Project Management and Design Lead Manager (Section Manager)

Overview

Within SSOE’s Advanced Technology division, we specialize in high-tech facility design, offering top-tier design and engineering services to a diverse array of clients and markets. Our team is composed of highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals who excel across various disciplines. We pride ourselves on our cross-disciplinary approach, which allows us to understand and address our clients' needs more comprehensively than traditional, siloed methods. What sets us apart is our ability to seamlessly conceptualize, plan, and detail every aspect of design. Our in-house experts collaborate closely, optimizing and enhancing our work through multi-discipline strategy sessions. By leveraging cutting-edge techniques and state-of-the-art software, we deliver industry-leading technology and innovative solutions from day one.

SSOE is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Project Management and Design Lead Manager (Section Manager) to lead and inspire our engineering team. In this critical role, you will be the cornerstone connecting the technical vision of our Design Leads with the execution skills of our Project Managers. Your ability to effectively manage and mentor these key personnel will be paramount to the success of our complex projects. You will leverage your technical expertise and leadership skills to drive project success and foster the professional growth of your team. This position will be a hybrid position, requiring occasional onsite work. Fully remote or travel work arrangements for this role are not available. Local candidates are encouraged to apply, but relocation assistance may be provided for well-qualified candidates.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to the engineering team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Work with the Design Leads to ensure design concepts are feasible, constructible, and meet client requirements, while simultaneously working with Project Managers to ensure project schedules, scopes, and budgets are on track. 
• Establish clear performance expectations and goals for both Design Leads and Project Managers, aligning their efforts with overall project objectives and company strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with project stakeholders to determine staffing needs for each project, ensuring the right mix of skills and experience.
• Assign Design Leads and Project Managers to projects based on their expertise, availability, and career development goals.
• Facilitate regular meetings to ensure alignment between design and project management teams, fostering a collaborative and integrated approach.
• Monitor resource utilization and adjust staffing levels as needed to ensure project efficiency and effectiveness.
• Oversee the workload of design leads and project managers to prevent burnout.
• Review and approve key project documents, including design reports, specifications, and construction drawings.
• Work with Project Managers to ensure that quality control procedures are implemented and followed throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of design and project management activities.
• Promote the use of best practices in design and project management.
• Implement and maintain a lessons learned program to improve future projects.
• Conduct regular performance reviews for Design Leads and Project Managers, providing constructive feedback and identifying areas for growth.
• Develop individualized development plans to enhance the technical and leadership skills of your team members.
• Provide mentorship and coaching to Design Leads, focusing on technical excellence, design optimization, and effective communication with clients and project teams. 
• Provide mentorship and coaching to Project Managers, focusing on project planning, risk management, budget control, and stakeholder communication.
• Serve as a mentor and coach for Design Leads and Project Managers, facilitating communication and resolving issues.
• Foster a culture of open communication and collaboration, encouraging team members to share ideas and best practices.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated professional experience with managing Design Leads and Project Managers within the AEC industry. Having a specific focus on high-tech industrial manufacturing, semiconductor, high technology, and/or battery manufacturing is highly desired.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing engineering teams, with a strong emphasis on mentorship and staff development.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary groups across multiple offices, including interfacing with international locations.
• Proven ability to mentor, coach, and develop team members. Ability to foster a collaborative and performing team environment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical information to diverse audiences.
• Bachelor's degree in a related engineering discipline (e.g., Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Process, Structural) or Construction Management is a plus.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license is highly desirable.
• Salary Range: $110,000 - $140,000/year depending on location, education, experience, and any certifications that are directly related to the position.
• Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401K retirement savings plan (with company matching), opportunities for professional development and training, generous PTO & paid holidays.

Join us at SSOE, where your expertise will thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design and engineering excellence. If you're passionate about innovation and eager to make a significant impact, we invite you to apply and become a part of our forward-thinking team.