Director of Planning and Design

Company: J.A. Watts, Incorporated
Location: Lisle
Posted on: May 7, 2025

Job Description:

Description: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. This role will work directly with the Department Executive Vice President to develop and execute the strategic plan for the Planning and Design group. This position will also require project management of current design projects and future design projects with a focus on mentoring and developing design staff. The Director of Planning and Design shall lead by example and personify the Company's Mission, Vision, and Values; taking ownership of their assigned project(s) or program. This position requires a dynamic senior leader who is skilled in project management, staff mentoring, proposal writing, business development, strategic planning, recruiting, and team building. Our mission includes maintaining and strengthening our relationship with existing clients and establishing and growing our design work with new clients and new geographic areas. The focus will be managing business development, projects, and project staff in the execution of planning and design activities. Preferred location is in the Chicagoland area. Travel is anticipated to be infrequent; however, may be required occasionally.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
• 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
• 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 associationsRequirements:
  • A Bachelors of Science, preferably in Engineering, Architecture, or Business
  • Minimum of 10 years in Design Management with increasing levels of responsibility
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience providing project management and/or business development role for a professional services firm
  • Experience working with agencies such as IDOT, CDOT, Tollway, CTA, RTA, Metra, etc., is preferred. Additional experience with other agencies, municipal, private and/or additional strategic client--le is a plus
  • Eligibility to obtain a Professional Engineering License in the State of Illinois is a plus
  • Experience in engineering design projects with increasing levels of responsibility strongly preferred
  • 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 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
  • A persuasive communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
  • General knowledge of various employment laws and practices and employee relations
  • Travel may be required depending on project specific needs
  • Management of Project Directors, Project Managers, Project Engineers and Engineering Technicians with various levels of experience
  • Expertise in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
  • Familiarity with design software such as Microstation, ProjectWise, AutoCAD preferredCompany 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 eventsEqual Opportunity Employer Veterans/DisabledAn 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. PM18Compensation details: 150000-200000 Yearly SalaryPI90d5bf62a0a4-37820-37208535

Keywords: J.A. Watts, Incorporated, Wheaton , Director of Planning and Design, Executive , Lisle, Illinois