Director of Existing Building

LERCH BATES • New York, NY

9d • $190,000 - $210,000

About The Position

Lerch Bates is seeking a Director of Existing Building to lead its New York City Vertical Transportation consulting team. The role oversees consultants, project managers, and related staff who help property managers, building owners, and developers optimize the performance, safety, modernization, and long-term management of vertical transportation systems. The Director combines business leadership, client relationship management, operational oversight, and strategic planning to support practice growth, talent development, client partnerships, and high-quality project outcomes.

The Director leads business development and client engagement in the New York City market; mentors and develops the team; oversees staffing, workload, utilization, project portfolios, and financial performance; and works with executive leadership on strategy, service growth, and continuous improvement. The position also promotes collaboration across vertical transportation, architectural design, building science, and other consulting disciplines.

The role is primarily performed in a professional office or remote office environment, with regular use of computers and standard office equipment. Occasional travel for meetings, training, conferences, or company events may be required. Employment is contingent on successfully completing a pre-employment background check and drug test, including marijuana screening.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent education, training, and relevant experience will be considered.
• At least 5 years of experience in vertical transportation, real estate development, property management, consulting, construction, or a related industry.
• Previous supervisory, team leadership, business development, and project management experience.
• Strong knowledge of vertical transportation consulting, including elevators, escalators, modernization programs, inspections, maintenance strategies, and existing building operations.
• Working knowledge of applicable building codes, industry standards, and building systems.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, maintain, and grow client relationships through strong service and project delivery.
• Leadership experience coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong negotiation, relationship-building, and business development abilities.
• Experience managing operational performance, utilization, staffing, and profitability objectives.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic business plans and growth initiatives.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with clients, consultants, project managers, and executive leadership.
• Proactive, client-focused mindset and interest in leadership, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with property management firms, commercial real estate owners, developers, or large institutional clients.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary consulting or professional services teams.
• Established relationships in the New York City real estate and vertical transportation markets.
• Demonstrated success driving business growth, client retention, and team development.
• Experience supporting strategic planning, operational improvement, and organizational growth initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development efforts focused on property managers, building owners, developers, and other stakeholders throughout the New York City market.
• Develop and maintain client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor and representative of Lerch Bates.
• Lead or support responses to RFPs, RFQs, interviews, and strategic pursuits.
• Partner with market development and business leaders to identify opportunities and expand client relationships.
• Gather client feedback, evaluate service delivery, and implement improvements to the client experience.
• Promote multidisciplinary consulting capabilities and coordinate opportunities across service lines.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Vertical Transportation Consultants, Project Managers, and related staff.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture focused on excellence, accountability, and professional growth.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, coaching, succession planning, and performance management.
• Guide staff on client service, consulting practices, project delivery, and professional development.
• Oversee the performance and operations of the Existing Buildings practice within the New York City office.
• Manage staffing, workload balancing, utilization, and resource planning.
• Monitor project portfolios and financial performance to support profitability and operational targets.
• Ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency in project execution and client deliverables.
• Collaborate with leadership to establish operational priorities, performance goals, and growth initiatives.
• Support strategic planning and practice growth initiatives with executive leadership.
• Research industry trends, emerging technologies, market conditions, and best practices to enhance services.
• Develop and implement strategies to strengthen Lerch Bates’ position in the vertical transportation consulting market.
• Support innovation and continuous improvement in client experience, operational excellence, and business growth.
• Champion collaboration between vertical transportation, architectural design, building science, and other consulting disciplines.

Benefits

• Annual performance-based bonus opportunity; target incentive levels vary by position and are based on individual and company performance.
• 100% employee-owned ESOP with company-funded shares for eligible employees.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off starting at 17 days annually.
• 10 paid holidays.
• 401(k) with 6% employer match.
• Paid parental leave.
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement.
• Employee assistance and wellness programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director