Manager of Building Engineering Operations

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Salary: Up to $260,000 annually

Company: Confidential engineering consultancy

We are seeking an experienced engineering executive to lead a multidisciplinary building systems business. This position brings together operational leadership, financial management, client development, and oversight of technical teams.

The director will guide managers responsible for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and related engineering services. Success requires the ability to develop people, maintain strong project performance, and translate business goals into practical plans.

Responsibilities

• Set business priorities and establish measurable goals for growth, service quality, and financial performance.
• Manage department leaders and project managers, ensuring clear responsibilities and effective coordination.
• Oversee budgets, revenue forecasts, profitability, staffing plans, and resource utilization.
• Evaluate project performance and help teams resolve delivery, scheduling, and resource challenges.
• Strengthen relationships with existing clients and pursue opportunities to expand services.
• Guide significant proposals and participate in client presentations and negotiations.
• Maintain consistent technical standards and quality practices across engineering disciplines.
• Build leadership capacity through coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Align recruitment and professional development with current workloads and future business needs.
• Encourage collaboration across offices and improve how teams share expertise and deliver projects.

Required qualifications

• At least 20 years of engineering experience, including 10 or more years of progressive leadership within the building systems sector.
• Bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited program in mechanical, electrical, architectural, or a related building systems engineering discipline.
• Active Professional Engineer license.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary MEP teams, including responsibility for other managers.
• Demonstrated ownership of department or business unit financial results.
• Strong understanding of building systems design and the delivery of engineering consulting services.
• Experience developing client relationships and supporting business growth.
• Ability to balance technical quality, client expectations, employee development, and profitability.
• Must be based in Chicago.

Preferred experience

• Leadership of engineering teams operating across multiple locations.
• Successful expansion of an engineering practice into new services or markets.
• Oversight of complex projects involving multiple building systems disciplines.
• Measurable improvements in project delivery, staff utilization, or business performance.

To express interest

Please share your resume, current location, PE licensure details, and compensation expectations. Include a brief overview of the teams you have led and your financial management responsibilities.