Senior Architectural Project Manager – Grocery Retail

MG2, an affiliate of Colliers Engineering & Design is currently looking for an Senior Architectural Project Manager - Grocery Retail to join our Client Programs Market team in Irvine, CA! 

We are seeking a Senior Project Manager with deep expertise in grocery retail architecture to lead complex, high-volume client programs. This role combines client account stewardship, technical project leadership, and team management with specialized knowledge of grocery environments—from specialty food retail to full-scale supermarket developments.

As a senior leader within the project delivery structure, you will serve as the day-to-day lead for assigned grocery client accounts (“book of work”), overseeing the design and delivery of multiple concurrent projects regionally or nationally. You will be responsible for ensuring design excellence, schedule adherence, budget performance, and strong client relationships.

This position requires proven experience leading grocery retail projects, managing multidisciplinary teams, and confidently serving as the primary client contact throughout all phases of work.

Client Account Leadership

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned grocery client accounts.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships grounded in trust and performance.
• Lead strategic and tactical client meetings.
• Provide regular status updates to clients and firm leadership.
• Proactively identify and resolve project issues before escalation.
• Support business development efforts, including proposal support and client presentations.

Program & Project Delivery

• Responsible and accountable for the success of all projects within the assigned client program.
• Oversee and direct the DESIGN & DELIVERY of multiple concurrent grocery projects.
• Ensure milestones are achieved on time and within budget.
• Guide the overall design process to maintain design integrity and brand standards.
• Ensure QA/QC procedures are followed and documentation meets industry standards.
• Oversee:
  
  • Project charters and work plans.
  • Staffing plans and workload distribution.
  • Budget tracking and financial performance.
  • Permit submissions and construction administration.
  • Project closeout processes.
• Ensure technical quality and thoroughness of documentation.
• Maintain deep understanding of grocery-specific building systems, operational workflows, and code requirements.

Financial & Contract Oversight

• Participate in fee proposal development and scope definition.
• Assist with contract execution with clients and consultants.
• Monitor project financial performance, including revenue forecasting and invoice review.
• Collaborate with the Principal-in-Charge on annual account budgeting and performance tracking.
• Ensure projects are delivered profitably while meeting client expectations.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor project managers, architects, and support staff.
• Promote accountability for design excellence, schedule performance, and financial success.
• Conduct regular team check-ins and performance feedback.
• Support recruiting and onboarding as needed.
• Foster collaboration across disciplines and offices.

Grocery Sector Expertise

• Serve as a subject matter expert in grocery retail architecture.
• Apply knowledge of:
  
  • Store planning and adjacencies.
  • Customer flow and merchandising strategies.
  • Food service integration.
  • Back-of-house operations.
  • Refrigeration, MEP coordination, and sustainability considerations
• Stay current with grocery retail trends, technology integration, and evolving customer experience strategies.
• Contribute insights to strengthen the firm’s grocery portfolio and delivery processes.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
• Licensed Architect (RA) preferred.
• 10+ years of professional architecture experience.
• 5+ years leading grocery or large-format retail projects.
• 3+ years managing multi-project client programs (“book of work”).
• Demonstrated success in:
  
  • Client-facing leadership.
  • High-volume project delivery.
  • Financial management and fee tracking.
  • Team leadership and mentoring.
• Strong portfolio showcasing grocery planning and retail brand integration.
• Experience with BIM tools (Revit, Navisworks) preferred.
• Ability to read, write and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.
  
  

Compensation: $90,000 to $130,000 per year (depending on qualifications)

At MG2, an affiliate of Colliers Engineering & Design, we value our employees with great benefits and worthwhile programs. We are proud of the many initiatives at MG2 such as our focus on Sustainability and Inclusion & Belonging. We promote MG2 culture firmwide and within each of our offices through monthly recognition, happy hours, summer events, and an end of year Holiday Party to celebrate our accomplishments. People make the place at MG2 – Join our growing firm today!

MG2 offers competitive benefits that support our employees in their life and career. This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to:

• Employer provided employee healthcare plan and reduced cost premium plans, life insurance, and short and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid Time Off, 7 paid Holidays, and an additional 3 Floating Holidays.
• Employer sponsored Family Planning Program and employer Paid Parental Leave.
• Learning & Career Development opportunities.
• Employee Wellness and Employee Assistance Program.
• Participation in a 401K program including eligible company match percentage, after waiting period.