Client Relationship Manager

Job Description

The Client Relationship Manager (CRM) for the Federal Team is responsible for client management and growth strategy for a specific federal client or portfolio of federal clients. This role serves as the primary point of contact for assigned clients, establishes key relationships across the firm, drives strategic capture and pursuit efforts, and ensures consistent, high‑quality client service.

The Federal CRM works closely with technical leaders, project managers, marketing, and firm leadership to position Olsson for success across federal agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other federal entities. This role extends beyond traditional business development activities and includes leadership in capture planning, proposal strategy, and coordination during SF‑330 and federal proposal development efforts.

As a Federal Client Relationship Manager at Olsson, you will serve as a subject matter expert in federal client engagement and capture strategy. You will manage key federal client relationships, advise technical teams during pursuits, and leverage your understanding of federal procurement, compliance, and delivery processes to support sustainable growth.

As the primary point of contact, you will establish and maintain strong relationships with client stakeholders, connect internal technical and operational leaders, cross‑sell firm services, and manage strategic project pursuits. You will also collaborate closely with Marketing and proposal teams to develop competitive, compliant proposals that align with client needs and agency requirements.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Strategically build, maintain, and expand key federal client relationships that support long‑term firm growth.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned federal clients, while establishing and coordinating additional internal and external points of contact as appropriate.
• Develop, lead, and execute comprehensive client growth strategies, identifying and advancing opportunities aligned with federal agency needs and priorities.
• Anticipate and understand client objectives, preferences, procurement processes, and satisfaction levels through a deep understanding of the client’s mission, operating environment, and the federal marketplace, delivering tailored solutions to meet those needs.
• Initiate and sustain relationships with key federal stakeholders, teaming partners, industry partners, communities, and relevant governmental or political entities, guiding strategic engagement efforts for assigned clients.
• Lead or support agency‑specific, regional, or national engagement efforts to strengthen Olsson’s brand and visibility within the federal market, in coordination with internal government affairs, marketing, and business development teams.
• Ensure client service excellence through proactive, consistent communication across all touchpoints-internally with project teams and leadership, and externally with clients and partners.
• Align technical expertise and project management capabilities with client requirements, coordinating with firm leadership to ensure performance, quality, and compliance expectations are met.
• Identify root causes of client performance concerns and collaborate with internal leadership and project teams to implement solutions that meet client expectations and contractual obligations.
• Lead capture and pursuit strategies for major federal opportunities, aligning firmwide capabilities, resources, and talent to deliver client‑focused, competitive solutions.
• Support the successful delivery of key federal projects through close collaboration with project teams and leadership, ensuring consistency with client expectations and agency standards.
• Lead client negotiations and ensure client‑specific contract, billing, and compliance requirements are applied in accordance with Olsson’s Contract Signing Authority and federal contracting regulations.

Qualifications

You bring to the team:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, sciences, construction, planning, landscape architecture, public administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in the consulting industry, including at least 8 years supporting federal clients, facilities construction, or operation.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage senior‑level stakeholders.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships with clients, partners, and internal teams.
• Strategic mindset with proactive problem‑solving and sound decision‑making skills.
• Familiarity with community, regional, or statewide engagement strategies.
• Working knowledge of engineering, construction, land development, and business development terminology.

Expectations:

• Demonstrates a strong understanding of Olsson’s services, federal client base, and consulting business practices, aligned with the firm’s values and vision.
• Brings a solid understanding of engineering consulting within the federal market.
• Has a proven track record of delivering excellent client service and meeting or exceeding client expectations.
• Successfully builds and sustains partnerships that contribute to winning and delivering key projects.
• Exhibits strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and relationship‑management skills.

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