Senior Principal - Building Envelope

Job Description

As part of our continued growth, SOCOTEC is seeking a Senior Principal to provide executive leadership within our Building Envelope practice. This highly visible role combines advanced technical expertise with strategic business leadership, overseeing complex consulting projects while driving practice growth, client relationships, and innovation throughout the New York market and beyond.

The Senior Principal will serve as a trusted advisor to clients, architects, developers, owners, and key stakeholders, leading multidisciplinary teams on high-profile building enclosure projects involving building enclosure system design, waterproofing, forensic investigation, rehabilitation, commissioning, and quality assurance. This individual will mentor technical staff, shape business strategy, strengthen SOCOTEC's market presence, and ensure technical excellence across all project delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Business Development

• Work with Business Unit leader to execute strategic planning and growth initiatives for the Building Envelope practice, identifying new market opportunities and expanding service offerings.
• Develop and maintain executive-level relationships with clients, architects, developers, owners, and industry partners.
• Drive business development through proposals, presentations, contract negotiations, and strategic pursuits for complex consulting projects.
• Serve as the relationship manager for key client accounts, ensuring exceptional service delivery while identifying opportunities to expand client relationships.
• Manage the financial performance of the practice by supporting project profitability, forecasting, resource planning, and sustainable revenue growth.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to establish business strategy, operational priorities, and long-term practice objectives.
• Represent SOCOTEC through industry organizations, conferences, publications, technical presentations, and thought leadership initiatives.
• Drive innovation by evaluating emerging technologies, market trends, and opportunities to expand consulting capabilities

Technical Leadership & Project Oversight

• Serve as the senior technical authority for complex building envelope consulting projects involving façades, roofing, waterproofing, fenestration, specialty cladding systems, and rehabilitation.
• Lead forensic investigations, condition assessments, design reviews, peer reviews, and technical evaluations for complex building enclosure projects.
• Provide expert technical oversight for quality assurance, construction phase services, commissioning, and remediation strategies.
• Review and approve technical reports, specifications, investigative findings, and project deliverables.
• Provide expert witness support and technical guidance for litigation, insurance claims, and dispute resolution, as required.
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, ASTM, AAMA, NFRC, and industry standards while promoting technical excellence across the practice.

Team Leadership & Practice Development

• Mentor Associates, senior consultants, and technical staff while fostering professional growth and technical excellence.
• Support recruiting, workforce planning, and leadership development initiatives.
• Establish and maintain technical standards, quality control procedures, and best practices across the Building Envelope practice.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across SOCOTEC to deliver integrated consulting solutions.
• Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Client Leadership & Project Delivery

• Serve as the trusted advisor for strategic client engagements and high-profile projects.
• Provide guidance on complex technical challenges, risk management, and dispute resolution.
• Ensure exceptional project delivery, client satisfaction, financial performance, and adherence to project schedules and budgets.
• Conduct executive-level project reviews and maintain accountability for project quality and client outcomes.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Building Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in building envelope consulting, design, or related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect (RA), or equivalent professional licensure required.
• Demonstrated expertise in building enclosure systems, forensic investigations, rehabilitation, commissioning, and construction consulting.
• Strong knowledge of applicable building codes, ASTM, AAMA, NFRC, and industry standards.
• Proven experience leading complex consulting projects, managing executive-level client relationships, and developing new business opportunities.
• Demonstrated success managing a consulting practice, including responsibility for business development, financial performance, and staff leadership.
• Experience mentoring and developing multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to travel regionally and nationally as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Building Science, Architectural Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional certifications such as RRC, RRO, RBEC, or LEED AP.
• 20+ years of industry experience, including leadership within a consulting practice.
• Experience serving as an expert witness in construction litigation or insurance matters.
• Active participation and leadership within professional organizations such as IIBEC, ASTM, AAMA, or NIBS.
• Established industry recognition through publications, conference presentations, or technical leadership.
• Background in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, or landmark restoration projects.
• Demonstrated success developing new service lines, growing regional markets, and leading strategic business initiatives.

Additional Information

Why Join SOCOTEC?

At SOCOTEC, you'll join a nationally recognized team of experts delivering innovative building enclosure solutions on some of the industry's most complex and high-profile projects. As a Senior Principal, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of our Building Envelope practice by driving technical excellence, developing future leaders, strengthening client partnerships, and influencing the strategic growth of our business.

For more information, please visit www.socotec.us

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary range: $240,000-$275,000 + annual bonus and comprehensive benefits package. 

Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

SOCOTEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.