Structural Department Manager (Bridge Design)

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced structural engineer to lead our Structural Engineering team in Illinois. In this pivotal role, you will provide technical and people leadership, pursuing and delivering high-quality bridge and structural engineering solutions for municipal and DOT projects. The Department Manager will guide the planning and execution of simple to complex bridge design and inspection projects, mentor and develop engineering talent, and play a key role in client relations and growth of the department. This is an opportunity for a proven structural engineer with leadership capabilities to shape the future of our Illinois practice while driving excellence in project delivery, design, collaboration, and client service. Lochmueller Group is an engineering consulting firm with an emphasis on infrastructure. We provide multi-disciplined services for a variety of public agencies and private entities, including bridge and building design and inspection; highway design; traffic engineering and transportation planning; environmental analysis and permitting; construction engineering and inspection; surveying; right-of-way engineering; and land acquisition & appraisal. Our Structures team focuses on the design, analysis, and inspection of man‑made structures such as buildings and bridges with the primary goal of ensuring the integrity, safety, and functionality of our built environment. For over 40 years, Lochmueller Group has helped communities reinvent their future through thoughtful, actionable planning and design. Our dedication to building a team that demonstrates our corporate values (CARDIA) is what sets us apart: CARDIA: C Creativity; A Accountability; R Respect; D Dedication; I Integrity; A Achievement Lochmueller Group provides an excellent workplace culture driven by these values. We are a 100% employee‑owned (ESOP) company, and our people are invested in the success and continued development of each other and the firm. This is a great place to build a career and grow with a company that is dedicated to quality and service. Key responsibilities include: Structural Department Leadership: Effectively leads and manages the structural engineering team in Illinois with an emphasis on bridge design and inspection, guiding the team to deliver high‑quality results. Fosters a positive workplace culture and ensures professional growth and development of department team members. Provides technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members. Reviews and manages performance, identifies staffing needs, and actively participates in the recruiting and hiring of new staff members. Ensures effective resource allocation. Client and Stakeholder Relations: Collaborates with senior leaders on client management and strategic business development for structural engineering services in Illinois with an emphasis on bridge engineering. Develops new client relationships and seeks out opportunities for new business. Maintains strong relationships with existing clients. Coordinates with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with regulations and specifications. Project Management: Ensures the department’s project deliverables are completed on time and within budget. Plans, organizes, and directs department activities, including proposal and contract development, project management, design, design reviews and structure inspections. Provides leadership in the planning, design, and execution of major projects. Serves as a project manager on bridge design projects. Ensures QC/QA procedures are followed and performs QC/QA as needed. Fiscal Performance: Effectively manages productivity and efficiency and addresses negative project variances. Collaborates on budget development, implements cost control measures, and ensures accurate financial reporting. Qualifications for this role: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering; Structural emphasis is helpful Professional Engineer (PE) in Illinois Licensed Structural Engineer (SE) in Illinois Extensive bridge engineering experience with a proven ability to lead projects and consistently deliver high‑quality results Demonstrated capabilities in personnel management and leadership with a strong track record of guiding teams to deliver high‑quality results Strong client management capabilities with proven ability to develop and maintain new client relationships Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Experience with project management and accounting software Valid Driver’s License What we offer: Health & Wellness: medical, dental, vision, disability, EAP, HSA, FSA, and basic life insurance w/ option for additional voluntary life insurance Work/Life Balance: vacation, holidays, sick leave, paternal leave, flexible scheduling & telecommuting opportunities Wealth-Building: 401k w/ company match, 401k student loan repayment benefit, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) at no cost to you, competitive compensation package including potential for discretionary annual bonus Professional Benefits: professional membership dues, career & educational development Lochmueller Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Lochgroup fully supports and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected by federal, state, and local laws. Some of the content in this job post may have been auto‑generated using advanced AI. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us. The salary range may vary depending upon the experience and capabilities of the selected candidate. #J-18808-Ljbffr