Vice President of Engineering

Totlani & Partners; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Totlani & Partners seeks a senior civil engineering executive to oversee a Michigan-based engineering consulting operation. The role requires licensure in Michigan and a track record of leading technical teams, managing client relationships, and driving business performance.

The successful candidate will guide operations, project oversight, and talent development while partnering with company leadership to expand market presence and financial results.

Qualifications

• Experience leading professional or technical teams.
• Significant progressive civil engineering or related consulting experience.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Familiarity with contracts, scope control and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations and resource planning.
• Lead performance and development of technical and project-management teams.
• Drive project execution, quality, risk management and client satisfaction.
• Lead business planning, forecasting, budgeting and financial performance.
• Recruit, retain, and develop leadership talent; manage client relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Strategic planning

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Professional Engineer license (Michigan)

Job description

We are conducting a confidential search for a senior leader to oversee a well-established engineering consulting operation in Michigan. This role is suited to a licensed civil engineer who combines technical credibility with strong business judgment, people leadership, and client-development experience.

The selected executive will have broad responsibility for the performance and continued growth of a multidisciplinary team. This person will work closely with company leadership while taking an active role in operations, project oversight, talent development, client relationships, and financial results.

What You’ll Lead

• Day-to-day business operations and resource planning
• Performance and development of technical and project-management teams
• Project execution, quality, risk management, and client satisfaction
• Business planning, forecasting, budgeting, and overall financial performance
• Recruiting, retention, succession planning, and leadership development
• Relationships with key public- and private-sector clients
• Proposals, interviews, negotiations, and strategic growth initiatives
• Improvements to internal systems, communication, and accountability

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering
• Professional Engineer license in Michigan, or eligibility to obtain it
• Significant progressive experience in civil engineering or a related consulting environment
• A successful record of leading professional or technical teams
• Experience overseeing projects, clients, budgets, and business performance
• Working knowledge of contracts, scope control, quality practices, and professional risk
• Strong communication, decision-making, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• A practical, visible leadership style grounded in integrity and accountability

Experience leading an engineering consulting office or business unit is strongly preferred. Familiarity with municipal infrastructure, land development, surveying, construction services, or related markets would be valuable, as would established professional relationships in Michigan.

Why Consider This Role

This is an opportunity to step into a meaningful leadership position with an established organization, an experienced team, and a strong client base. The person selected will have genuine influence over people, culture, operations, and future direction.

The position offers a competitive executive compensation package, performance-based incentives, comprehensive benefits, relocation support where appropriate, and the potential to participate in a long-term incentive program. Specific compensation and program details will be discussed confidentially with qualified candidates.

This is a hybrid position requiring a regular in-person presence in Michigan. The exact location, schedule, and employer identity will be shared during the confidential interview process.