Structural Practice Area Leader P5

GRAEF, a leading U.S. consulting firm, has been providing exceptional careers and quality engineering, planning and design services to our clients since 1961. We recognize that the best workplaces are filled with technically excellent, innovative, creative, and highly motivated people and are proud to be named a 2026 Top Workplace. GRAEF is more than just a business. We are a committed employer and community member. We invest in our employees as we do our clients, providing a challenging and rewarding environment where you can grow both personally and professionally. GRAEF values exciting work and lasting relationships; we embody values that speak to loyalty, service, quality and integrity; and we strive to grow with these ideas leading the way. We're looking for people who agree that in addition to technical excellence, it's all about relationships! What are you looking for in a career? The opportunity to work on exciting, high-profile projects? The satisfaction and security of working at an employee-owned company? Or maybe the opportunity to improve the quality of life - not just for you and your family, but for the worldwide community at large?


Reporting to the Chicago Office Leader, the ideal candidate for Structural Practice Area Leader will be the team champion and coach for the staff, while developing new business, managing projects, and providing leadership to grow the Structural discipline. They will be responsible for day-to-day operations and achievement of goals for the group. The Practice Area Leader will assist with duties relating to leadership, motivation, energy, collaboration, and performance of the group and provide direction in aligning the group with the firm's overall strategies.

Structural Practice Area Leader responsibilities include:

• Leads the Chicago Structural team, fostering a learning environment that promotes technical expertise, mentoring, and professional development; conducts annual evaluations with key staff to assess goal achievement and discuss capability and career objectives.
• Attains group performance goals and objectives.
• Establishes business development and revenue targets, sets priorities, and oversees staffing and work-sharing across offices while maintaining client relationships, securing projects, and providing direction for business development.
• Monitors and evaluates current group needs and trends, economy, labor markets, and business opportunities that could impact overall Firm strategies.
• Identifies potential business ventures for the group, which could facilitate expanded market exposure.
• Provides project management direction and performs general administrative and project management duties as necessary.

We are considering candidates that meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience. Experienced in project management responsibilities.
• Staff management and proven leadership experience preferred.
• Professional registration as an IL SE.
• Proven self-motivator and team oriented, able to initiate contacts and develop relationships and work effectively with all other Offices/Groups.

We are proud to offer you a complete benefit package to include:

• The salary range for this position is $125,000-$150,000. (Salary to be determined by the applicant's education, experience and skill set, as well as internal and external equity.)
• Training, Mentorship, and Leadership Development Programs
• A team atmosphere dedicated to open communication and collaboration
• Embed yourself in the community by participating in numerous outside activities that GRAEF endorses and supports
• Flexible Hours / Hybrid work model
• Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Plans
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Tuition Reimbursement

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer - Disabled/Vets

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.