Fire Protection & Plumbing Associate Director

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced engineering professional to shape fire protection and plumbing operations across complex, mission-critical projects in the United States. The role is remote with up to 25% travel and potential relocation opportunities based on project needs.

About the role

You will partner with executive leadership to translate strategic priorities into operational plans, policies, and measurable outcomes. The role combines technical expertise with organizational leadership, client relationship management, business development, and program oversight. Key responsibilities include strengthening staffing, quality assurance, resource allocation, project execution, and continuous improvement across the department. A focus will be on leveraging technology, analytics, digital platforms, and AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency, forecasting, reporting, and quality.

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior and executive leadership to develop and execute strategic plans, prioritize growth initiatives, refine policies, and lead change-management efforts across fire protection and plumbing operations.
• Oversee operational functions, staffing, budgets, resource allocation, and departmental execution while identifying performance gaps and implementing improvements aligned with organizational objectives.
• Direct program and project management activities within the design organization, ensuring assigned deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and to expected quality standards.
• Build and maintain senior-level client relationships, conduct regular touchpoints, understand evolving needs, manage escalated issues, solicit feedback, and ensure successful program delivery.
• Align technical and professional services with client objectives, identify new business opportunities, contribute to revenue growth strategies, manage pipelines through CRM/ERP tools, and support sales targets.
• Evaluate client and program financial performance, forecast costs and revenues, establish KPIs, monitor operational efficiency, and present program achievements and financial insights to leadership and clients.
• Identify opportunities to use technology, analytics, digital construction platforms, and AI-enabled tools to automate workflows, reduce manual effort, improve forecasting, strengthen documentation, and enhance quality and project controls.
• Lead the implementation and adoption of new technology platforms, collaborate with IT and internal stakeholders on security and compliance, and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Develop strategies to attract, retain, and develop a capable and diverse team while coaching staff and promoting effective use of technology, data, and operational best practices.
• Assess subcontractor performance when applicable and collaborate effectively with internal teams, executives, clients, and other stakeholders to ensure strong execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Fire Protection Engineering is required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in a related discipline is required.
• At least 13 years of mechanical or fire protection engineering experience, with demonstrated progression into senior leadership responsibilities.
• Advanced knowledge of strategic planning, operational management, policy development, resource allocation, and organizational execution.
• Expert ability to engage senior clients, manage expectations, address escalations, evaluate client performance, and identify opportunities for business growth.
• Proven ability to oversee complex programs, establish priorities, manage budgets and resources, and consistently deliver work on schedule and within budget.
• Strong data-analysis capabilities, including establishing reporting frameworks and deriving actionable insights; familiarity with CRM/ERP systems and technology-enabled decision-making.
• Ability to identify practical applications for AI, automation, analytics, and digital tools to streamline workflows and improve operational performance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, navigate complex challenges, and promote continuous improvement.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with executives, senior leaders, clients, technical teams, and other stakeholders.
• Strong judgment, accountability, and adaptability when managing multiple operational priorities and making significant business decisions.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% within the United States, including client sites, meetings, business-development activities, and industry events.

Benefits

• Remote work opportunity from anywhere in the United States.
• Comprehensive medical insurance, including PPO-style plans and a high-deductible plan with HSA option.
• Dental and vision coverage for employees and eligible spouses/domestic partners and dependent children up to age 26.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match and a self-directed brokerage account option.
• Paid time off, including additional PTO during the final week of the year.
• Company-paid life insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
• Short- and long-term disability and AD&D coverage.
• Professional development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
• Professional licensing assistance.
• Paid parental leave after one year of employment.
• Opportunity to contribute to complex, high-impact engineering and infrastructure projects while working in a collaborative, innovation-focused environment.