Operations Leader - Buildings Service Line

MSA has an opportunity for an Operations Leader within our Building Service Line, a key leadership role focused on translating service line strategy into coordinated execution across teams, resources, project delivery, and performance. The position may be based in any of MSA’s office locations.

The Building Service Line is primarily comprised of Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical systems design projects, vertical structural analysis, and architecture personnel and projects. The Operations Leader will work closely with the Service Line Leader and Team Leaders to drive strong project delivery, align resources with business needs, and support consistent performance and growth across the entire service line.

Just as importantly, this role is about leading leaders. The Operations Leader will mentor, support, and develop Team Leaders, helping them build high-performing teams and successfully navigate operational priorities. In partnership with the Service Line Leader, this position will also help strengthen relationships across MSA and with clients, agencies, and industry partners.

What You Will Do:

Client Experience, Growth & Market Presence

• Supports growth and client experience through disciplined pursuit decisions, strategic resource engagement, and effective Client Liaison development.
• Maintains visibility into key client relationships, major commitments, and pre-project positioning; applies informed judgment to pursuit decisions based on strategy, capacity, and likelihood of success.
• Connects internal expertise and external partners to pursuits and project commitments to strengthen client outcomes and mitigate risk.

Operational Performance & Profitability

• Owns operational performance across the assigned area and is accountable to the Service Line Leader for results.
• Establishes and monitors KPIs, including revenue, profitability, utilization, backlog, and project delivery performance.
• Reviews performance across Team Leaders, Project Managers, and sub-service lines and drives corrective action through Team Leaders as needed.
• Supports development of service line business strategies, annual plans, and financial goals.

People Leadership, Culture & Development

• Builds leadership capability and reinforces MSA's culture and leadership expectations across the assigned area.
• Coaches Team Leaders to strengthen accountability, engagement, team performance, and Project Manager success.
• Cascades direction effectively and creates development opportunities for current and future leaders.

Operational Excellence, Quality, Systems & Risk

• Advances consistent operational practices in alignment with service line and firm-wide standards.
• Drives consistency in project delivery and quality through project reviews, operational discipline, and compliance spot-checks.
• Identifies and addresses operational, project, and people risks and improvement needs, escalating to the Service Line Leader as appropriate.

Workforce Planning, Talent Pipeline & Resource Coordination

• Leads workforce planning and resource coordination to support project delivery, growth, and long-term capability.
• Coordinates staffing and workload across teams and sub-service lines to balance utilization, engage appropriate expertise, and support employee development.
• Identifies talent needs, establishes hiring priorities, structures supervisory responsibilities, and develops the pipeline of future Project Managers and Team Leaders.

What you bring

Skills, Knowledge, Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• 10+ years of experience in consulting engineering, with experience in building systems design or a related practice area.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams and/or experienced leaders.
• Strong understanding of project delivery, resource planning, financial performance, and operational management within a consulting environment.
• Demonstrated experience using financial and operational metrics to evaluate performance, identify trends, and drive business decisions.
• Ability to balance strategic priorities with day-to-day operational needs across multiple teams, disciplines, or locations.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills with the ability to influence across an organization.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to travel to MSA offices, client meetings, trade shows, and industry conferences approximately 20–50% of the time, including occasional overnight travel.

• Compensation Range: $123,756–$204,198 (commensurate with experience)
• ESOP: Receive MSA stock shares annually, at no cost to the employee
• Medical, dental & vision insurance for you, spouse, domestic partner, and eligible dependents
• 17+ days PTO (potentially higher pending experience) + 8 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave regardless of birth parent
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Shortterm incentive program for annual bonus opportunities
• Companypaid life & disability insurance

*Full eligibility requirements for listed benefits will be discussed during the hiring process