>This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026.</p> <p>About Actalent</p> <p>Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.</p> <p>The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.</p> <p>If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.</p> <p>San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.</p> <p>Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.</p> <p>Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.</p>