Lead Professional

T Baker Smith, LLC.; Baton Rouge, Northern (LA, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

T. Baker Smith, LLC. is seeking a Lead Professional- Industrial Practice to guide a dynamic engineering team at our Prairieville area office. You will lead project delivery, mentor staff, and ensure adherence to high quality and safety standards.

The role emphasizes strong leadership, client development, and profitability while aligning with firm goals and COMPASS values. Travel to client sites is expected as needed.

Qualifications

• College coursework or technical training plus a minimum of five (5) years of related technical experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Professional certification or licensure in area of specialization
• Active involvement in relevant professional organizations
• Participation in leadership development programs

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction aligned with COMPASS framework.
• Lead, mentor, and develop associates through performance processes.
• Oversee project delivery to meet scope, schedule, and budget.
• Ensure quality assurance and professional standards across projects.
• Directly supervise project managers and staff.
• Drive client relationships and profitability through effective PM practices.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Professional certification/licensure

Industry organizations involvement

Leadership development programs

Job description

A career at TBS is a journey of empowerment, where innovation drives growth and a commitment to community shapes a better world. Explore opportunities to be part of our mission and build a rewarding future.

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Job Title

Lead Professional

Job Type

Full-time

Location

Category

Associate

Education

Bachelor\'s Degree

Job Description

Lead Professional of Industrial Practice

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Lead Professional- Industrial Practice to provide strong leadership within our Engineering discipline, at our Prairieville office location. This role is responsible for leading and developing teams, ensuring successful and profitable project delivery, and upholding the highest standards of quality and professional care across all project work.

The ideal candidate is a proven leader who can mentor project managers and technical staff, drive accountability, and build strong client relationships while supporting the firm’s strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership, Management & Accountability

• Provide clear direction and leadership aligned with the firm’s COMPASS framework.
• Lead, mentor, and develop associates through structured development and performance processes.
• Conduct regular team meetings and quarterly performance conversations.
• Support associate growth through coaching, recognition, and career development planning.
• Evaluate and recommend promotions and compensation adjustments.
• Ensure teams have the tools, resources, training, and support needed to succeed.
• Promote and model strong Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) leadership.

Project Delivery & Client Success

• Oversee project managers to ensure projects are delivered profitably and in accordance with firm project management best practices.
• Ensure projects meet defined scope, schedule, and budget requirements.
• Support fee development, contract review, and contract execution to ensure project success.
• Review and approve Project Management Plans (PMPs).
• Ensure timely project reporting and proactive financial management, including fee collection.
• Support and reinforce the firm’s strategic client development process.

Quality Assurance & Professional Standards

• Ensure quality assurance/quality control processes and professional standards of care are applied consistently across all project work.
• Enforce firm policies and procedures within the group.
• Allocate staff and equipment effectively across projects and teams to optimize utilization and performance.

Performance Measures

• Group project profitability

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise and mentor project managers, project professionals, technicians, assistants, and field associates.

Qualifications

Required:

• College coursework or technical training plus a minimum of five (5) years of related technical experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Professional certification or licensure in area of specialization
• Active involvement in relevant professional organizations
• Participation in leadership development programs
• Strong written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills

Physical Requirements

This position may require standing, walking, sitting, using hands and arms for tools and equipment, climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work is performed in both office and field environments and may involve exposure to a variety of environmental conditions.

Work Schedule & Travel

• Full-time position requiring 40+ hours per week
• Regular travel to client sites, project locations, and other office locations
• Occasional overnight and weekend commitments are required

Experience comes in different forms; many skills are transferable – and passion goes a long way. Here at TBS, we are in the business of cultivating people, and you are set up to succeed if you identify strongly with these values / behaviors:Growth Oriented; Trustworthy; Responsive; Works Hard, Smart, & Safe; Builds a Positive Team & Family Spirit; and are Enthusiastic & Energetic.

We also know that diversity of background and thought can enhance problem-solving and encourage more creative thinking, which is why we are dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team.

Our purpose is investing in people to enhance communities and that commitment has endured for over 100 years. We pride ourselves in doing this by recruiting, hiring, and retaining diverse, passionate, and forward-thinking talent. T. Baker Smith is an equal opportunity employer, and we are dedicated to providing an inclusive and diverse environment for all associates.