BD Sr Project Manager / Director (DOT Market) Chicago

This position is responsible for leading engineering and business development (BD) efforts across the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and local transportation agencies throughout Chicago and the State of Illinois. The role includes organically growing and managing teams and projects, developing and cultivating client relationships, and driving strategic growth across the Illinois market. Strong experience in bridge construction and inspection is a mandatory requirement for this role. Run an office.

Responsibilities

Business Development

• Identify, qualify, and develop new business and staff-augmentation opportunities across IDOT, the City of Chicago (CDOT), CTA, Metra, regional transportation authorities, MPOs, and local municipalities throughout Illinois, with a strong focus on bridge construction and inspection programs.

• Lead account planning, capture, and teaming (primes/subs), including call plans, competitive assessments, and win themes.

• Build and manage a 12–24-month pipeline; monitor RFP forecasts, attend industry days, and coordinate pre-RFP positioning.

• Partner with the marketing/proposal team to craft persuasive technical and management write-ups and compliant submittals, particularly for bridge construction and inspection pursuits.

• Maintain Customer Relationship Management (CRM) hygiene (contacts, pursuits, stage gates, probabilities, next actions).

• Coordinate with recruiting to line up qualified engineering and technical talent for bridge construction and inspection staff-augmentation needs.

• Provide regular forecast, Key Performance Indicator (KPI), and capture status updates to leadership; model a strong customer-service mindset.

• Conduct market research and identify growth opportunities across the Chicago and Illinois markets.

• Cultivate strategic partnerships and lead initiatives to expand market share statewide.

• Develop and generate business with major state agencies, transit authorities, counties, and municipalities across Illinois.

Operations

• Lead and support bridge construction, bridge inspection, construction management, and engineering teams/projects, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.

• Manage all future DOT- and transportation-related work in Illinois, including budgeting and strategic planning.

• Allocate resources to support operational and strategic initiatives.

• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, including IDOT requirements and NBIS standards, and conduct regular audits.

• Communicate planning objectives and results to senior management.

• Oversee recruitment, daily workflow, and project plan approvals.

• Ensure projects are completed efficiently and within budget.

• Establish and implement strategic direction for engineering and business development.

• Align departmental actions with the company’s business plan and vision.

• Negotiate contracts and coordinate contractor work.

• Mentor staff as needed.

Required Qualifications (Senior Project Manager)

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in engineering management or project leadership.

• Minimum of 5 years managing operations and business development in the engineering or construction industry.

• Must have hands-on experience in bridge construction and bridge inspection projects.

• Proven experience working for or with IDOT, CDOT, CTA, Metra, or Illinois-based transportation agencies.

• Strong leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.

• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, teams, and complex infrastructure projects.

Preferred Qualifications (Director)

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Illinois.

• 20+ years of experience in the civil engineering or construction management industry, with a strong bridge-focused background.

• Minimum of 10 years managing operations and business development.

• Demonstrated experience in senior-level client relationship management and executive outreach.

• Strong familiarity with Illinois transportation and bridge procurement processes.

• Experience mentoring engineering professionals and managing cross-functional teams.

• Knowledge of Illinois state and federal transportation, bridge, and infrastructure regulations.