Associate Director - Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Associate Director is responsible for overseeing the strategic, operational, and financial aspects of a designated vertical market within the firm’s engineering practice. Focused on driving the success of our Manufacturing sector, the Associate Director combines leadership, market expertise, and project management skills to ensure that engineering projects are executed successfully, and business development initiatives are advanced. This role manages high-profile projects, cultivates client relationships, and contributes to the firm’s overall strategic growth while ensuring the vertical operates efficiently and remains a trusted partner to clients.

Primary Essential Functions:

• Develop and execute strategic business plans for the assigned practice area, ensuring alignment with the firm's overall operational, financial, and growth objectives.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, serving as the primary point of contact for key accounts and identifying opportunities to expand services and deepen engagement.
• Lead business development efforts within the Manufacturing sector (i.e. Food & Beverage or Consumer Products), including identifying new project opportunities, preparing proposals, leading presentations, and negotiating contracts.
• Oversee a portfolio of engineering projects, ensuring successful delivery through adherence to scope, schedule, budget, and quality standards.
• Provide technical and managerial oversight to project teams, supporting project managers and technical leads in resolving challenges and ensuring client satisfaction.
• Monitor project progress, staffing levels, and deliverable quality, taking corrective action as needed to meet performance benchmarks.
• Guide resource planning and workload balancing within the practice area to optimize team utilization and ensure project efficiency.
• Mentor and support the professional development of project managers, engineers, and technical staff, promoting a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Track and manage financial performance metrics including revenue forecasts, backlog, profitability, and utilization, and implement strategies to meet or exceed targets.
• Own and be accountable for a revenue portfolio, ensuring consistent delivery, client satisfaction, and market growth.
• Collaborate with firm leadership to contribute insights into business strategy, market trends, and operational improvements to strengthen the firm’s position in the sector.
• Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and client meetings to promote the firm's capabilities and enhance its visibility and reputation.

Secondary Essential Functions:

• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with clients and colleagues including cross-functional teams, peers, direct reports, and leadership, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Adapt to changing business needs and priorities, demonstrating flexibility in taking on new responsibilities and adjusting to evolving challenges.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities):

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of engineering project delivery processes, including planning, design, execution, and quality assurance.
• Working knowledge of financial and operational metrics such as backlog, utilization, revenue forecasting, and profitability.
• Familiarity with industry standards, client expectations, and regulatory requirements applicable to the firm’s core markets (public and/or private sector).
• Knowledge of business development strategies, including opportunity identification, proposal development, and contract negotiation.
• Understanding of team leadership, talent development, and resource planning within a consulting or professional services environment.

Skills

• Proven leadership skills in managing teams, clients, and project portfolios within a matrixed or multi-disciplinary environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with clients, internal teams, and executive leadership.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate complex project and operational challenges.
• Financial and business acumen to manage budgets, interpret performance data, and make sound operational decisions.
• Proficiency in project management tools and platforms, and the ability to drive process improvements across teams.

Abilities

• Ability to balance business development, project oversight, and team management responsibilities concurrently.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with clients and staff through accountability, responsiveness, and sound judgment.
• Ability to lead teams through changing priorities, resource constraints, and evolving client needs.
• Ability to identify and act on opportunities to grow client relationships and expand service offerings.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and disciplines to achieve operational and strategic goals.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET-accredited university or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in engineering project management and business development in the Manufacturing industry.

Preferred

• Master’s degree or additional certification in business development or project management.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain seated for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings.
• Frequent use of standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, telephones, and printers.
• Occasional light physical activity such as walking, standing, or carrying materials (up to 25 lbs.).
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, over the phone, and through written communication.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Stratus is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Stratus Team’s management Team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

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