Senior Specification Specialist at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

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 Responsibilities

• Actively leads distinct portions of a Project with periodic supervision by Project Leadership. Exhibits initiative, process innovation, problem solving, and decision quality with a high attention to precision and accuracy at a project level.




• Produces and coordinates the preparation of specifications, narratives, project manual and other written document deliverables in collaboration with Project Teams.




• Contributes to the development of content of SOM Office Masters specifications database.




• Contributes to the maintenance of the office Specifications Project Deliverable Schedule and specifications procedures and protocol.




• Contributes to office initiatives for training and education related to specifications.




• Contributes to technical research, analysis, innovation and viability of materials, systems and technology.




• Participates in firm-wide efforts for knowledge sharing on best practices, technical research and content for specification via regularly-scheduled conference calls or meetings with other specification writers of the firm.




• Participates in the Quality Management System process for assigned projects.




• When required, confer with clients, consultants, and others during various stages of project development for general conditions and specifications.




• Effectively communicates internally with project teams and externally with consultants and clients through timely and appropriate written, oral, and visual means.




• Actively collaborates at a project, consultant team, and client team level by critically and constructively evaluating ideas. Contributes to and actively participates within the studio and office.

Leadership Responsibilities 

• Inspires and leads others by example, participates in staff mentoring and training, clearly defines team member expectations and responsibilities, empowers others, and delegates where appropriate based on team members’ recognized abilities and potential.



• Develops and/or manages, in collaboration with team members, a clear and consistent work plan to achieve the project budget, deliverables, and schedule.




• Actively engages in internal and external professional development opportunities.




• Contributes to the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.




• Contributes to the development of standards, policies, and procedures.




• Protects SOM from financial and legal risk.

Minimum Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture.




• Licensed in state of practice.




• Minimum 6 years of professional experience or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities, with an emphasis on the preparation of construction specifications and material and product research on large scale projects.




• General understanding of sustainable strategies and principles including familiarity with LEED or other green building rating systems.




• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead project teams and manage project schedule, budget and program.




• Strong verbal and written communication skills.




• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and Adobe Suite.




• Familiarity with Revit and demonstrates practical understanding of the application of digital tools for specifications and BIM coordination.




• Proficiency in building construction techniques, building codes, construction systems, products, materials, and methods of writing specifications for large scale projects.




• LEED accreditation preferred.

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 hybrid/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 $90,000 to $115,000.

Our Culture

Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. 

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 and how to apply offline: www.som.com/employment_opportunities_and_policy

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.