Client Relationship Manager

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Employee-Owned

401(k) with company match

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible schedules

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. in Houston, Texas is looking for a principal-level client relationship manager to oversee projects and maintain strong client connections. The ideal candidate will have a technical or bachelor's degree, significant project/client management experience, and expertise in handling complex multi-discipline projects. Responsibilities include financial monitoring, mentoring project managers, and securing new work. The role offers full ownership benefits, including 401(k) retirement savings, health insurance, and generous leave policies.

Qualifications

• Ability to generate $1.5M to $3M per year in projects.
• Minimum years of applicable project/client management experience.
• Professional Engineer Licensure preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects of varying complexity.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal-level relationship owner for assigned clients.
• Lead project initiation and oversee multi-discipline project teams.
• Monitor financials and drive profitability.
• Pursue and secure new work through relationship development.

Skills

Client relationship management

Project management

Strategic account growth

Technical writing

Negotiation skills

Education

Technical or Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM platforms

Job description

At SSR, we’re more than a leading engineering design, consulting, and planning firm—we’re a team of owners committed to solving complex projects and delivering innovative solutions for facility and infrastructure challenges. With locations across the U.S. and expertise spanning diverse markets and services, our collaborative approach empowers us to build lasting partnerships with each other, our clients, and our communities.

We believe high performance and a people-first culture go hand in hand. As an owner from day one, our colleagues thrive in an environment that values accountability, celebrates achievement, and supports personal and professional growth. As owners, we take pride in our work and in each other—driving results while fostering a workplace where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired.

Want to hear directly from our team? Visit http://www.ssr-inc.com/life-at-ssr and explore our culture on LinkedIn and Instagram.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as principal‑level relationship owner and trusted advisor for assigned clients; maintain regular executive‑level touchpoints.
• Work with leadership to create account plans and strategies that grow relationships, share of wallet, and multi‑year programs.
• Align SSR services with client standards and strategic goals; anticipate future needs and position new solutions.
• Lead project initiation and kick‑offs; define scope, deliverables, schedule milestones, budgets, and risk parameters.
• Oversee multi‑discipline project teams to achieve Total Project Success; mentor and guide Project Managers.
• Direct project management activities: contracts and fee development, schedules and man‑hour budgets, risk management, QA/QC implementation, and close‑out.
• Monitor financials—fee burn, earned value, forecasts—and drive profitability; review invoices and manage change orders and additional services.
• Forecast monthly revenue and collaborate with Operations Directors on workload planning and staffing.
• Pursue and secure new work through outstanding delivery, relationship development, and proposal/interview leadership with Marketing and technical teams.
• Maintain accurate opportunity, lead, and activity records in the CRM; uphold disciplined capture and pipeline practices.
• Resolve project and relationship issues proactively; facilitate timely decisions and escalates when required.
• Support collections in partnership with clients and Project Managers to meet program AR goals; negotiate fee structures where appropriate.

Minimum Requirements

• Ability to consistently generate $1.5M to $3M per year.
• An expert in the discipline(s) of his/her expertise with a minimum of years applicable project/client management experience.
• Technical or Bachelor’s degree in one of the major technical disciplines practiced by the firm OR applicable experience.
• Professional Engineer Licensure preferred.
• Demonstrated, consistent ability in managing projects from small to large scope and complexity.
• Experience in the design of multi‑discipline projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven success growing strategic accounts and securing multi‑year, multi‑discipline programs.
• Executive‑level communication, presentation, and negotiation skills; clear, concise technical writing.
• Advanced business acumen with command of project financials, pricing strategies, and profitability levers.
• Ability to cultivate, mentor, and develop Project Managers and emerging leaders.
• Experience leading proposals, interviews, and client workshops in partnership with Marketing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with CRM and project management platforms.

What We Offer

• 100% Employee‑Owned – Ownership from day one with immediate ESOP vesting.
• Retirement Savings – 401(k) with immediate vesting and a generous company match.
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company‑funded HSA contributions for HDHP plans.
• Company‑Paid Protection – Life insurance, AD&D, and short and long term disability at no cost to you.
• Work‑Life Balance – Flexible schedules, paid parental leave, generous PTO, and paid company holidays.
• Career Growth – Tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional development support.

SSR is an Equal Opportunity / Affimative Action Employer

EEO Disabled/Veterans