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 & PlumbingAssociate Director

Position Location:Remote - workvirtually fromanywhere in the United States

Salary

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

Job Summary

TheFire Protection and PlumbingAssociate Directorwillregularly interact with Senior Directors, other directors andExec Teamon matters concerning several functional areas, divisions, and/or customers. This person willbe involved in developing,modifying, and executing Department policies related tofire protection andplumbingstaffing and design that affect operations, standards, QAQC, training and execution. Will manage activities within the Program and Project Management section of the Design Department.

TheFire Protection and PlumbingAssociate Directorwillreceive work in the form ofobjectivesfrom Directors and Exec Team anddeterminehow to use resources to meet schedules and goals. Willidentifygaps and areas for improvement in their area of expertise within Department level operations and work with Directors to develop plans for implementation. Willberesponsible forthe execution of plans.  

TheFire Protection and PlumbingAssociate Directorwill communicate andoperatein line with organizational goals and values, as well as departmentalobjectives. 

Essential Functions

Tactical Leadership and Strategy Execution(25%) 

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

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

• Review and adjust policies, programs, and practices to ensure they meet current andnear-futurebusiness needs.

• Develop strategies to attract, develop, andretaina 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'sobjectives.

• Oversee operational units,demonstratingadaptabilityand experience in handling challenges.

• Make informed decisions on significant operational matters.

Organizational Management and Policy Execution(25%)

• Oversee operational units,demonstratingadaptabilityand 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 andutilizationof resources, including budgets, to meet departmental requirements and strategicobjectives.

• 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 strategicobjectivesand 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 andutilizeCRM/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 toutilizetechnology and data analytics to enhance processes and decision-making.

• Review existing technology tools and systems,identifyingareas for improvement.

• Manage the implementation ofnew technologyplatforms, 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

• Identifyopportunities 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 tooptimizeperformance 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 organizationalobjectives.

• 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: Expertskillin 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 efficientlyallocatingresources, including budgets.

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

• Data Analysis: Advanced skill in analyzing data,establishingreporting 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 clientobjectives.

• Technology Implementation: Intermediate ability to implementnew technologyplatforms and ensure smooth transitions.

• AI & Emerging Technologies:Intermediateability toleverageAIand emerging technologies to streamline workflows,optimizeoperational 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,facilityand 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 engineeringor fire protectionengineering 

• PE in related discipline 

PLUS

• Minimum of thirteen years of mechanicalor fire protectionengineering 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.