Focus Area Leader

This role is for a structural engineer with deep technical expertise and a passion for building relationships, driving growth + creating opportunities. It’s the opportunity to shape a strategic focus area, collaborate with passionate people, and help expand Schaefer’s impact across the industry.

As a Schaefer Focus Area Leader, you’ll help shape vision + strategy for a designated market or expertise area while partnering with firm leadership, operations teams + clients to drive growth and strengthen Schaefer’s presence in the industry. This role combines business development, client leadership, strategic planning + technical insight—helping deliver the exceptional experience Schaefer is known for while continuing to grow our reputation for engineering excellence + innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute strategic growth plans for a designated focus area, including client development goals and market opportunities. 
• Build strong relationships with new and existing clients while creating opportunities that drive business growth. 
• Identify, pursue + help secure new business opportunities that align with Schaefer’s strategic goals. 
• Develop and manage client capture plans for targeted clients, markets + project opportunities. 
• Lead business development efforts including client pursuits, proposals, presentations + industry outreach. 
• Maintain strong awareness of market trends, client needs + industry developments within the focus area. 
• Effectively manage and maintain client development activity, pipeline tracking + CRM information. 
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients by understanding their goals, challenges + long-term needs. 
• Expand existing client relationships into long-term partnerships and repeat business opportunities. 
• Serve as a thought leader by participating in professional organizations, presenting at conferences + representing Schaefer within the industry. 
• Collaborate with leadership teams to align business development efforts with operational capabilities and strategic priorities. 
• Partner closely with Operations Leaders and project teams to ensure seamless project transitions, staffing coordination + exceptional client experiences. 
• Collaborate with project teams to communicate client expectations, project priorities + feedback throughout project delivery. 
• Support proposal development, contract negotiations + pursuit strategies in collaboration with operations and leadership teams. 
• Collaborate with firm leadership on strategic initiatives, innovation efforts + long-term growth opportunities. 
• Mentor team members, support professional development + help cultivate future client and project leaders. 
• Represent Schaefer’s core values through leadership, collaboration + commitment to engineering excellence.

Qualifications:

•  Bachelor’s degree (or related) 
• Ability to take direction, communicate, present and negotiate effectively 
• Results driven with a high level of accuracy and detail orientation 
• Ability to work autonomously and set own work schedule to meet priorities and established business objectives 

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Bonus eligibility
• Stock ownership
• Training + development budget
• Educational and licensure financial assistance
• Flexible work hours + remote work opportunities
• Project and management responsibilities at all experience levels
• New employee mentoring
• Design with the latest software and workstation
• Regular office social events

Work Environment

At Schaefer, we believe leadership thrives with flexibility + connection. All team members have the option of working a hybrid schedule - in-person for greater collaboration + connection, and remotely for heads down + work/life balance. We value results over rigid schedules, and trust our leaders to balance strategic priorities with the autonomy to lead in the way that drives the most impact.