Air Quality Department Lead

Role Summary

The Air Quality Department Lead will provide strategic leadership for the firm's air quality practice while serving as a trusted advisor to key clients. This role is focused on department leadership, team development, client management, business development, and practice growth rather than day-to-day technical execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the Air Quality Department, driving strategic initiatives and market expansion
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and career development support to air quality staff
• Serve as a senior advisor and primary point of contact for key client relationships
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with industrial, manufacturing, energy, and commercial clients
• Provide executive oversight for air permitting and compliance projects
• Collaborate with company leadership to establish department goals, growth strategies, and operational priorities
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities with existing and prospective clients
• Lead proposal development, client presentations, networking efforts, and contract negotiations
• Ensure successful project delivery through effective resource planning and team management
• Monitor regulatory developments and market trends to identify emerging opportunities
• Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and professional organizations
• Support recruiting, workforce planning, and succession planning initiatives

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in air quality consulting, environmental compliance, or a related field
• Demonstrated success in a client-facing consulting role
• Strong understanding of air quality regulations and permitting programs
• Experience leading teams, departments, or technical practice areas
• Proven business development and client relationship management experience
• Strong communication, leadership, and presentation skills
• Ability to balance strategic priorities, client needs, and operational objectives

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing client relationships within industrial, manufacturing, energy, or commercial sectors
• Demonstrated success growing a consulting practice, department, or client portfolio
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex client accounts
• Background overseeing large-scale environmental compliance programs
• Experience recruiting, mentoring, and developing environmental professionals

What's in It for You

• A high-impact leadership role with significant influence on department growth and direction
• Opportunity to lead an established air quality team while driving future expansion
• A strong mix of leadership, strategy, business development, and client engagement
• A collaborative and growth-focused consulting environment
• Competitive compensation: $130,000 - $200,000 base salary + bonus potential
• Comprehensive benefits including health, retirement, and PTO
• Opportunity to shape the future of a growing environmental consulting practice

How to Apply

Apply directly or send your resume with the subject line: Air Quality Department Lead - Chicago. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.