Fire Protection & Plumbing Associate Director

DLB Associates is a premier engineering and consulting firm specializing in innovative, mission-critical solutions across hyperscale data centers, advanced infrastructure, and high-performance building systems. With over four decades of expertise, we partner with some of the world’s most influential companies to design and optimize environments that demand precision, scalability, and resilience.

About the role

The Fire Protection and Plumbing Associate Director will regularly interact with Senior Directors, other directors, and the Exec Team on matters concerning several functional areas, divisions, and/or customers. This role involves developing, modifying, and executing Department policies related to fire protection and plumbing staffing and design that affect operations, standards, QAQC, training, and execution. The Associate Director will manage activities within the Program and Project Management section of the Design Department, receive work in the form of objectives from Directors and the Exec Team, and determine how to use resources to meet schedules and goals. This position will identify gaps and areas for improvement within Department-level operations and work with Directors to develop and implement plans.

Responsibilities

• Tactical Leadership and Strategy Execution (25%)
  • Collaborate with senior management to develop and refine a strategic plan in alignment with the organization's objectives.
  • Work with executive leadership to identify and prioritize initiatives that support organizational growth and development.
  • Review and adjust policies, programs, and practices to ensure they meet current and near-future business needs.
  • Develop strategies to attract, develop, and retain a competent and diverse team.
  • Lead and support change management initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Communicate and execute strategic plans, ensuring alignment with the organization's objectives.
  • Oversee operational units, demonstrating adaptability and experience in handling challenges.
  • Make informed decisions on significant operational matters.
• Organizational Management and Policy Execution (25%)
  • Shape and enforce company-wide policies, ensuring they align with immediate operations and broader organizational goals.
  • Ensure efficient allocation and utilization of resources, including budgets, to meet departmental requirements and strategic objectives.
  • Oversee specific functional areas, managing planning, staffing, and budgeting processes.
  • Guide and support teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Client Relationship and Strategic Program Management (25%)
  • Engage and build relationships with clients through scheduled touchpoints, understanding their needs, and communicating value.
  • Act as the primary liaison for escalated issues, managing client expectations, and ensuring efficient program execution.
  • Solicit feedback to refine processes and enhance the client experience.
  • Evaluate client financial performance using quarterly filings and other sources.
  • Align DLB's offerings with client strategic objectives and drive new business opportunities to meet revenue goals.
  • Collaborate with DLB management to enhance service delivery, forecast costs & revenues, and strategize for both short-term and long-term growth.
  • Lead business development initiatives and utilize CRM/ERP tools for pipeline management.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to set and achieve sales targets and develop program strategies.
  • Participate in both client-specific and internal reviews, presenting program achievements and financial data.
  • Establish and monitor KPIs to ensure customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and business growth.
  • Assess subcontractor performance, where applicable.
• Technology and Data-Driven Decision Making (25%)
  • Develop strategies to utilize technology and data analytics to enhance processes and decision-making.
  • Review existing technology tools and systems, identifying areas for improvement.
  • Manage the implementation of new technology platforms, ensuring smooth transitions.
  • Collaborate with IT and other departments to ensure data privacy, security, and compliance.
  • Establish data reporting and analytics capabilities, providing insights for tactical decision-making and planning.
  • Train and guide staff in the effective use of technology and data analysis tools.
  • Identify opportunities and lead the strategic use of technology, digital platforms, and AI-enabled tools to enhance efficiency through workflow automation, reduced manual effort, and improved accuracy in forecasting, documentation, reporting, and quality processes.
  • Support adoption of emerging technologies—including advanced analytics, data visualization tools, and digital construction management platforms—to strengthen readiness, quality assurance, and project controls.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure technology solutions align with DLB standards for data security, privacy, and operational integrity.
  • Promote a culture that embraces innovation, continuous improvement, and the strategic use of technology to optimize performance and scalability.
• Ensure completion of assigned tasks and deliverables on time and on budget.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge (Advanced level for all the following):
  • Strategic Planning: Advanced understanding of developing and executing strategic plans in alignment with organizational objectives.
  • Operational Management: Advanced knowledge of overseeing operational units and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
  • Client Relationship Management: Advanced knowledge of client engagement, feedback solicitation, and financial performance evaluation.
  • Technology Integration: Intermediate understanding of technology tools, systems, and data analytics in decision-making.
• Skills:
  • Collaboration: Expert skill in collaborating with senior management, executive leadership, and internal stakeholders.
  • Policy Adjustment: Advanced skill in reviewing and adjusting company-wide policies.
  • Resource Allocation: Advanced skill in efficiently allocating resources, including budgets.
  • CRM/ERP Tools: Intermediate skill in utilizing CRM/ERP tools for pipeline and client management.
  • Data Analysis: Advanced skill in analyzing data, establishing reporting capabilities, and deriving insights.
• Abilities:
  • Adaptability: Expert ability to adapt to challenges in overseeing operational units and making informed decisions.
  • Change Management: Advanced ability to lead and support change initiatives, fostering a culture of improvement.
  • Client Engagement: Expert ability to engage with clients, manage expectations, and act as a primary liaison.
  • Business Development: Advanced ability to drive new business opportunities and align offerings with client objectives.
  • Technology Implementation: Intermediate ability to implement new technology platforms and ensure smooth transitions.
  • AI & Emerging Technologies: Intermediate ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company-wide innovation.
• Education / Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or fire protection engineering.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in a related discipline.
  • Minimum of thirteen years of mechanical or fire protection engineering experience.

Physical Demands

The following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently required to remain in a stationary position.
• Frequently moving through office, facility, and other environments.
• On occasion, the employee may move equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

Travel / Relocation

• Up to 25% travel, which may include any or all 50 U.S. states. Travel is defined as physically leaving home for business activities, including but not limited to client sites, meetings, business development, industry conferences, etc.
• Potential relocation opportunities may exist per project needs.

Benefits

• Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP with HSA option).
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• Dental and vision plans.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits extended to spouse/domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26.
• 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option.
• PTO, including additional paid time off during the last week of the year.
• Company-paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Short- and long-term disability, AD&D coverage.
• Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and professional licensing assistance.
• Paid parental leave after one year of employment.

Pay

CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC residents only: In accordance with state law, the range provided is DLB's reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location.