At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things.

Success at SOM Means

• Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.

• Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.

• Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.

• Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.

• Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.

• Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an Aviation Practice Leader to join SOM. This full–time position, will require the Practice Leader to direct and provide leadership for activities for the firmwide Aviation efforts including, but not limited to, marketing/business development, project profitability, client satisfaction and employee growth and development, to drive the strategic growth of the firmwide practice and, ultimately, the firm’s brand value in SOM’s Aviation practice.

• The Aviation Practice Leader is a highly experienced leader in the planning, design, development and delivery of Domestic and International Terminal Buildings, a thorough understanding of integrated landside, terminal and airside projects. Demonstrated experience in leading projects ranging from new terminal buildings and terminal expansions and alterations to airport masterplans and the integration of passenger service facilities are key for the candidates for this role.

• The Aviation Practice Leader is a highly motivated, creative leader with a deep understanding of professional practice, and aspires to the highest level of design excellence.

• The Aviation Practice Leader is an entrepreneur with exemplary skills, talents and expertise that extends across disciplines to optimize interdisciplinary collaboration and apply practice expertise.

• The Aviation Practice Leader is an entrepreneur, broadly experienced in business development with an extensive network of contacts in the industry, both domestic and international.

• The Aviation Practice Leader is committed to a shared practice; is passionate about quality, ethics, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.
  

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead the annual development of the marketing goals and aspirations domestically and internationally for the aviation practice as part of the overall transportation practice in collaboration with transportation practice leaders and members across the offices.

• Collaborate with the Managing Partners, Principals, Studio Leads, and senior staff to develop and execute a strategic plan for the firmwide Aviation practice that is in alignment with the overall firm goals for each fiscal year.

• Lead the marketing and business development efforts of the Aviation practice and direct the staff assisting in this work. Work closely with the team members in business development reporting, lead generation, fee development, project marketing and proposal writing.

• Research, identify and develop new market/business connections, relationships and opportunities.

• Learn and embrace the portfolio of the broad SOM aviation and transportation projects and past pursuits in order to bring fresh new thinking to the approach on future pursuits.

• Work firmwide with Partners, Principals, Studio/Design Leadership, Project Managers, Finance team, to ensure awareness and provide leadership of all issues relating to the Go/No Go process and the financial health of the Aviation Practice.

• Consult potential clients about specific project requirements and opportunities for SOM, analyze potential project opportunities, translating and presenting results for weekly review with the practice.

• Focus on both local and global relationship building, recruiting and service integration.

• Responsible for maintaining positive client relationships with all projects within the practice. Attend client meetings, review design and provide leadership, inspiration and motivation to the team to ensure the highest quality design documentation is produced and client satisfaction is achieved.

• Evaluate relevant industry insights and information to help drive the Aviation business strategies.

• Monitor existing and emerging market trends to help identify potential opportunities for the firm

• Mentor, lead and build staff capabilities that improve individual technical/design skills and develop improved management and communication.

• Collaborate with project team leaders on project negotiations and execution of contracts.

• Monitor budgets and profitability targets for your projects and practice.

• Build long-term relationships and strong business rapport with clients.

• Understand, participate in and promote larger firm-wide initiatives.

• Represent and communicate activities of the Aviation practice relative to firmwide goals.

• Champion firm news updates and long-term value through various media platforms in collaboration with the SOM Communications team.

Job Requirements:

Applicants should have deep aviation project knowledge in conjunction with superb communication skills, as well as the ability to prioritize, anticipate and organize workflow. This position will require close coordination with marketing and project design and management teams across SOM offices firmwide. Preference will be given to service-oriented individuals with the discretion, confidence and poise to effectively promote the company’s principles and expectations to high-value clients.

• Minimum of 20 years of experience in the various aspects of architecture and planning including business development.

• Minimum 15 years demonstrated leadership experience in the Aviation sector.

• Maintains a recognized professional licensure in either architecture or engineering.

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of architectural design practice, with strong interests for the built environment and ability to discuss and promote design excellence at all levels.

• Demonstrates experience in leading teams in the completion of architectural and engineering design projects.

• Demonstrates awareness of latest industry initiatives, technologies and processes in the A/E/C community.

• Demonstrates effective communication both orally and in writing, with the ability to build quick rapport with all levels of employees, clients, consultants and vendors.

• Demonstrates ability to lead presentations, seminars, discussions with large groups.

• Demonstrates strong analytical skills as well as abilities in problem identification, problem solving and conflict resolution.

• Demonstrates a regional commercial awareness with the ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative.

• A well-organized good team player who is responsible and able to multi-task and work under pressure, ability to manage workload and meet deliverables, deadlines and commitments on time.

Are you ready to join a team of creative professionals working on transformational projects around the world? Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to build a better future with SOM.

Our Benefits:

Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance

Savings: 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs

Work/Life Balance: Inquire about our approach to flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program

Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development

Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $190, 000 to $240, 000.

Our Culture:

Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. Here, you’ll collaborate with industry experts on some of the most exciting and transformative architecture, engineering, and planning projects in the world.

We believe an inclusive environment improves our teams, our firm, and our communities and are passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our DEI Action Plan was created to bring meaningful change to our profession, starting with our own culture and practices.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Visit this page to learn more about SOM' s employment policy as well as additional information such as a privacy notice for California residents and how to apply offline.

For more about SOM: www.som.com

Portfolios must be submitted for all design positions (Architecture, Interiors, Planning, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed. Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.