Director of Asset Management

J. A. Watts, Inc. (JWI) is a woman-owned professional services firm that believes in treating its clients and employees like family at every level of our company. Our family culture is what we're known for, and we work to stay true to who we are. That's how we manage our projects and how we recruit THE Best People in our industry. Our clients come from all walks of life, and so do we, making us stronger together.

The Director of Asset Management is a dynamic senior leader who is skilled in business development, strategic planning, operations, recruiting and team building. The Director of Asset Management serves as the company's primary market sector leader to establish and grow our work in support of asset management projects. Specific responsibilities include establishing and developing productive relationships with clients, identifying and pursuing business opportunities, partnering with the senior leadership team to develop and implement growth strategies, developing and maintaining competitor and teaming partner knowledge, developing win strategies for targeted opportunities, leading proposal and interview preparation, and helping identify strategic hires. The focus will be managing business development and project staff in the execution of asset management activities. This role supports hybrid work and remote candidates will be considered. Travel may be required as-needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain relationships and drive development of new and existing client relationships with the clients as the primary JWI contact. Responsible for growing team through business development opportunities
• Oversee and manage the project team through the entire project process
• Manage the team through training, coaching, and mentoring to encourage staff development
• Responsible for high level planning and programming analysis work including preparation of technical documents, testing plans, and proposals
• Define the client's project scope, budget, and schedule. Consult or negotiate as needed to finalize project specifications
• Monitor project specifics on an ongoing basis and ensure compliance with project objectives from JWI and clients
• Contribute to strategic project planning discussions and meetings providing budget, staffing, and cost
• Manage the effective and positive communication between the client and Company
• Review and approve technical documents, design plans, cost estimates, and proposals
• Responsible for ensuring that project deliverables are on time, within budget, and at the required level of quality
• Manage approved budget and monitor actual expenses to ensure project stays within budget
• Communicate project details, including plans, progress, issues, and concerns to executive leadership team on a regular basis
• Develop strategic client capture plan(s) to advance existing and new client relationships
• Secure new business by gathering client intel, identifying opportunities to submit on RFPs/RFQs, developing and negotiating contracts, and integrating contract requirements with business operations
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships to support and cultivate business opportunities by effectively communicating the business's value to prospective clients and partners through presentations, meetings, and proposals
• Oversee project budgets, create, and manage project forecasts, schedules and expenses; anticipate potential changes to budget, schedule, and expenses and provide guidance and analysis of changes
• Contribute to the pursuit process by providing a staff plan, project approach, schedule, and fee proposal as well as any additional operational requirements requested in the RFP/RFQ
• Partner with internal teams including Sales and Marketing, Human Resources, Accounting/Finance, Contracts Administration, and Safety, in order to augment and facilitate business development and operational practices to effectively lead, staff, and execute project(s) successfully
• Assist with succession planning, team training, employee reviews and development, talent acquisition (including interviews) and support the Human Resources function for department
• Coach, mentor, and develop employees by providing oversight, training, direction, and performance feedback in accordance with organizational policies and procedures
• Contribute to a workplace culture that is consistent with the company's mission, vision, and core values in every internal and external interaction
• Contribute to the development and implementation of corporate policies and procedures
• Attend events and participate in various industry, professional, and networking associations
• Ensure the timely submission, review and approval of timesheets and expense reports
• Perform other duties as required/directed

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Engineerging, Architecture, Construction Management or Business
• Eligibility to obtain a Professional Engineering License in the state of Illinois is preferred
• 15+ years of experience in engineering design or construction management with increasing levels of responsibility strongly preferred
• 10+ years of experience providing asset management services strongly preferred
• 5+ years of experience providing project management and/or business development role for a professional services firm
• Familiarity with pavement management systems and asset management software such as IBM Maximo and ArcGIS is preferred
• Experience working with governmental agencies, DOTs, and private clients preferred
• Experience strongly preferred working with agencies such as IDOT, CDOT, Illinois Tollway, CTA, RTA, Metra, Cook County, etc. Additional agency, municipality, private and/or additional strategic clientle is a plus
• Active member in industry Agencies such as IRTBA, ACEC, CMAA and/or others are strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective solutions addressing process efficiency, project costs, budget parameters, team development, and client needs, to achieve desired results
• Strong ability to balance multiple priorities, work under pressure and communicate effectively in a team environment and meet deadlines
• Proven success in effectively using industry and professional network(s) to prospect, pursue, and secure new business and partnerships
• Evidence of a high level of ethical behavior in exercising judgment and discretion in matters of significance
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop a high-performance team including the ability to negotiate and effectively resolve conflict
• Excellent organizational management skills
• Expertise in Microsoft Office programs required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; a persuasive communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
• General knowledge of various employment laws and practices and employee relations

Company Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance options for employees and family
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account options available
• Company-provided group life, short and long-term disability, and voluntary life options
• Matching 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible work schedules
• Student debt repayment resources available
• Professional development and tuition assistance
• ID Theft protection
• Company-sponsored social events

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Salary Description

$180,000 - $220,000