COO — Employee-Owned Growth & Operations Leader

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

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP stock shares

Medical, dental & vision insurance

PTO 17+ days + holidays

Paid parental leave

401(k) matching

Bonus opportunities

Life & disability insurance

Job summary

MSA Professional Services, Inc. is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead companywide operations and steer growth as the current COO plans retirement. This 100% employee-owned firm rewards strategic thinking and operational excellence across 19 offices.

You will partner with the CEO and senior leadership, drive efficiency, and strengthen the employee and client experience while guiding financial performance and long-term sustainability.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant experience in business development, engineering, finance, operations, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience.
• Experience within architecture, engineering, or construction firm functions preferred.
• Strong understanding of financial performance, project delivery, organizational operations, and growth.
• Empathetic and influential communication across all levels.
• Ability to develop people, lead through change, and create accountability.
• Strong judgment, integrity, and commitment to company mission, values and purpose.
• Experience with AEC360 is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and direction for day-to-day operations across the firm.
• 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 position the firm for sustainable growth.
• Foster the exchange of ideas and best practices through a OneMSA approach.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Financial acumen

Operations management

Communication

Change management

People development

AEC360 experience

AEC industry familiarity

Education

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

Tools

AEC360

Job description

MSA Professional Services, Inc. is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead companywide operations and steer growth as the current COO plans retirement. This 100% employee-owned firm rewards strategic thinking and operational excellence across 19 offices.

You will partner with the CEO and senior leadership, drive efficiency, and strengthen the employee and client experience while guiding financial performance and long-term sustainability.