Group Lead of Architecture

Job Title

Group Lead of Architecture

Chicago, IL

IPS-Integrated Project Services is a global leader in consulting, architecture, engineering, project controls, procurement, construction management, and commissioning services for technically complex facilities, primarily in the life sciences industry. We are seeking a dedicated Group Lead of Architecture to join our talented team near Chicago, Illinois.

• Provide leadership of the technical discipline and direct day‑to‑day operational activities of the assigned Group staff.
• Manage delivery of target gross margin profits for the department.
• Oversee staffing activities, including recruiting, retention, and development of department staff.
• Ensure the quality, accuracy, and completeness of engineering work in compliance with IPS standards, procedures, codes, and ordinances.
• Contribute technical input and oversee the technical output of the department to assure compliance with legal, regulatory, and IPS project requirements.
• Protect IPS corporate welfare through prudent judgment and risk‑management techniques while supervising health, safety, and welfare risks associated with group staff projects.
• Develop and implement standards and tools to ensure department output meets or exceeds quality and performance expectations.
• Oversee manpower planning and administer technical staff assignments to maximize resource efficiency on concurrent projects.
• Develop staffing plans that align with business goals.
• Supervise designers and architects, ensuring proper management, training, and career development opportunities.
• Actively manage department revenue growth and labor efficiency.
• Instill a positive work environment and facilitate effective staff development efforts.
• Communicate staffing levels regularly with all levels of IPS management.
• Prepare proposals for service and support the preparation of proposals by others.
• Support business development with presentations and related marketing activities.

• 15+ years of diversified engineering experience, at least 10 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) with NAAB accreditation.
• Architectural Registration.
• 10+ years of life sciences industry experience.
• Progressive administrative ability in planning, organizing, supervising, and coordinating technical work.
• Analytical thinking, structured problem‑solving skills, superior communication skills, team building, and a strong work ethic.
• Must be able to build rapport with department staff.
• Exceptional experience and knowledge of process, mechanical, structural, civil, electrical, plumbing, fire protection system design, and integration into architectural design.
• General understanding of BIM workflows.

• AIA/NCARB Membership/Accreditation.

• Stand, sit, and walk for prolonged periods.
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as required.
• Lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Climb ladders as necessary.

• Work both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to varying working conditions.
• Adhere to strict cleanroom gowning protocol.

• 5‑20% travel or as required by the assigned project.
• Assigned to client sites for an extended period; overnight travel or staying in the city of the client’s location possible.
• Review the IPS Travel Policy.
• Adhere to stated safety rules at client sites.
• Access reliable transportation and ability to travel and commute on a daily or routine basis.

• Safety‑sensitive position.
• Field work at client sites in construction, process, packaging, manufacturing, research, or other “non‑administrative” areas.

IPS, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a global leader in technical consulting, architecture, engineering, procurement, construction management, commissioning, qualification, and validation services for technically complex facilities. Integration is our mindset—unite existing and emerging technologies into a reliable process that accelerates speed to market. We deliver solutions at any scale and care as much as our clients do.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at IPS without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran, marital, or citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. IPS is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

Salary offered range: $152,000 – $203,000, dependent on experience, skill set, and education.