Robert Half Executive Search, has been exclusively retained to identify a dynamic and growth-oriented Central Region Managing Director, on behalf of our client, a leading architecture, engineering, and consulting firm. With over four decades of experience, they have built an award-winning reputation for innovative design solutions across education, healthcare, corporate, government, and sports/event sectors.

The Central Region MD will play a critical role in shaping the strategic vision and operational success of the firm’s expanding Central Region. Overseeing a network of eight offices, with plans to grow across Texas and the broader region, this leader will guide a talented team. The position requires leading architectural and engineering projects across multiple sectors, with an emphasis on education beneficial but not required.

The ideal candidate will bring 15+ years of professional experience in architecture and engineering, along with proven leadership skills in managing diverse projects from inception to completion. A demonstrated expertise in P&L leadership is essential, including experience overseeing financial performance, budgeting, and expense management for multiple projects and regions. This role requires a leader who can drive financial success while fostering a collaborative, client-centric approach. Experience in education and other industries, coupled with strong project leadership, is highly valued, particularly when it emphasizes trust and transparency in client relationships.

The Central Region Managing Director, will serve as a key leader within the company, guiding the strategic vision and operational success of the Central Region. This role encompasses oversight of a growing network of eight offices, with plans for several additional locations across Texas and the expanding Central Region. With a team of over 400 dedicated professionals, the Central Region Managing Director will spearhead architectural and engineering projects that span multiple sectors, including education, healthcare, corporate, government, and sports/events, with a particular emphasis on education initiatives.

Key responsibilities include driving the growth and success of the Central Region by fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture. The Central Region Managing Director will play an integral role in talent development and team cohesion, ensuring alignment with the company’s core values and strategic objectives. In addition, they will oversee a diverse portfolio of architectural and engineering projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to the highest quality standards. This involves closely monitoring project team performance, resource allocation, and overall project execution to meet client expectations.

Engaging regularly with senior representatives of current and prospective clients, the Central Region Managing Director will build and nurture strong, long-term relationships. They will be responsible for ensuring overall client satisfaction, addressing any concerns, and maintaining open lines of communication throughout project lifecycles. Furthermore, the Central Region Managing Director will manage the Central Region’s profit and loss, analyzing financial performance and implementing strategies to enhance profitability and operational efficiency, including budget oversight, forecasting, and financial reporting to drive informed decision-making.

The ideal candidate will possess exceptional interpersonal skills, characterized by an assertive yet personable demeanor. Strong articulation and presentation abilities are essential, enabling effective communication with diverse stakeholders, including clients, team members, and industry partners. This role reports directly to the C-suite, collaborating closely with executive leadership to align regional strategies with the overarching goals of the company.

The Central Region Managing Director responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

Operational: The delivery of services, the development of culture and the execution of processes within the offices. Overseeing all client relations, including project team performance and overall client satisfaction.

• Training the staff in terms of client service and responsiveness standards. The operation will outperform competing firms and will set the gold-standard for performance and responsiveness within the market.
• Adopting a sense of “ownership” over the performance and the success of all Divisions. Promoting these divisions to clients (whenever appropriate), helping to identify opportunities to grow these divisions, and requiring the same level of gold-standard performance to which the architects are held.
• Ensuring that all projects are subjected to a thorough QA/QC review process.
• Participating in the weekly management meetings.

Marketing/Business Development: Establishing and cultivating relationships with potential clients is essential. Working closely with the firm’s Marketing and Business Development departments to develop new opportunities and build relationships.

• Playing a key role in the regional business development plan.
• Seeking to gain intimate knowledge of a client’s needs, interests and “hot topics.” Organize RFQ responses and project interview presentations to articulate a customized message that will best position for a successful bid.
• Pursing speaking opportunities at conferences to enhance the company’s image as the leader in the industry.

Management/Leadership: Promoting a support structure to further develop the abilities of the staff. Overseeing the recruitment of new staff to supplement an already very talented team.

• Working with the HR department to establish a plan of action to attract top-level talent.
• Ensuring that the staff participates in on-going project management and project delivery training programs that are available.
• Coordinating leadership teams to monitor project performance standards.
• Managing the financial performance of the office with respect to staffing, projections and profitability.

Strategic: A key contributor in continually refining and implementing the strategic plan.

• In-depth knowledge of the areas clients, growth rates, building plans and opportunities to expand our business.
• Attending all strategic planning sessions with the state-wide leaders.

Education and Certification/License Credentials

• Bachelor’s Degree: A degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution is required.
• Professional Licensure: Must hold a current and valid license as a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer, demonstrating a commitment to industry standards and best practices.

Functional Competencies

• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of professional experience in the architectural and engineering sectors, demonstrating a track record of successfully leading diverse projects from conception through completion.
• Demonstrated expertise in P&L leadership, with a track record of effectively managing financial performance across multiple projects and regions. This includes budget development, expense management, and ensuring that financial targets are met or exceeded, ultimately driving the overall success of the Central Region.
• Proven ability to drive growth and profitability for both clients and the region by strategically leveraging market insights and client feedback.
• A proven ability to interact effectively with senior management, external client organizations, and vendors, fostering collaborative relationships that enhance project outcomes.
• A strategic mindset that combines industry knowledge with business acumen, allowing the candidate to identify market trends, opportunities, and potential risks.
• A comprehensive understanding of regulatory standards, building codes, and environmental considerations relevant to the architectural and engineering fields.
• Proficiency in advanced architectural and engineering software tools, including, and project management software.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and trends in sustainable design, smart building systems, and energy efficiency.
• Expertise in talent acquisition and the professional development of team members, with a strong emphasis on building a skilled and capable workforce. This commitment ensures that the organization fosters an environment of continuous growth, enabling team members to reach their full potential while contributing to overall organizational success.
• Demonstrated expertise in talent acquisition and fostering the professional development of team members, with a clear understanding that a robust and skilled workforce is essential for achieving organizational excellence and driving success.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, which are critical for conveying complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.