Associate Practice Area Director -Critical Facilities

📍Los Angeles, CA

Travel Required

An exceptional opportunity is available for an experienced Associate Practice Area Director to join a leading engineering consultancy specializing in highly technical and mission-critical facilities. This role is ideal for a strategic leader with a strong background in critical facilities, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, laboratory, or technology-focused environments.

As a key member of the leadership team, you will be responsible for driving business growth, overseeing project delivery, developing high-performing teams, and expanding market presence throughout the Western region. This role offers a clear pathway to broader regional leadership responsibilities while working alongside industry-leading experts on some of the most complex projects in the market.

The Role

The Associate Practice Area Director will lead the growth and execution of the Critical Facilities practice across the region, coordinating project delivery, business development, client engagement, and team leadership.

This role requires a balance of technical expertise, strategic planning, operational oversight, and market-facing leadership. You will be responsible for identifying new opportunities, strengthening existing client relationships, and ensuring the successful delivery of high-value projects.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Market Leadership

• Develop and execute regional growth strategies for the Critical Facilities practice.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities.
• Generate new revenue streams while expanding existing client relationships.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with:
• Data center owners and operators
• Developers
• Architects
• Project and construction management firms
• General contractors
• Industry partners
• Track market activity, project pipelines, and major pursuits.
• Develop winning pursuit strategies and assemble project teams.
• Lead and participate in sales presentations and client meetings.
• Develop and communicate a compelling market value proposition.
• Identify opportunities to expand service offerings and increase project profitability.

Leadership & Operations

• Lead and develop a growing regional engineering and project delivery team.
• Collaborate with national and global practice leaders to align business objectives.
• Develop and implement regional business plans.
• Coordinate staffing needs across multiple offices and disciplines.
• Drive operational excellence and project delivery standards.
• Oversee project financial performance and reporting.
• Support strategic hiring initiatives and attract top industry talent.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and career development support to senior staff.

Project Delivery & Technical Excellence

• Ensure the successful delivery of complex critical facilities and technology-focused projects.
• Promote technical excellence and industry best practices.
• Provide senior-level guidance and resolution on project challenges.
• Review project performance, risk management, and quality standards.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients throughout project lifecycles.

Industry Presence

• Represent the business at industry events, conferences, and professional organizations.
• Author technical articles, white papers, and thought leadership content.
• Build and strengthen market visibility and industry recognition.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, emerging technologies, and market developments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• 12+ years of experience within engineering design and project delivery environments.
• Significant experience within Critical Facilities, Data Centers, Life Sciences, Advanced Technology, Semiconductor, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Medical Device, Laboratory, or related sectors.
• Minimum 5 years of management and leadership experience.
• Minimum 5 years of business development experience within an engineering consultancy environment.
• Strong understanding of MEP systems and multidisciplinary project delivery.
• Proven experience growing client relationships and securing new business.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing project performance.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead teams across multiple locations and disciplines.

Preferred Experience

Experience within the following sectors would be highly advantageous:

• Critical Facilities
• Data Centers
• Life Sciences
• Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Medical Device Facilities
• Research & Development Facilities
• Advanced Technology Projects

What's on Offer

• Competitive executive-level compensation package.
• Performance-based incentives and bonus opportunities.
• Potential ownership and equity participation opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contribution.
• Professional development and leadership training.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous paid time off.
• Career progression into senior regional and national leadership roles.
• Opportunity to influence the growth of a high-profile practice area.

About the Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity for a commercially focused engineering leader to take ownership of a growing Critical Facilities practice within a highly respected consultancy. You will play a pivotal role in shaping business strategy, driving revenue growth, leading multidisciplinary teams, and delivering landmark projects across some of the world's most technically demanding sectors.

If you're a proven engineering leader with a passion for business growth, technical excellence, and client success, we'd love to hear from you.