Business Unit Manager

Wunderlich-Malec Careers•Atlanta, GA

16d

About The Position

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is: 100% employee-owned with 40+ years of industry history ENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firm Rated as a top System Integrator Giant Wunderlich-Malec is expanding and we’re looking for a hands-on technical and operations leader for our Business Unit Manager opportunity in Atlanta, GA. This person will grow our Atlanta presence from its infancy into a thriving, profitable business unit. If you are an entrepreneurial leader who thrives on building teams, delivering technical excellence, and watching a business grow under your leadership — this role is for you. The Business Unit Manager will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight opportunity including financial performance, business development, and team management. Drive profitability, growth, and long-term sustainability by fostering a high-performance culture, ensuring operational excellence, and aligning with corporate objectives. Serve as a Principal Project Manager when required, leading complex, multi-disciplinary projects and programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering is preferred
Business or other technical degrees with equivalent experience may be considered
Minimum ten years’ experience in project or operations management within an engineering-centric organization
Valid driver’s license and international passport (or ability to obtain quickly)
Willingness to travel (average 25%), including weekends and evenings as required
Ability to stand and move around job sites for up to 8-12 hours per shift
Ability to frequently climb up and down stairs and ladders
Ability to maintain balance and stability while performing tasks at heights
Ability to occasionally lift, carry, and move objects up to 40 pounds as required
Ability to hear and communicate with clear speech in industrial environments
Ability to drive vehicles and operate simple machinery, with proper training, such as lifts
Frequent reaching, bending, stooping, crouching, or crawling in and around machinery and production equipment as required during project commissioning and startup activities
Manual dexterity is sufficient to operate tools, instruments, or computer equipment
The ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, hard hats, and steel-toed boots
Visual acuity and hand-eye coordination required for inspection, troubleshooting, and detailed technical work
Employees must comply with customer specific requirements and PPE

Nice To Haves

Experience as an automation engineer with hardware and software design of control systems across multiple industries preferred
Experience in Life Sciences, Data Center, Semiconductor, High Tech Manufacturing, or Utilities preferred
Background in business administration, business development, and sales is highly desirable

Responsibilities

Develop and execute annual strategic plans with defined 1-, 3-, and 5-year objectives and goals
Create and nurture an organizational culture that supports the business unit strategy and values
Collaborate with other business units to support the growth of WM, including resource sharing for cross-unit projects
Interpret and enforce company policies and procedures within the business unit
Ensure business unit budgets, business plans, and strategic goals are met
Responsible for the BU’s profit and loss performance
Oversee all financial aspects of the BU, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
Track and report BU financial status, backlog, opportunities, and key metrics to the Regional Vice President
Support the Corporate Project Accountant (PA) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) by adhering to timely and effective business process requirements
Lead all sales and business development activities for Georgia, and associated national accounts
Responsible for all BU cost estimates and proposal approvals prior to client delivery
Guide clients in project decisions to ensure optimal business solutions
Utilize Salesforce for account, project, proposal, and client management
Assign work and allocate resources to meet overall project deadlines
Evaluate project progress, suggest changes, and approve proposals generated by others
Maintain and utilize work forecasting tools
Support Project Managers (PMs) with purchasing, invoicing, and accounts receivable tracking
Represent the client as an Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) when needed, managing third parties on behalf of the client
Work weekends, holidays, nightshift, and extended hours to meet deadlines and commissioning requirements as needed
Lead and provide direction for small to large, high-complexity, multi-disciplinary projects and programs
Manage and oversee the end-to-end project lifecycle, ensuring successful delivery
Develop project concepts and detailed execution plans
Build and lead high-performing teams to meet project goals and objectives
Maintain regular contact with clients and report on project progress and accomplishments
Manage vendor and client relationships to ensure service expectations are met
Coordinate with all required functions and groups to effectively plan and execute projects
Manage BU employee owners including project managers, schedulers, cost managers, engineers, technicians, sales representatives, and administrative support
Develop and implement hiring and retention strategies
Make decisions on hiring, termination, promotion, and compensation
Conduct annual performance reviews for each BU employee owner
Oversee employee development, including technical skills, performance, and career growth planning
Partner with corporate teams on national initiatives and policy implementation
Serve in multiple roles as needed, including business development, sales, project management, operations, controls engineering, technical consulting, and customer account management
Manage relationships with vendors, general contractors, contract partners, A&E firms, and professional associations
Review, edit, and manage customer agreements and contracts in collaboration with the WM Legal Team
Oversee logistics for the Atlanta office, including leases, infrastructure, custodial services, security, and lunchroom operations
Support implementation of BU and national safety programs
Ensure compliance with Quality Management Systems and support internal and external audits
Stay informed of and comply with policies outlined in the Employee Handbook