Client Leader, Public Safety

About the role

DLR Group is seeking a Client Leader to join its Texas region, focusing on Public Safety projects within the Justice + Civic sector. The role can be based in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, or Houston.

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
• Absorb and prepare for negotiation of scope of services, fees, and prepare 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 (Professional licensure preferred)
• 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