Chief Operating Officer (COO)

MSA Professional Services, Inc.; Cedar Rapids (IA); Hybrid; USD 198,000 - 327,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP stock shares

Medical, dental & vision insurance

PTO 17+ days

Parental leave

401(k) matching

Bonus opportunities

Life & disability insurance

Job summary

MSA Professional Services, Inc. in the United States is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead companywide operations and partner with the CEO and board on strategic direction. This role focuses on enhancing employee and client experiences, financial health, and long-term sustainability.

With 100% employee ownership and a strong ENR Top 500 presence, the COO will drive growth, service-line leadership, and cross-functional alignment across 19 offices in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, finance, or related field.
• At least 15 years of relevant experience in business development, engineering, finance, operations, or related discipline.
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience.
• Experience within architecture, engineering, or construction firms is preferred.
• A strong understanding of financial performance, project delivery, operations, and growth.

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 exceptional client experience.
• Support business planning, budgeting, and long-term strategy.
• Identify market opportunities and position MSA for sustainable growth.
• Foster exchange of ideas through a OneMSA approach.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic planning

Financial acumen

Executive communication

People development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/engineering/finance or related field

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