Director of Operations - Cost Management

Michael Baker International • Alexandria, VA

81d • $160,000 - $236,000

About The Position

We are expanding our Cost Management team! We are seeking a Director of Operations for Cost Management (CM) who, in close collaboration with our Practice Executive, will be responsible for the strategy, growth, and development of our growing CM Practice across Michael Baker International. This is a key leadership position in our IDA business vertical reporting to our VP and CM Practice Executive. This leadership role will guide resources across the practice, evolving market sectors, driving goals, values, and growth strategies. As a champion of the seller-doer model, this Director role will focus on business development in emerging private markets while supporting established sectors like Federal, Aviation, and Transit. This position requires close partnership and coordination with our marketing and business development team, as well as affiliate companies, to pursue opportunities and leverage existing clients and markets. This individual will develop and drive the implementation of the strategic business development plans to expand the IDA practice, including identifying and pursuing new market opportunities as well as expanding existing client and industry partner relationships. The ideal candidate exhibits proven success in managing Cost Management programs and collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams. Effective communication and relationship-building skills—internally and externally—are essential.

Requirements

• Strong leadership with a minimum of 15 years of experience in Cost Management and/or related roles.
• BS Degree in Engineering, Construction Management/Science or equivalent.
• Professional Engineer (PE) strongly desired.
• Thorough knowledge of the CM business with demonstrated experience leading, directing, and managing people.
• Travel (25%+/-) is anticipated based on program/project responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

• Proficient experience and understanding of interdisciplinary relationships between technical resources, clients, and stakeholders.
• Excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Adobe, and Bluebeam.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills exhibited through the ability to articulate ideas, both verbally and in writing; personable and outgoing in work relationships, both externally and internally; highly precise, detailed, and self-organized; frank and candid during all business relationships.
• Business development experience is highly preferred, including research and developing responses to Requests for Proposals (RFP), as well as an oversight of written and graphic marketing materials.

Responsibilities

• Driving proposal development and marketing efforts.
• Ensuring scope, schedule, and budget alignment.
• Leading project planning, quality management, and risk assessment.
• Promoting innovative capabilities, technical excellence, and performance across global projects.
• Focus on new business development and cultivating client relationships in private sector markets to include Corporate, Industrial, Manufacturing, Lifesciences, etc.
• Maximize Michael Baker’s industry exposure and capabilities in these markets, including expanding relationships with clients and industry partners while embracing emerging technologies and innovations.
• Support Federal and Infrastructure (Aviation, Transit, etc.) teams in the growth of these sectors and with client and industry partner relationship development as required.
• Grow new clients and diversify our services; engage in business development strategy with project managers, subject matter experts, market and practice leads, operations, and regional directors.
• Assist and/or lead the strategy and messaging for targeted pursuits, including all elements to craft winning proposals.
• Participate in the development and execution of capture plans with the objective of increasing the win probability of targeted pursuits.
• Understand company and partner capabilities and limitations; assemble strategic teams and partnerships when desired.
• Actively participate with professional and community-focused organizations to grow relationships and introduce/educate potential clients towards the CM Practice at Michael Baker International.
• Exhibit bold leadership through performance management, accountability, flexibility around unexpected issues/challenges, conflict management, and empathy.
• Demonstrate strong business leadership and financial acumen.
• Balance technical alignment with staff, projects, and clients.
• Ensure consistent use and application of operations management tools and facilitate weekly coordination meetings to facilitate effective resource planning, quality management, and project execution.
• Encourage uniformly high standards and monitor projects to ensure that quality and production standards are met for all documents.
• Facilitate inter-office/inter-disciplinary collaboration, communication, and cooperation.
• Constructively critique individual and team efforts, towards continuous improvement.
• Champion staff development through coaching and mentoring.
• Actively identify and recruit industry talent for strategic growth.
• Foster a continuous learning culture by encouraging communication and the sharing of ideas and technical knowledge through mentoring, in-house presentations, case studies, and continuing education opportunities.

Benefits

• 401k
• health insurance
• dental insurance
• vision insurance
• life insurance
• disability insurance
• paid holidays
• paid volunteer time
• tuition reimbursement
• professional development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree