Chief Operating Officer (COO)

MSA Professional Services, Inc.; Appleton (WI); Hybrid; USD 198,000 - 327,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP stock shares

Medical, dental & vision insurance

PTO 17+ days

8 paid holidays

Parental leave

401(k) with company matching

Short-term incentive program

Life & disability insurance

Job summary

MSA Professional Services, Inc. seeks a Chief Operating Officer to lead day-to-day operations and partner with the CEO and Board to advance strategic growth for a 100% employee-owned consulting firm.

The COO will strengthen client and employee experiences, financial performance, and long-term sustainability while shaping the firm’s OneMSA culture and outcomes across service lines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, finance, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 15+ years of relevant experience in business development, engineering, finance, operations, or related discipline.
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience.
• Experience in architecture, engineering, or construction firms is preferred.
• Strong understanding of financial performance, project delivery, and organizational operations.
• Empathetic, influential communication across all levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and direction for MSA’s day-to-day operations.
• Lead and support Service Line Leaders in achieving strategic, financial, and growth objectives.
• Strengthen accountability, collaboration, and operational consistency across the firm.
• Champion employee development, leadership growth, and succession planning.
• Advance project delivery, quality, and client experience.
• Support business planning, budgeting, and long‑term strategy.
• Identify market opportunities to position MSA for sustainable growth.
• Foster OneMSA collaboration and best practices.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operations leadership

Financial acumen

Client focus

Change management

People development

Executive communication

AEC360 familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

AEC360 experience

Job description

Chief Operating Officer

Locations:

Within commutable proximity to any of MSA's 19 office locations

Type:

Full‑Time | Salaried | Hybrid Eligible |

MSA Professional Services is seeking an experienced, servant‑leadership-minded executive to serve as our next Chief Operating Officer. With our current COO planning to retire in the coming months, this is a meaningful succession opportunity to build on a strong foundation while helping guide MSA’s continued growth.

As a 100% employee‑owned consulting firm with a rising position among the ENR Top 500 Design Firms, MSA offers the opportunity to influence the future of an organization where employees share directly in its success. The COO will lead companywide operations and help strengthen the employee experience, client experience, financial performance, and long‑term sustainability of the firm.

What’s In It For You

• Help shape the strategy and future of a growing, employee‑owned firm.
• Lead and develop accomplished service line and operational leaders.
• Make a companywide impact on our people, clients, performance, and culture.
• Partner closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team.
• Join an organization committed to relationships, continuous improvement, and responsible stewardship.

Responsibilities

Role Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and direction for MSA’s day‑to‑day operations.
• Lead and support Service Line Leaders in achieving strategic, financial, and growth objectives.
• Strengthen accountability, collaboration, and operational consistency across the firm.
• Champion employee development, leadership growth, and succession planning.
• Advance project delivery, quality, and an exceptional client experience.
• Support business planning, annual budgeting, and short- and long‑term organizational strategy.
• Identify market opportunities and help position MSA for continued, sustainable growth.
• Foster the exchange of ideas and best practices through a OneMSA approach.

Qualifications

What you bring

Skills & Knowledge / Education & Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 15 years of relevant experience in business development, engineering, finance, operations, or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience.
• Experience within the core functions of an architecture, engineering, or construction firm is preferred.
• A strong understanding of financial performance, project delivery, organizational operations, and business growth.
• An empathetic and influential communication style that builds trust across all levels of an organization.
• A demonstrated ability to develop people, lead through change, and create accountability.
• Strong judgment, integrity, and a commitment to MSA’s mission, values, and purpose.
• Experience with AEC360 is preferred.

Why MSA

• 100% employee‑owned firm with 100+ years of community impact
• Collaborative culture with in‑house experts for all disciplines across the firm
• Flexible work‑life integration
• Ongoing learning and professional growth opportunities for all positions
• Commitment to fostering a work environment where employees have a strong sense of inclusion and belonging
• Included on the "ENR Top 500 Design Firms" for over 27 straight years

Pay & Benefits*

• Compensation Range: $198,355 – $327,286 (commensurate with experience)
• ESOP: Receive MSA stock shares annually, at no cost to the employee
• Medical, dental & vision insurance for you, spouse, domestic partner, and eligible dependents
• 17+ days PTO (potentially higher pending experience) + 8 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave regardless of birth parent
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Short‑term incentive program for annual bonus opportunities
• Company‑paid life & disability insurance
• Full eligibility requirements for listed benefits will be discussed during the hiring process

MSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. At MSA, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce, and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at [e-mail]

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer