Senior Principal, Building Envelope

About the role

The Senior Principal will provide executive leadership within our Building Envelope practice, combining advanced technical expertise with strategic business leadership.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Business Development
• Work with Business Unit leader to execute strategic planning and growth initiatives for the Building Envelope practice, identifying new market opportunities and expanding service offerings.
• Develop and maintain executive-level relationships with clients, architects, developers, owners, and industry partners.
• Drive business development through proposals, presentations, contract negotiations, and strategic pursuits for complex consulting projects.
• Serve as the relationship manager for key client accounts, ensuring exceptional service delivery while identifying opportunities to expand client relationships.
• Manage the financial performance of the practice by supporting project profitability, forecasting, resource planning, and sustainable revenue growth.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to establish business strategy, operational priorities, and long-term practice objectives.
• Represent SOCOTEC through industry organizations, conferences, publications, technical presentations, and thought leadership initiatives.
• Drive innovation by evaluating emerging technologies, market trends, and opportunities to expand consulting capabilities
• Technical Leadership & Project Oversight
• Serve as the senior technical authority for complex building envelope consulting projects involving façades, roofing, waterproofing, fenestration, specialty cladding systems, and rehabilitation.
• Lead forensic investigations, condition assessments, design reviews, peer reviews, and technical evaluations for complex building enclosure projects.
• Provide expert technical oversight for quality assurance, construction phase services, commissioning, and remediation strategies.
• Review and approve technical reports, specifications, investigative findings, and project deliverables.
• Provide expert witness support and technical guidance for litigation, insurance claims, and dispute resolution, as required.
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, ASTM, AAMA, NFRC, and industry standards while promoting technical excellence across the practice.
• Team Leadership & Practice Development
• Mentor Associates, senior consultants, and technical staff while fostering professional growth and technical excellence.
• Support recruiting, workforce planning, and leadership development initiatives.
• Establish and maintain technical standards, quality control procedures, and best practices across the Building Envelope practice.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across SOCOTEC to deliver integrated consulting solutions.
• Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Client Leadership & Project Delivery
• Serve as the trusted advisor for strategic client engagements and high-profile projects.
• Provide guidance on complex technical challenges, risk management, and dispute resolution.
• Ensure exceptional project delivery, client satisfaction, financial performance, and adherence to project schedules and budgets.
• Conduct executive-level project reviews and maintain accountability for project quality and client outcomes.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Building Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in building envelope consulting, design, or related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect (RA), or equivalent professional licensure required.
• Demonstrated expertise in building enclosure systems, forensic investigations, rehabilitation, commissioning, and construction consulting.
• Strong knowledge of applicable building codes, ASTM, AAMA, NFRC, and industry standards.
• Proven experience leading complex consulting projects, managing executive-level client relationships, and developing new business opportunities.
• Demonstrated success managing a consulting practice, including responsibility for business development, financial performance, and staff leadership.
• Experience mentoring and developing multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to travel regionally and nationally as required.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Master's degree in Building Science, Architectural Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional certifications such as RRC, RRO, RBEC, or LEED AP.
• 20+ years of industry experience, including leadership within a consulting practice.
• Experience serving as an expert witness in construction litigation or insurance matters.
• Active participation and leadership within professional organizations such as IIBEC, ASTM, AAMA, or NIBS.
• Established industry recognition through publications, conference presentations, or technical leadership.
• Background in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, or landmark restoration projects.
• Demonstrated success developing new service lines, growing regional markets, and leading strategic business initiatives.