Design Director

About the role

The Design Director (Indianapolis) will lead our local transportation design team, manage key projects, and partner closely with firm leadership to deepen client relationships and strategically expand our presence in the Indiana market. This role blends high-level technical leadership, project delivery oversight, and collaborative business development, working in coordination with our Indiana Operations Manager and national Business Development team.

Essential Duties/Functions and Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and support the Design Team to ensure technically accurate, high-quality deliverables (plans, specifications, permits, reports, etc.).
• Promote and implement technologies and tools that drive efficient, innovative project delivery.
• Serve as a senior technical resource on transportation infrastructure projects.
• Ensure project teams prepare and follow Project Management Plans (PMPs) and adhere to QA/QC processes.
• Oversee development and approval of scopes, fees, and schedules for major pursuits and contracts.
• Monitor project performance, budget, and schedule, and communicate issues promptly to clients and internal leadership.
• Support contract reviews to manage risk and reinforce responsible commercial practices.
• Engage directly with clients to understand their priorities, capital programs, and long-term needs.
• Build deep, multi-level relationships between IEI staff and client organizations.
• Carefully coordinate with the Indiana Operations Manager and national BD team to identify, pursue, and secure new work across the state.
• Lead or support proposal development, client interviews, and project-specific marketing efforts.
• Maintain frequent contact with existing clients to evaluate performance and identify new opportunities.
• Participate actively in industry and community events to elevate IEI’s visibility and brand.
• Ensures project delivery team prepares IEI’s Project Management Plan (PMP) at start of project and follows and updates them for duration of the project.
• Ensures projects receive a Minimum Formal Evaluation or Feedback of “Satisfactory” or Equivalent from Clients. Actively deploys practices and procedure to earn “Above Average” evaluation.
• Ensures project delivery team complies with IEI’s QA/QC and/or client mandated QA/QC policies and procedures.
• Makes sure the Group’s financial profitability is monitored and takes corrective actions when profitability falls below the target.
• Assists firm leadership in shaping and deploying strategies which helps sustain profitability and financial strength of the firm.
• Regularly monitors project progress and budget and ensures project delivery team completes projects within the allocated budget and schedule.
• Ensures all members of project delivery team are aware of and actively monitoring budgets on recurring basis commensurate with job classification.
• Ensures all assigned members of project delivery team are complying with Invoicing protocols and schedules and working actively in pursuing collections and AR's.
• Develops and fosters relationships with key clients and agencies which results in winning work.
• Develops and deploys business development strategies which results in Group’s growth in alignment with firm’s growth strategies.
• Mets regularly with existing clients to discuss current projects, evaluate performance and identify other business opportunities.
• Oversees and contributes in preparation of technical proposals and other marketing efforts in a timely manner.
• Proactively participates in industry and community functions and activities that promote IEI's visibility and brand.
• Develops and attracts staff to the office and firm.
• Works in collaboration with staff in identifying and actively promoting professional development of staff to meet personal and firms’ professional development goals.

Education and/or Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university, or approved equivalent.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required; ability to obtain Indiana PE within six months if currently licensed elsewhere.
• Ideal candidate will have 15+ years' experience in civil engineering; including 8-10yrs experience as a Project Manager with heavy experience in transportation and design.
• Demonstrated record of winning and delivering transportation projects in Indiana, with strong familiarity with INDOT and municipal clients.
• Substantial business development experience within the engineering consulting industry, including proven client development and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams, oversee project delivery, and manage complex transportation infrastructure projects.
• Strong business acumen, negotiation skills, and excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience working with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
• Familiarity with ERP or CRM platforms (e.g., Deltek, Paycor, VantagePoint) and comfort with CAD software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and/or Civil 3D.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring and developing staff, fostering collaboration, and supporting a positive team culture.

Benefits and Perks

• Highly competitive salary; and Bonus opportunities
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Personal Paid Leave (Paid Time-Off)
• 6-Week Parental Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Short and Long-term Disability Program
• 401K Program with Employer Match
• Profit Sharing
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Appreciation Program
• IEI University
• An opportunity to learn and grow - Professional Development Program
• Opportunity to share ideas and express your point of view
• You are welcome to be your authentic self
• Philanthropic Outreach and Volunteer Opportunities

Pay Range

$120,000 - $180,000 per year

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