National Mission Critical Client Leader

Position Summary

As a Mission Critical Client Leader, you will play a key role in business development, client stewardship, and project leadership across mission-critical market sectors. You will be responsible for cultivating long-term client relationships, leading complex pursuits, structuring contracts, and ensuring the strategic and financial success of multiple concurrent projects.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Cultivate and expand relationships with mission-critical clients, hyperscale operators, colocation providers, and critical operations agencies
• Serve as a trusted advisor, deeply understanding client mission, technical requirements, risk profiles, and operational priorities
• Lead strategic pursuits, including qualification packages, proposals, interviews, and relationship-building initiatives
• Guide project execution from early strategy through post-occupancy, ensuring alignment with quality, schedule, and budget goals
• Partner with Project Managers on staffing plans, fee development, resourcing, and scope management
• Oversee invoicing, accounts receivable, and financial performance across multiple projects and clients
• Manage contract negotiations, amendments, and change requests with a focus on clarity, transparency, and value
• Collaborate closely with Design Leaders, engineers, and technical specialists to integrate client goals with design excellence
• Facilitate decision-making and communication across internal and external teams
• Support seamless coordination between technical disciplines, vendors, and specialty consultants unique to mission-critical delivery
• Represent DLR Group in industry organizations, thought-leadership forums, and client events
• Monitor industry trends, including energy, resiliency, sustainability, cybersecurity, and technology, to inform client solutions
• Help position DLR Group as a leader in the mission-critical space through relationships, advocacy, and market intelligence
• Foster a collaborative and accountable team environment with a focus on client service and technical excellence
• Mentor staff on client engagement, proposal strategy, and project leadership skills
• Support the advancement of DLR Group’s integrated design model and ESOP culture

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Construction Management, or a related field (professional licensure or certification strongly preferred)
• 10+ years of AEC industry experience, including 5+ years in a client-facing role and proven experience in mission-critical or technically intensive sectors
• Experience managing large-scale programs or portfolios for mission-critical, industrial, or hyperscale clients
• Strong understanding of business development, contract negotiation, financial management, and project delivery practices
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills
• Ability to travel occasionally to support client and project needs
• Must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship