Fire Protection & Plumbing Associate Director

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Fire Protection & Plumbing Associate Director based in the United States.

• Strategic leadership: Partner with senior and executive leadership to develop and execute strategic plans, prioritize growth initiatives, refine policies, and lead change-management efforts across fire protection and plumbing operations.
• Organizational management: Oversee operational functions, staffing, budgets, resource allocation, and departmental execution while identifying performance gaps and implementing improvements aligned with organizational objectives.
• Program and project management: Direct program and project management activities within the design organization, ensuring assigned deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and to expected quality standards.
• Client relationship management: Build and maintain senior-level client relationships, conduct regular touchpoints, understand evolving needs, manage escalated issues, solicit feedback, and ensure successful program delivery.
• Business development: Align technical and professional services with client objectives, identify new business opportunities, contribute to revenue growth strategies, manage pipelines through CRM/ERP tools, and support sales targets.
• Financial and performance oversight: Evaluate client and program financial performance, forecast costs and revenues, establish KPIs, monitor operational efficiency, and present program achievements and financial insights to leadership and clients.
• Technology and data strategy: Identify opportunities to use technology, analytics, digital construction platforms, and AI-enabled tools to automate workflows, reduce manual effort, improve forecasting, strengthen documentation, and enhance quality and project controls.
• Innovation and adoption: Lead the implementation and adoption of new technology platforms, collaborate with IT and internal stakeholders on security and compliance, and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Team development: Develop strategies to attract, retain, and develop a capable and diverse team while coaching staff and promoting effective use of technology, data, and operational best practices.
• Subcontractor and stakeholder management: Assess subcontractor performance when applicable and collaborate effectively with internal teams, executives, clients, and other stakeholders to ensure strong execution.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Fire Protection Engineering is required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in a related discipline is required.
• At least 13 years of mechanical or fire protection engineering experience, with demonstrated progression into senior leadership responsibilities.
• Advanced knowledge of strategic planning, operational management, policy development, resource allocation, and organizational execution.
• Expert ability to engage senior clients, manage expectations, address escalations, evaluate client performance, and identify opportunities for business growth.
• Proven ability to oversee complex programs, establish priorities, manage budgets and resources, and consistently deliver work on schedule and within budget.
• Strong data-analysis capabilities, including establishing reporting frameworks and deriving actionable insights; familiarity with CRM/ERP systems and technology-enabled decision-making.
• Ability to identify practical applications for AI, automation, analytics, and digital tools to streamline workflows and improve operational performance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, navigate complex challenges, and promote continuous improvement.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with executives, senior leaders, clients, technical teams, and other stakeholders.
• Strong judgment, accountability, and adaptability when managing multiple operational priorities and making significant business decisions.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% within the United States, including client sites, meetings, business-development activities, and industry events.

• Remote work opportunity from anywhere in the United States.
• Comprehensive medical insurance, including PPO-style plans and a high-deductible plan with HSA option.
• Dental and vision coverage for employees and eligible spouses/domestic partners and dependent children up to age 26.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• 401(k) retirement plan with