National Mission Critical Client Leader

DLR Group is seeking a Client Leader for our rapidly expanding Mission-Critical practice to drive strategic growth, nurture client partnerships, and lead project success. In this role, you will help shape the future of digital infrastructure and operationally essential environments from hyperscale data centers to emergency operations and high-performance industrial facilities. As a trusted advisor and relationship builder, you will guide clients through complex technical programs, ensuring alignment between their mission, operational demands, and the integrated design solutions we deliver. You will serve as a market-facing leader who elevates our practice brand, expands key client partnerships, and champions excellence in project delivery and client satisfaction.

Responsibilities

Cultivate and expand relationships with mission-critical clients, hyperscale operators, colocation providers, and critical operations agencies; Serve as a trusted advisor, deeply understanding client mission, technical requirements, risk profiles, and operational priorities; Lead strategic pursuits, including qualification packages, proposals, interviews, and relationship-building initiatives; Guide project execution from early strategy through post-occupancy, ensuring alignment with quality, schedule, and budget goals; Partner with Project Managers on staffing plans, fee development, resourcing, and scope management; Oversee invoicing, accounts receivable, and financial performance across multiple projects and clients; Manage contract negotiations, amendments, and change requests with a focus on clarity, transparency, and value; Collaborate closely with Design Leaders, engineers, and technical specialists to integrate client goals with design excellence; Facilitate decision-making and communication across internal and external teams; Support seamless coordination between technical disciplines, vendors, and specialty consultants unique to mission-critical delivery; Represent DLR Group in industry organizations, thought-leadership forums, and client events; Monitor industry trends, including energy, resiliency, sustainability, cybersecurity, and technology, to inform client solutions; Help position DLR Group as a leader in the mission-critical space through relationships, advocacy, and market intelligence; Foster a collaborative and accountable team environment with a focus on client service and technical excellence; Mentor staff on client engagement, proposal strategy, and project leadership skills; Support the advancement of DLR Group’s integrated design model and ESOP culture

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Construction Management, or a related field; 10+ years of AEC industry experience, including 5+ years in a client-facing role and proven experience in mission-critical or technically intensive sectors; Experience managing large-scale programs or portfolios for mission-critical, industrial, or hyperscale clients; Strong understanding of business development, contract negotiation, financial management, and project delivery practices; Excellent communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills; Ability to travel occasionally to support client and project needs; Must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship

Nice to have

Professional licensure or certification

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, paid time off; 401(k) plan; employee stock ownership; bonus opportunities; four-day in-office work model with flexibility to work somewhere other than the office on Fridays