SME

Office Principal

SME$110K — $130K *
Real Estate & Construction
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, geology, construction or a related field, or equivalent experience
  • 10+ years in engineering, construction, or consulting
  • 5+ years of experience leading and mentoring high-performing teams
  • Professional license or registration is a plus
  • Strong business acumen with budgeting and financial forecasting experience
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

Responsibilities

  • Oversee daily operations, including staffing and project management
  • Manage project profitability and develop budgets
  • Ensure compliance with safety protocols and technical excellence
  • Align local strategies with regional and corporate goals
  • Lead recruitment, onboarding, and professional development efforts

Benefits

  • Promote a safety-oriented and collaborative work culture
  • Support for mentoring and professional development
  • Opportunities to shape the future direction of the office
  • Engagement with multidisciplinary teams and diverse projects
  • Direct impact on the office's and company's success
Full Job Description
Office Principal



As the Office Principal, you will lead an established and growing 30+ person operation with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, technicians, client developers and administrative staff supporting geotechnical, construction materials testing, and environmental projects throughout Ohio and surrounding states.

You will oversee all aspects of office operations from project delivery and client satisfaction to staff and business development, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and regional strategies. Your leadership will directly impact the success of the Cincinnati office by fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and innovation, while driving profitability and expanding market presence. This role is essential in shaping the office's future and reinforcing its value as a key contributor to the company's overall success.

  • Oversee daily office operations, including staffing, scheduling, project oversight, and facility management to ensure efficient and effective workflows.
  • Drive financial performance by managing project profitability, developing and monitoring budgets, forecasting revenue, and ensuring accurate financial reporting.
  • Promote a culture of safety and technical excellence, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and delivering high-quality client service.
  • Collaborate with regional and corporate leadership to align local strategies with broader business goals and support cross-functional initiatives.
  • Lead talent management efforts, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, mentoring, and professional development of staff.


About You:

You are an experienced leader with a background in engineering and consulting who thrives on building strong teams, delivering exceptional client service, and driving operational success. With a solid foundation in project and people management, you bring both strategic vision and hands-on leadership to every challenge. You're passionate about mentoring others, growing business opportunities, and making a meaningful impact in your community.
  • You have a Bachelor's degree in an engineering, geology, construction or an industry related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • You have at least 10 years of engineering, construction and/or consulting related experience, including 5 years of experience, in leading, coaching, and inspiring high-performing teams, projects, and office operations
  • You have a professional license or registration in your practice area in the AEC industry (if applicable) is a plus
  • You have strong business and financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and driving profitability
  • You have excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with a collaborative mindset and a client-first approach


This full-time role offers competitive pay based on experience. Candidates must comply with our Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements. Only candidates with valid employment eligibility (I-9) will be considered. Visa assistance is not available. S&ME reserves the right to hire internally or externally at any time. No candidate/recruiter calls, personal calls, or walk-ins are accepted.

About SME

SME is a nonprofit organization that supports the manufacturing industry. Founded in 1932, SME has grown into a global organization with over 85,000 members in 97 countries. SME provides resources, training, and networking opportunities to help manufacturers stay competitive and advance their careers. SME's mission is to inspire, prepare, and support the manufacturing workforce of today and tomorrow. SME accomplishes this by offering a range of services, including training and certification programs, industry events and conferences, and publications and research.
Learn more about SME
Size
200 employees
Industry

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