Chief Operating Officer (COO)
About The Position
MSA Professional Services is seeking a servant-leadership-minded Chief Operating Officer to lead companywide operations and help guide the firm’s continued growth. This is a succession opportunity as the current COO plans to retire in the coming months. The COO will translate MSA’s strategy into consistent, effective execution while strengthening the employee experience, client experience, financial performance, and long-term sustainability of the firm. The role partners closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team, and leads and develops service line and operational leaders. The position is full-time, salaried, and hybrid eligible, and is intended for someone within commutable proximity to any of MSA’s 19 office locations. MSA is a 100% employee-owned consulting firm with more than 100 years of community impact and a long-standing position among the ENR Top 500 Design Firms. The organization emphasizes relationships, continuous improvement, responsible stewardship, collaboration, learning, inclusion, and belonging. The compensation range is $198,355–$327,286, commensurate with experience. Benefits include annual MSA stock shares at no cost to the employee, medical, dental, and vision insurance, 17 or more days of PTO, eight paid holidays, paid parental leave, a 401(k) plan with company matching, short-term incentive opportunities, and company-paid life and disability insurance. Full eligibility requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 15 years of relevant experience in business development, engineering, finance, operations, or a related discipline.
- At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience.
- A strong understanding of financial performance, project delivery, organizational operations, and business growth.
- An empathetic and influential communication style that builds trust across all levels of an organization.
- Demonstrated ability to develop people, lead through change, and create accountability.
- Strong judgment, integrity, and commitment to MSA’s mission, values, and purpose.
Nice To Haves
- Experience within the core functions of an architecture, engineering, or construction firm.
- Experience with AEC360.
Responsibilities
- Provide oversight and direction for MSA’s day-to-day operations.
- Lead and support Service Line Leaders in achieving strategic, financial, and growth objectives.
- Strengthen accountability, collaboration, and operational consistency across the firm.
- Champion employee development, leadership growth, and succession planning.
- Advance project delivery, quality, and an exceptional client experience.
- Support business planning, annual budgeting, and short- and long-term organizational strategy.
- Identify market opportunities and help position MSA for continued, sustainable growth.
- Foster the exchange of ideas and best practices through a OneMSA approach.
Benefits
- Annual MSA stock shares at no cost to the employee through the ESOP.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee, spouse, domestic partner, and eligible dependents.
- 17 or more days of PTO, potentially higher depending on experience.
- Eight paid holidays.
- Paid parental leave regardless of birth parent.
- 401(k) plan with company matching.
- Short-term incentive program for annual bonus opportunities.
- Company-paid life and disability insurance.
- Flexible work-life integration.
- Ongoing learning and professional growth opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
