Lead Economist

Natural & Cultural Resources Business Line LeadThe Natural & Cultural Resources (NCR) Business Line Lead (BLL) is responsible for the strategic growth, financial performance, market positioning, and long-term success of the NCR Business Line. The BLL partners with the Technical Service Leader (TSL) to align technical excellence with national market growth while leading business strategy, resource forecasting, and growth initiatives.Financial Performance & AccountabilityDrive sales, revenue, gross margin, backlog, and utilization performance.Develop annual business plans and growth strategies.Identify and implement initiatives that improve profitability, scalability, and operational efficiency.Market Strategy & Business DevelopmentFormulate and execute national growth strategies. Lead major pursuits, capture planning, and executive-level client engagement.Champion commercialization and market adoption of innovative NCR service offerings.Recruiting & Workforce PlanningCollaborate with TSLs and Regional Offices to forecast workforce demand and secure resources necessary to achieve business-line growth objectives.Identify future business capabilities and staffing requirements needed to support evolving market opportunities.Support succession planning and leadership pipelines.Utilization & Resource ManagementMonitor national utilization and capacity.Drive collaboration across regional offices to balance workloads.Establish utilization targets and business objectives that support efficient project delivery.National Business Line LeadershipAlign NCR teams around common business objectives, growth strategies, and a One-Team culture.Provide strategic direction regarding future service offerings, investment priorities, and market opportunities.Partner with TSLs to ensure technical delivery practices support business objectives and client expectations.Client Relationships & Industry PresenceBuild and maintain key client relationships.Serve as a trusted advisor helping clients navigate environmental compliance risks, permitting strategies, and project development challenges.Strengthen Burns & McDonnell's market visibility and reputation.Leadership DevelopmentMentor future business leaders, project managers, and seller-doers.Support succession planning for key business leadership positions.Foster a culture of innovation through new service offerings, digital solutions, and market differentiation.QualificationsBachelor Degree in engineering, construction management or related degree from accredited program and 17 years applicable experience required.Environmental consulting, natural resources, ecological sciences, cultural resources, permitting, or related infrastructure development experience preferred.Prior experience on construction project sites or executing program management in the industries of aviation, commercial, energy, government, manufacturing, oil & gas, process, transmission & distribution, or water is preferred.Demonstrated success in business development, client management, strategic planning, and team leadership preferred.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding work environment, ability to work overtime on short notice.Excellent computer skills and proficiency using Microsoft Office.Ability to work collaboratively with others (owners, contractors, engineers, designers) in a multi-disciplined project team environment to resolve design or drawing issues as appropriate and to accomplish objectives.Strong experience with document control, scheduling, cost control and project management software.Compensation$155,000.00-330,000.00 YearlyThe expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.BenefitsOur extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page. This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.JobProject ManagementPrimary LocationUS-MO-Kansas CityOther LocationsUS-OK-Oklahoma City, US-ME-Portland, US-AZ-Tucson, US-FL-Orlando, US-MD-Baltimore, US-TX-Austin, US-MI-Southfield, US-NE-Omaha, US-OH-Akron, US-GA-Atlanta, US-MA-Newton, US-MN-Duluth, US-AZ-Phoenix, US-TX-Fort Worth, US-CA-Los Angeles, US-CT-Wallingford, US-CA-Brea, US-WI-Madison, US-CA-San Diego, US-WA-Vancouver, US-VA-Norfolk, US-NC-Charlotte, US-MN-Minneapolis/St Paul, US-VA-Richmond, US-IL-Downers Grove, US-DC-Washington, US-NC-Raleigh, US-CO-Denver, US-UT-Salt Lake City, US-MI-Detroit, US-OH-Columbus, US-SC-Greenville, US-MO-Saint Louis, US-NJ-Morristown, US-TX-Houston, US-VA-Roanoke, US-ND-Bismarck, US-TX-Dallas, US-IL-Chicago, US-SD-Sioux Falls, US-PA-ConshohockenSchedule:Full-timeTravel:Yes, 25 % of the Time