Associate Director

Associate Director, Ohio

KFI Engineers is a recognized industry leader in facility infrastructure design and performance. Since 1996, our culture of collaboration and unique capabilities have allowed us to make a difference in the way infrastructure and processing projects are delivered.

The Associate Director, Ohio is responsible for the day-to-day tactical management of the territory with a heavy focus within the Healthcare and Commercial departments, and the effective execution of department strategy. This role translates strategic priorities into actionable plans, coordinates resources, monitors performance, and ensures teams are aligned around operational goals, project commitments, quality expectations, and client needs. Working closely with the Vice President CIA & HC, the Associate Director provides leadership to managers and team members, supports consistent delivery practices, and helps remove barriers that may impact project execution, team effectiveness, or business performance.

This position requires strong operational leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to balance daily priorities with longer-term departmental objectives. The Associate Director, Ohio uses communication, coaching, project management, and analytical skills to guide work across teams, manage competing demands, support resource planning, and drive accountability for results. The role also contributes to continuous improvement by identifying gaps in processes, tools, communication, and delivery practices, then partnering with leaders and team members to implement practical solutions that support department performance and client satisfaction.

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Translate department strategy into actionable priorities, workplans, goals, and operating rhythms for managers and team members.
• Partner with the Vice President CIA & HC to communicate strategic priorities, align department activities, and monitor progress against goals.
• Support business planning by providing operational insight, performance updates, staffing considerations, and recommendations to improve department execution.
• Identify and escalate risks, resource needs, and execution barriers that may impact department performance, project delivery, or client service.
• Contribute to department initiatives that improve quality, efficiency, consistency, employee engagement, and client outcomes.

• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and direction to managers, project leaders, engineers, and consultants within the department.
• Set clear expectations, reinforce accountability, and support consistent communication across teams and project groups.
• Support employee development by providing feedback, identifying growth opportunities, and helping build leadership capability within the department.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and high-performing team environment that supports engagement, retention, and shared ownership of results.

• Oversee daily department operations, including workload planning, staffing coordination, project priorities, utilization, quality expectations, and issue resolution.
• Monitor project performance, budgets, schedules, resource allocation, and delivery risks to support timely and successful project execution.
• Make sound operational decisions by balancing client commitments, team capacity, financial performance, quality control, and department priorities.
• Partner with project leaders to ensure engineering designs and consulting services meet applicable safety, environmental, ethical, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Track key operational metrics and provide regular updates, insights, and recommendations to department leadership.
• Support change management, process improvement, and implementation of department standards, tools, and practices.

Other duties as assigned.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related field) from an accredited institution.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license or EIT/FE holder with willingness to obtain PE.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in engineering consulting, operations, project delivery, or related leadership roles, preferably within the healthcare sector. Executive leadership of healthcare capital and engineering programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing daily operations, project execution, resource planning, and cross-functional priorities within a technical or professional services environment.
• Experience supporting business development activities, client relationships, proposal development, scoping discussions, and contract execution.
• Deep knowledge of the healthcare industry by actively engaging in the community via conferences, tradeshows, and client visits.
• Proven leadership experience coaching, developing, and managing direct or indirect reports.
• Strong business acumen with experience monitoring project financials, utilization, budgets, and operational performance metrics.
• Expert knowledge of technology and the application of technology in business.
• Skilled at synthesizing ideas into actionable recommendations and positively influencing outcomes.
• Strong planning, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with others.
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Travel: May include up to 25% of domestic travel.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, Healthcare Engineering, or Business Administration or similar.
• Experience with sustainable design and green building certifications (e.g., LEED).
• Strong background in business development and client relationship management within the healthcare industry.
• Certification in Project Management (PMP) or equivalent.
• Comprehensive knowledge of healthcare and commercial facility codes, standards (such as NFPA, ASHRAE, and FGI Guidelines), and regulatory requirements.

Working Conditions:

• Some work locations will feature the tough terrain typical of construction sites or require lifting or moving field testing equipment.

Core Behaviors:

• Accountable: Demonstrates persistence in the achievement of goals. Acts with a sense of urgency. Takes responsibility for own actions.
• Business Focus: Demonstrates agility, adapts well to changes. Works well under pressure. Meets commitments to internal/external customers.
• Project Execution: Plans projects well, managing last-minute rushes and disruptions. Balances Speed and Quality. Looks for improvement in our delivery, tools and processes.
• Demonstrates Respect for Others: Keeps others adequately informed. Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views. Adapts communication style and method based on audience and situation.
• Team Player: Balances team and individual responsibilities. Shares expertise with others. Inspires respect and trust.
• Managing People: Develops employees' skills and encourages growth. Consistently provides timely feedback to employees. Delegates effectively, providing clear direction and authority to act.

Benefits:

• Health, dental and vision insurance coverage
• Virtual health services
• Health Savings Account (HSA) & Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for HDHP enrollees with KFI contributions
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) plan
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance, life and AD&D insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off to include Earned Sick and Safe Time in accordance with state laws
• Paid Volunteer Time Off
• Company Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Bereavement Leave
• Voluntary benefits offered include life, accident, critical illness coverage

Please note this job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans and Disabilities