Design Group Manager

About the Role The Design Group Manager will lead our local transportation design team, manage key projects, and partner closely with firm leadership to deepen client relationships and strategically expand our presence in the Detroit market. This role blends high‑level technical leadership, project delivery oversight, and collaborative business development, working in coordination with the Detroit Sr Vice President and national Business Development team. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Technical & Project Leadership Lead, mentor, and support the Design Team to ensure technically accurate, high‑quality deliverables. Promote and implement technologies and tools that drive efficient, innovative project delivery. Serve as a senior technical resource on transportation infrastructure projects. Ensure project teams prepare and follow Project Management Plans (PMPs) and adhere to QA/QC processes. Oversee development and approval of scopes, fees, and schedules for major pursuits and contracts. Monitor project performance, budget, and schedule, and communicate issues promptly to clients and internal leadership. Support contract reviews to manage risk and reinforce responsible commercial practices. Client Engagement & Market Growth Engage directly with clients to understand their priorities, capital programs, and long‑term needs. Build deep, multi‑level relationships between IEI staff and client organizations. Coordinate with the Senior Vice President and national BD team to identify, pursue, and secure new work across the state. Lead or support proposal development, client interviews, and project‑specific marketing efforts. Maintain frequent contact with existing clients to evaluate performance and identify new opportunities. Participate actively in industry and community events to elevate IEI’s visibility and brand. Education & Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field from an accredited four‑year college or university, or approved equivalent. Professional Engineer (PE) License required; ability to obtain Michigan PE within six months if currently licensed elsewhere. 20+ years of Design experience in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation and Bluebeam; progressive experience in AASHTOWare, roadway design, culvert, sewer, wastewater, etc. Transportation engineering experience with project management, client relations, and/or business development responsibilities. Demonstrated record of winning and delivering transportation projects in Michigan with strong familiarity with MDOT and municipal clients. Substantial business development experience within the engineering consulting industry, including proven client development and relationship‑building skills. Proven ability to lead technical teams, oversee project delivery, and manage complex transportation infrastructure projects. Strong business acumen, negotiation skills, and excellent written and verbal communication abilities. Experience with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams). Familiarity with ERP or CRM platforms (e.g., Deltek, Paycor, VantagePoint). Experience mentoring and developing staff, fostering collaboration, and supporting a positive team culture. Certificates, Licenses & Registrations Active Registered Professional Engineer required. Additional registrations and accreditations (LEED AP, Certified Floodplain Manager, PTOE, etc.) are desired. Project Delivery Ensure project delivery team prepares the Project Management Plan (PMP) at project start and updates it throughout the project. Achieve a Minimum Formal Evaluation or Feedback of “Satisfactory” or equivalent from clients; actively deploy practices to earn “Above Average” evaluation. Ensure compliance with IEI’s QA/QC and/or client‑mandated QA/QC policies and procedures. Financial Monitor financial profitability of the Group and take corrective actions when profitability falls below the target (10%). Assist firm leadership in shaping and deploying strategies that sustain profitability and financial strength. Regularly monitor project progress and budget; ensure project delivery team completes projects within the allocated budget and schedule. Ensure all team members monitor budgets and are aware of invoicing protocols and schedules, actively pursuing collections and ARs. Marketing & Business Development Develop and foster relationships with key clients and agencies that result in winning work. Develop and deploy business development strategies that align with the firm’s growth strategy. Meet regularly with existing clients to discuss current projects, evaluate performance, and identify other business opportunities. Oversee and contribute to preparations of technical proposals and other marketing efforts in a timely manner. Proactively participate in industry and community functions and activities that promote IEI’s visibility and brand. Talent Management & Development Develop office and firm capabilities by attracting and recruiting staff. Collaborate with staff to identify and promote professional development to meet personal and firm goals. Mentor junior engineers and support their career growth. Soft Skills Strong verbal and written communication skills. Positive work attitude and behaviors. Promotes and participates in team‑building initiatives. Critical thinking, planning, organization, delegation, prioritization, and problem‑solving abilities. Ability to motivate and lead staff to achieve the Group’s and firm’s mission, vision, and core values. Benefits & Perks Highly competitive salary and bonus opportunities. Flexible work schedule. Medical, dental, and vision benefits. Paid time‑off and holidays. Life insurance. Short- and long‑term disability program. 401(k) program with employer match. Profit sharing. Employee assistance program. Employee referral program. Employee appreciation program. IEI University and professional development program. Opportunities for ideas sharing and authentic expression. Philanthropic outreach and volunteer opportunities. Physical Demands An employee must meet the physical demands described herein, including frequent sitting, standing, walking, manual handling, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities. Working Conditions IEI will provide a company vehicle for fieldwork with an acceptable driver’s record. Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, chemicals, electric shock, vibration, dust, asphalt, and concrete. Extra hours, including weekends, may be needed during intense construction work. Work indoors reviewing blueprints and writing reports. Standard 40‑hour work week, daytime or nighttime. Outdoor work in varying weather conditions. Work Environment The environment may involve outdoor work in various weather conditions; indoor office work typically has moderate noise, while construction sites are often loud requiring hearing protection. Equal Employment Opportunity Infrastructure Engineering, Inc. is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and full inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request and will be provided in a manner consistent with applicable laws and our commitment to equal opportunity. Employment Eligibility Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. #J-18808-Ljbffr