Structural Engineering Department Manager

Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR); Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 145,000 - 176,800; Full time

Job summary

Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) in Springfield, IL seeks a Structural Engineering Department Manager to lead the local office, drive growth, and provide strategic, financial, and operational leadership for transportation and civil projects.

You will mentor a multi-disciplinary team, manage budgets, and strengthen client relations with IDOT and regional municipalities while delivering high-quality design and project management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET‑accredited university.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (IL) and Licensed Structural Engineer (IL).
• 10–15 years of progressive transportation/civil engineering experience, including leadership.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.
• Strong financial literacy and client/account management experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, review, and complete structural design calculations and plans in Illinois.
• Perform structural analyses, bridge inspections, and load rating reports.
• Ensure QA/QC compliance with standards.
• Lead Springfield office growth and project delivery.
• Supervise engineers and administrative staff.
• Serve as Principal‑in‑Charge or Project Manager on designated projects.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and client satisfaction.
• Mentor staff and expand client relationships across Illinois.
• Lead business development and proposals with IDOT and municipalities.
• Oversee contract administration, scoping, changes, and closeout.

Skills

IDOT procedures

Financial literacy

Communication skills

Software proficiency

Funding sources

Leadership

Education

ABET-accredited BS Civil Eng

Licensed PE IL

Licensed SE IL

10-15 years experience

Tools

AutoCAD

ETABS

SAP2000

MS Project

Job description

About The Role

Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) is seeking a Structural Engineering Department Manager to lead our Springfield, IL office. This key leadership role is for a seasoned civil engineering professional who will assume strategic, financial, and operational leadership of our transportation practice in Central Illinois. The Manager will drive growth and technical excellence across transportation and civil projects, serving cornerstone clients including the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and surrounding counties and municipalities. The role requires translating strategic vision into operational reality, mentoring a multi-disciplinary team, and solidifying HLR's presence as a trusted advisor in the region.

About Hampton, Lenzini And Renwick, Inc. (HLR)

Founded in 1965, HLR is a 100% employee‑owned civil engineering firm with five offices across Illinois. We provide consulting engineering, environmental, and surveying services for public agencies and private‑sector clients throughout the Midwest. Our culture is focused on working hard, having fun, and giving back ®. We are proud to be recognized as the #1 2025 AEC Employer of Choice® by PSMJ Resources, Inc. and one of the 2024 Best Places to Work by the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers (ISPE).

What You’ll Do

• Coordinate, review, and complete structural design calculations, plans, specifications, cost estimates, reports, and contracts in Illinois.
• Perform structural analyses, bridge inspections, load ratings, and assessment reports.
• Ensure quality assurance and quality control compliance with standards.
• Implement the company’s vision of growing, expanding, and leading our Springfield office.
• Supervise design team, engineering staff, and administrative staff.
• Serve as Principal and/or Project Manager on designated structural engineering projects.
• Coordinate project status and progress with clients and regulatory agencies.
• Mentor and motivate professional staff according to our company culture.
• Maintain project schedules, quality, budgets, and client satisfaction.
• Demonstrate creativity, foresight, and mature engineering judgement while managing multiple projects.
• Maintain and expand client relationships with the help of managers throughout Illinois.
• Identify areas of growth and strategize the development of new business.
• Lead structural transportation, business development efforts, and participate in proposal presentation.

Strategic & Financial Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for the Springfield office structural engineering group, identifying new service areas and markets to drive regional growth in alignment with corporate goals.
• Assume full profit & loss responsibility for the department, including forecasting revenue, managing operating budgets, and analyzing key financial metrics.
• Direct long‑term resource planning and strategic staffing assignments to optimize project outcomes.
• Oversee fiscal management of departmental projects, ensuring rigorous oversight of budgets, resource allocation, and client invoicing.

Business Development & Client Relations

• Serve as the Principal‑in‑Charge and primary client service manager for key accounts in Central Illinois, cultivating trust‑based relationships with IDOT Bureau Chiefs, District Engineers, County Engineers, and municipal officials.
• Lead the entire proposal lifecycle, from strategic decisions to technical strategy development and interview preparation.
• Represent the firm at a leadership level in key industry organizations (e.g., ACEC‑IL, ISPE).
• Proactively identify, track, and pursue new project opportunities, focusing on expanding work with IDOT Central Office and regional municipalities.

Project & Operational Management

• Provide ultimate technical oversight for the successful delivery of structural projects (Phase I and Phase II), ensuring compliance with scope, schedule, budget, and IDOT/Federal standards.
• Establish and enforce rigorous QA/QC procedures and engineering standards.
• Serve as escalation point for complex technical challenges or contractual disputes.
• Handle all facets of contract administration, including scoping, negotiation, execution, change orders, and closeout.

Team Leadership & Staff Development

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of engineers and administrative staff.
• Oversee recruitment and onboarding of new talent, conduct performance reviews, and set professional development goals.
• Promote professional growth through mentorship and knowledge sharing about IDOT policies and engineering best practices.
• Manage workloads to ensure talents and time are distributed to meet deadlines.

Desired Skills and Experiences

• Deep familiarity with IDOT Phase I and Phase II procedures, the BDE Manual, and working with IDOT Central Bureau and District 6.
• Strong financial literacy with a track record of managing departmental profitability.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for client interviews, contract negotiations, and public hearings.
• Proficiency with industry‑standard software and project management tools.
• Understanding of state and federal funding sources (MFT, ITEP, Rebuild Illinois).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET‑accredited university.
• Current registration as a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Illinois.
• Current registration as a Licensed Structural Engineer (SE) in Illinois.
• Minimum 10‑15 years of progressive transportation/civil engineering experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role managing projects, teams, and financials.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

Physical Abilities

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods in an office environment.
• Ability to occasionally visit active construction sites or project corridors, which may involve walking on uneven terrain and exposure to weather.
• Ability to travel to client offices, project sites, and industry events throughout Illinois.

READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?

We understand your time is valuable, so we have a quick and easy application process. If you feel you would be right for this position, please fill out our initial three‑minute, mobile‑friendly application.

Salary: $145 000 – $176 800 per year