Assistant Group Manager, Rail Architecture

Our employee-owned and integrated team of multi-discipline design and engineering professionals has an exciting new opportunity available for an architecture professional who has the passion to lead and develop a talented group of emerging design professionals.

As an Assistant Group Manager (AGM), a key responsibility will be to coach, mentor, and develop a talented group of designers and future architects. With insight on our strategic and annual business plan, you will engage with your team members to outline development plans and establish obtainable goals that further their professional growth and help the greater TKDA team make progress toward achieving business performance objectives. Through recurring discussions with each team member, you will coach on design practices and standards, provide guidance on addressing design challenges, and encourage team members to take on more autonomous responsibilities and 'stretch assignments'. Additionally, you will be responsible for reviewing weekly timesheets and expense reports, performing mid-year / annual reviews, and assisting with career development and mentoring for those team members who report to you.

In collaboration with the Regional Vice President, the Architecture Group Manager, and Market Managers, you will assign team members to project assignments, delegate applicable design tasks, review work in accordance with applicable standards, and oversee deliverable progress in relation to submittal schedules. In alignment with current design needs and emerging or prospective design trends, you will also be responsible for developing and expanding the depth and breadth of design capabilities for the collective team.

In addition to your role assisting with the staff that will report to you, from a design capacity, you will also be the lead architect or project manager on multi-discipline projects. As a project manager or lead architect, responsibilities would also include various levels of client management.  You may also assist with proposal development for project pursuits by providing input for design / fee estimates, participate in client presentations or project interviews, and conduct preliminary site inspections.

For this opportunity we are seeking a qualified professional who resides within a regular commuting distance of our Downers Grove location and who is able to travel regionally as needed based on project assignments and responsibilities. TKDA currently provides employees with flexible hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote) work arrangements. 

• Registered as a licensed Architect (Illinois preferred) with ten to twenty years of progressive design experience.
• Extensive portfolio that showcases design talents and highlights various facilities, including those within the commercial/industrial and/or government / civic sectors.
• Aspirations or prior experience coaching, mentoring, and developing emerging architectural professionals (designers and unlicensed architects).
• Extensive experience coordinating design requirements with other disciplines including: engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical, and structural), landscape architecture, interior design, and planning.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and Revit.
• Flexibility to travel up to 20% regionally to conduct on-site project consultations, participate in project / client meetings, assist with business development activities, and attend regional conferences.

• Registration in additional states.
• Current affiliation or membership with AIA, ALA, or NCARB.

Join Our 100% Employee-Owned Firm

At our company, every employee is an owner. From the front desk to the corner office, every one of our 430+ professionals thrive on collaboration and holistic development. Our success is collective, and so are the rewards.

Comprehensive Benefits

Health Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, and life insurance from day one

Annual Incentive Plan: Eligible for discretionary bonuses

HSA Contributions: Receive monthly employer contributions if you choose an HSA-eligible plan

401(k) Match: Get employer matching on your 401(k) deferrals

ESOP: Benefit from our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, funded entirely by company profits

Paid Time Off: Accrue PTO based on your professional experience and enjoy eight paid holidays per year

Upon receiving a formal offer, you will get a personalized Total Compensation Overview (TCO) to see how everything adds up and what it looks like to be part of our community.

*Pre-Employment Screening*

Upon acceptance of a conditional offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete a standard pre-employment background screening, which consists of Social Security verification, educational verification, review of criminal convictions, and driving history.

*Notice to Recruiters and Placement Agencies*

TKDA will not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or placement agencies unless a service agreement is in place. In the event TKDA receives an unsolicited resume without a service agreement in place, TKDA will not be obligated to pay a service fee of any amount nor will TKDA be held liable to terms or conditions under any agreement of any kind that has not been authorized in writing by a TKDA officer.