Fire Protection & Plumbing Associate Director

DLB Associates is a premier engineering and consulting firm specializing in innovative, mission-critical solutions across hyperscale data centers, advanced infrastructure, and high-performance building systems. With over four decades of expertise, we partner with some of the world’s most influential companies to design and optimize environments that demand precision, scalability, and resilience.

Join us and be part of a team where your voice matters, your work makes an impact, and your growth is a shared priority.

Position Title: Fire Protection & Plumbing Associate Director 

Position Location: Remote - work virtually from anywhere in the United States 

Salary 

DLB recognizes salary ranges from job boards do not necessarily reflect our pay ranges.  In many instances we out-compete those ranges for well-qualified candidates. 

Job Summary 

The Fire Protection and Plumbing Associate Director will regularly interact with Senior Directors, other directors and Exec Team on matters concerning several functional areas, divisions, and/or customers.  This person will be involved in developing, modifying, and executing Department policies related to fire protection and plumbing staffing and design that affect operations, standards, QAQC, training and execution.  Will manage activities within the Program and Project Management section of the Design Department. 

The Fire Protection and Plumbing Associate Director will receive work in the form of objectives from Directors and Exec Team and determine how to use resources to meet schedules and goals.  Will identify gaps and areas for improvement in their area of expertise within Department level operations and work with Directors to develop plans for implementation.  Will be responsible for the execution of plans.   

The Fire Protection and Plumbing Associate Director will communicate and operate in line with organizational goals and values, as well as departmental objectives.  

Essential Functions 

Tactical Leadership and Strategy Execution (25%)  

• Collaborate with senior management to develop and refine a strategic plan in alignment with the organization's objectives. 

• Work with executive leadership to identify and prioritize initiatives that support organizational growth and development. 

• Review and adjust policies, programs, and practices to ensure they meet current and near-future business needs. 

• Develop strategies to attract, develop, and retain a competent and diverse team. 

• Lead and support change management initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.  

• Communicate and execute strategic plans, ensuring alignment with the organization's objectives. 

• Oversee operational units, demonstrating adaptability and experience in handling challenges. 

• Make informed decisions on significant operational matters. 

Organizational Management and Policy Execution (25%) 

• Oversee operational units, demonstrating adaptability and experience in handling challenges. 

• Make informed decisions on significant operational matters. 

• Shape and enforce company-wide policies, ensuring they align with immediate operations and broader organizational goals. 

• Ensure efficient allocation and utilization of resources, including budgets, to meet departmental requirements and strategic objectives. 

• Oversee specific functional areas, managing planning, staffing, and budgeting processes. 

• Guide and support teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. 

Accountable for Client Relationship and Strategic Program Management (25%) 

• Engage and build relationships with clients through scheduled touchpoints, understanding their needs, and communicating value. 

• Act as the primary liaison for escalated issues, managing client expectations, and ensuring efficient program execution. 

• Solicit feedback to refine processes and enhance the client experience. 

• Evaluate client financial performance using quarterly filings and other sources. 

• Align DLB's offerings with client strategic objectives and drive new business opportunities to meet revenue goals. 

• Collaborate with DLB management to enhance service delivery, forecast costs & revenues, and strategize for both short-term and long-term growth. 

• Lead business development initiatives and utilize CRM/ERP tools for pipeline management 

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to set and achieve sales targets and develop program strategies. 

• Participate in both client-specific and internal reviews, presenting program achievements and financial data. 

• Establish and monitor KPIs to ensure customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and business growth. 

• Assess subcontractor performance, where applicable. 

Technology and Data-Driven Decision Making (25%) 

• Develop strategies to utilize technology and data analytics to enhance processes and decision-making. 

• Review existing technology tools and systems, identifying areas for improvement. 

• Manage the implementation of new technology platforms, ensuring smooth transitions. 

• Collaborate with IT and other departments to ensure data privacy, security, and compliance. 

• Establish data reporting and analytics capabilities, providing insights for tactical decision-making and planning. 

• Train and guide staff in the effective use of technology and data analysis tools. 

Technology, Digital Tools & AI-Enabled Efficiency 

• Identify opportunities and lead the strategic use of technology, digital platforms, and AI-enabled tools to enhance efficiency through workflow automation, reduced manual effort, and improved accuracy in forecasting, documentation, reporting, and quality processes. 

• Support adoption of emerging technologies - including advanced analytics, data visualization tools, and digital construction management platforms - to strengthen readiness, quality assurance, and project controls. 

• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure technology solutions align with DLB standards for data security, privacy, and operational integrity. 

• Promote a culture that embraces innovation, continuous improvement, and the strategic use of technology to optimize performance and scalability. 

Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget 

Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned 

Position Requirements (Advanced level for all the following) 

Knowledge: 

• Strategic Planning: Advanced understanding of developing and executing strategic plans in alignment with organizational objectives. 

• Operational Management: Advanced knowledge of overseeing operational units and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. 

• Client Relationship Management: Advanced knowledge of client engagement, feedback solicitation, and financial performance evaluation. 

• Technology Integration: Intermediate understanding of technology tools, systems, and data analytics in decision-making. 

Skills: 

• Collaboration: Expert skill in collaborating with senior management, executive leadership, and internal stakeholders. 

• Policy Adjustment: Advanced skill in reviewing and adjusting company-wide policies. 

• Resource Allocation: Advanced skill in efficiently allocating resources, including budgets. 

• CRM/ERP Tools: Intermediate skill in utilizing CRM/ERP tools for pipeline and client management. 

• Data Analysis: Advanced skill in analyzing data, establishing reporting capabilities, and deriving insights. 

Abilities: 

• Adaptability: Expert ability to adapt to challenges in overseeing operational units and making informed decisions. 

• Change Management: Advanced ability to lead and support change initiatives, fostering a culture of improvement. 

• Client Engagement: Expert ability to engage with clients, manage expectations, and act as a primary liaison. 

• Business Development: Advanced ability to drive new business opportunities and align offerings with client objectives. 

• Technology Implementation: Intermediate ability to implement new technology platforms and ensure smooth transitions. 

• AI & Emerging Technologies: Intermediate ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company-wide innovation. 

Physical Demands   

The following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is  

• Frequently required to remain in a stationary position 

• Frequently moving through office, facility and other environments 

• On occasion the employee may move equipment weighing up to 25 pounds   

Travel / Relocation Requirements 

• Up to 25%, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states  

• Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meeting for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc. 

• Potential relocation opportunities may exist per project needs 

Education / Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or fire protection engineering  

• PE in related discipline  

PLUS 

• Minimum of thirteen years of mechanical or fire protection engineering experience  

Benefits

DLB Associates offers a very competitive benefits package; highlights include

• Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option)
• Flex spending accounts (FSA)
• Dental and vision plans
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse / domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26
• 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option
• PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year
• Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Short and long-term disability, AD&D coverage
• Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance
• Paid parental leave after one year of employment

CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC residents only: In accordance with CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC law, the range provided is DLB's reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location.

DLB Associates is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and participates in the E-Verify program with the Department of Homeland Security. We encourage diversity in our workforce.

Are you ready to challenge yourself and redefine standards in the AEC industry? Apply now and join our award-winning team!​

​NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

DLB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to DLB in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where DLB has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of DLB and DLB will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.