Program Director - Mission Critical

Optimal GEO
Chicago, IL
We seek to move the world forward through innovative thinking.

Woolpert is an award-winning, global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial services. We blend design excellence with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional client value. Our team is passionate about their work and committed to building the next generation of industry leaders, and as a certified Great Place to Work®, Woolpert embraces progress and innovation to create limitless opportunities for career growth.

Position Overview

Woolpert is hiring a Program Director for the Mission Critical team . The Program Director must be a licensed Architect or Engineer and is primarily responsible for sales and growth within the Mission Critical practice area through the establishment and improvement of client relationships. This position is also responsible for working across practice areas and service lines to develop business opportunities and ensure services are performed in a manner compatible with the goal of being an industry leader. This position reports to Mission Critical Market Director.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located.

What You Will Do

Business Development

  • Build and enhance existing client relationships to identify and initiate additional project opportunities within a client base for the service line, practice area and firm.
  • Identify and build new client relationships that match the client and project type focus and overall business strategy of the service line and practice area.
  • Promote SNHA (a Woolpert company) as an industry leader for specified market/practice and service(s) with new and existing clients.
  • Early project feasibility and strategic design input.
  • Collaborate with the MC Market Director and Building Sector Leader to define the EU market sales goals.

Collaboration and support

  • Mentor and assist project managers in negotiating project schedules, fees, scope and contract terms.
  • Work with Project Managers to identify, address and resolve any project issues impacting client goals, objectives and/or client satisfaction.
  • Define and communicate client needs and expectations.
  • Ensure continuous stakeholder (client, client’s manager, etc.) communications addressing, resolving, and anticipating project issues.

What You Will Bring

Qualifications and Experience

  • BA/BS or MA/MS in Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar field of study required.
  • 15 or more years of related experience in the Mission Critical Datacenter industry
  • Current Professional Registration
  • Office 365: Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, PowerPoint, basic AutoCad and Bluebeam (Essential).
  • Ability to travel within reason to meet the needs and demands of the practice area

General Aptitude

  • Ability to make sound decisions/recommendations based on the evaluation and synthesis of information and data.
  • Demonstrates an enterprising, innovative, proactive management approach.
  • Possesses high levels of demonstrated leadership ability.
  • Ability to research and define multiple project scopes, schedules, and budgets.
  • Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients, vendors, management and employees.
  • Possesses strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
  • Possesses excellent facilitation and/or meeting skills.
  • Possesses excellent presentation and communication (oral and written) skills.
  • Strong understanding of project management and ability to facilitate technical discussions when needed.
  • Strong organizational skills to successfully manage multiple, competing priorities.
  • Engaging with good interpersonal skills.

Benefits You Will Love

Certified as a Great Place to Work, Woolpert is one of the fastest-growing architecture, engineering, and geospatial companies in the world. With over 75 offices and countless projects around the globe, you’ll work on meaningful assignments that improve quality of life around the world. In addition to offering competitive pay, we provide employees with a robust set of unique benefits, including:

  • Freedom to Work program: Set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
  • Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
  • Flexible paid time off/vacation: Take time off when it makes sense for you and your team.
  • Career development: Explore a wide range of learning and growth opportunities within and across industries.
  • Health, life, vision, and dental insurance: Cover all your medical bases.
  • Paid sick time, retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, identity protection, technology stipend, employee assistance program, and more!

Base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Pay Range

$165,000 - $206,200 USD

Find out more about what Woolpert has to offer here:

Woolpert is an equal-opportunity employer. Woolpert is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. We recruit, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. You may view more about EEO on our website: Equal-Employment-Opportunity-The-Law.pdf and EEO is the Law Poster Supplement.

Applicants who require an accommodation throughout the application and interview process should request this in advance by contacting [email protected].

If you need to reschedule or cancel your interview, please reach out to your recruiter by contacting [email protected].

To all agencies: Please, no phone calls or emails to any employee of Woolpert or any of our subsidiaries about this requisition. All resumes submitted by search firms/employment agencies to any employee at Woolpert via email, the internet, or in any form and/or method will be deemed the sole property of Woolpert, unless such search firms/employment agencies were engaged by Woolpert's Talent Acquisition Team for this requisition and a valid agreement is in place. In the event a candidate who was submitted outside of Woolpert's applicant process is hired, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid.

Posted 2026-03-21

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