Chief Executive Officer - Engineering

Employment Resource Group; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Employment Resource Group is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead a well-established engineering firm in Decatur, Illinois. This role focuses on driving profitability growth, enhancing client relationships, and developing future leaders within the company.

The ideal candidate will have ten or more years of leadership experience in civil/structural engineering or related fields, with a strong emphasis on business development and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in civil/structural engineering, land development, surveying, or transportation.
• Proven track record of enhancing profitability in professional services.
• Experience developing technical and operational leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the firm's strategic direction and operational performance.
• Drive profitability through margin management and efficiency.
• Expand client relationships across various service verticals.

Skills

Leadership

Business Development

P&L Accountability

Client Relationship Management

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering

Business Administration

Job description

This is a rare and defining opportunity for a visionary leader to step into the chief executive role of a well‑established, privately held engineering firm with deep roots in transportation, municipal, structural, land development, and surveying services. With approximately $11 million in revenue and a team of 60 professionals, the firm is positioned for its next chapter – one defined by profitability growth, expansion into new service verticals, and the deliberate development of the next generation of technical leaders. The incoming Chief Executive Officer will inherit a close‑knit, client‑first culture built on trust and collaboration, and will have the opportunity to shape the firm’s strategic direction as a true owner with a path to meaningful equity. This is not a caretaker role – it is a platform for a bold, empathetic, and operationally excellent leader to leave a lasting mark.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the overall strategic direction, operational performance, and growth agenda of the firm.
• Drive measurable improvements in profitability through disciplined margin management, operational efficiency, and resource allocation.
• Conduct a comprehensive organizational assessment of team capabilities, service line health, and backlog positioning within the first six months.
• Stabilize and recover the Survey division by identifying root causes of weak backlog and executing a near‑term recovery strategy.
• Build trust and operating rhythm with the existing leadership team, aligned with EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) principles.
• Expand client relationships and develop new revenue opportunities across planning, construction inspection, and aviation/airports service verticals.
• Strengthen the firm’s positioning for government, IDOT, and WBE‑related contract pursuits.
• Architect and launch a leadership development program to accelerate the next generation of principals and project managers.
• Serve as the cultural cornerstone of the firm, preserving its collaborative, client‑obsessed identity while leading strategic transformation.
• Champion a forward‑looking operating model that balances the firm’s traditional values with modern practices including flexible work policies.
• Interface directly with key clients, translating their needs into actionable company priorities.
• Manage and mentor young engineers, fostering a team environment defined by empathy, accountability, and shared purpose.

Qualifications

Required

• Ten or more years of progressive leadership experience in civil/structural engineering, land development, surveying, or transportation infrastructure services.
• Demonstrated P&L accountability with a proven track record of driving profitability improvements within a professional services or engineering firm.
• Experience building, coaching, and developing technical and operational leaders within an organization.
• Strong business development acumen with ability to expand client relationships and pursue new service verticals.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• PE licensure strongly preferred.

Preferred

• Experience operating within an EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) or similar structured business framework, or the demonstrated aptitude to champion one.
• Established network in Illinois, particularly in municipal, land development, or state agency (IDOT) markets.
• Background in or exposure to aviation/airports, construction inspection, and planning service sectors.
• Experience with WBE and IDOT proposal development and procurement processes.
• Willingness to relocate; candidates from the Midwest region preferred.

Competencies

• Visionary with an entrepreneurial mindset – sees the firm’s growth potential and owns the path forward.
• People‑first leader who earns trust organically, leads with empathy, and creates an environment people choose to stay in.
• Client‑focused with outstanding communication and relationship management skills.
• Forward‑thinking with the ability to anticipate next steps and act decisively.
• Calculated risk‑taker who is analytical in follow‑through and meticulous in execution.
• Proactive problem solver with high personal energy and a positive, open‑minded presence.
• Persuasive and intuitive communicator, comfortable with courageous conversations.
• Effective multitasker capable of managing competing strategic and operational priorities.