Chief Executive Officer - Engineering

This is a rare and defining opportunity for a visionary leader to step into the chief executive role of a well-established, privately held engineering firm with deep roots in transportation, municipal, structural, land development, and surveying services. With approximately $11 million in revenue and a team of 60 professionals, the firm is positioned for its next chapter — one defined by profitability growth, expansion into new service verticals, and the deliberate development of the next generation of technical leaders. The incoming Chief Executive Officer will inherit a close-knit, client-first culture built on trust and collaboration, and will have the opportunity to shape the firm's strategic direction as a true owner with a path to meaningful equity. This is not a caretaker role — it is a platform for a bold, empathetic, and operationally excellent leader to leave a lasting mark.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the overall strategic direction, operational performance, and growth agenda of the firm.
• Drive measurable improvements in profitability through disciplined margin management, operational efficiency, and resource allocation.
• Conduct a comprehensive organizational assessment of team capabilities, service line health, and backlog positioning within the first six months.
• Stabilize and recover the Survey division by identifying root causes of weak backlog and executing a near-term recovery strategy.
• Build trust and operating rhythm with the existing leadership team, aligned with EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) principles.
• Expand client relationships and develop new revenue opportunities across planning, construction inspection, and aviation/airports service verticals.
• Strengthen the firm's positioning for government, IDOT, and WBE-related contract pursuits.
• Architect and launch a leadership development program to accelerate the next generation of principals and project managers.
• Serve as the cultural cornerstone of the firm, preserving its collaborative, client-obsessed identity while leading strategic transformation.
• Champion a forward-looking operating model that balances the firm's traditional values with modern practices including flexible work policies.
• Interface directly with key clients, translating their needs into actionable company priorities.
• Manage and mentor young engineers, fostering a team environment defined by empathy, accountability, and shared purpose.

Qualifications
Required

• Ten or more years of progressive leadership experience in civil/structural engineering, land development, surveying, or transportation infrastructure services.
• Demonstrated P&L accountability with a proven track record of driving profitability improvements within a professional services or engineering firm.
• Experience building, coaching, and developing technical and operational leaders within an organization.
• Strong business development acumen with ability to expand client relationships and pursue new service verticals.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• PE licensure strongly preferred.

Preferred

• Experience operating within an EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) or similar structured business framework, or the demonstrated aptitude to champion one.
• Established network in Illinois, particularly in municipal, land development, or state agency (IDOT) markets.
• Background in or exposure to aviation/airports, construction inspection, and planning service sectors.
• Experience with WBE and IDOT proposal development and procurement processes.
• Willingness to relocate; candidates from the Midwest region preferred.

Competencies

• Visionary with an entrepreneurial mindset — sees the firm's growth potential and owns the path forward.
• People-first leader who earns trust organically, leads with empathy, and creates an environment people choose to stay in.
• Client-focused with outstanding communication and relationship management skills.
• Forward-thinking with the ability to anticipate next steps and act decisively.
• Calculated risk-taker who is analytical in follow-through and meticulous in execution.
• Proactive problem solver with high personal energy and a positive, open-minded presence.
• Persuasive and intuitive communicator, comfortable with courageous conversations.
• Effective multitasker capable of managing competing strategic and operational priorities.