National Mission Critical Client Leader

Position Summary

As a trusted advisor and relationship builder, you will guide clients through complex technical programs, ensuring alignment between their mission, operational demands, and the integrated design solutions we deliver. You will serve as a market-facing leader who elevates our practice brand, expands key client partnerships, and champions excellence in project delivery and client satisfaction.

Our firm operates within a hybrid work model, supporting flexibility between office time and work from home. Live somewhere other than the listed locations? DLR Group has a network of 30+ studios across the United States. For this role, we encourage exceptional applicants nationwide.

• Cultivate and expand relationships with mission-critical clients, hyperscale operators, colocation providers, and critical operations agencies
• Serve as a trusted advisor, deeply understanding client mission, technical requirements, risk profiles, and operational priorities
• Lead strategic pursuits, including qualification packages, proposals, interviews, and relationship-building initiatives

• Guide project execution from early strategy through post-occupancy, ensuring alignment with quality, schedule, and budget goals
• Partner with Project Managers on staffing plans, fee development, resourcing, and scope management
• Oversee invoicing, accounts receivable, and financial performance across multiple projects and clients
• Manage contract negotiations, amendments, and change requests with a focus on clarity, transparency, and value

• Collaborate closely with Design Leaders, engineers, and technical specialists to integrate client goals with design excellence
• Facilitate decision-making and communication across internal and external teams
• Support seamless coordination between technical disciplines, vendors, and specialty consultants unique to mission-critical delivery

• Represent DLR Group in industry organizations, thought-leadership forums, and client events
• Monitor industry trends, including energy, resiliency, sustainability, cybersecurity, and technology, to inform client solutions
• Help position DLR Group as a leader in the mission-critical space through relationships, advocacy, and market intelligence

• Foster a collaborative and accountable team environment with a focus on client service and technical excellence
• Mentor staff on client engagement, proposal strategy, and project leadership skills
• Support the advancement of DLR Group’s integrated design model and ESOP culture

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Construction Management, or a related field (professional licensure or certification strongly preferred)
• 10+ years of AEC industry experience, including 5+ years in a client-facing role and proven experience in mission-critical or technically intensive sectors
• Experience managing large-scale programs or portfolios for mission-critical, industrial, or hyperscale clients
• Strong understanding of business development, contract negotiation, financial management, and project delivery practices
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills
• Ability to travel occasionally to support client and project needs
• Must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship

Our comprehensive Benefits at DLR Group include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401(k) plan, employee stock ownership, and bonus opportunities.

$145,000 - $185,000 USD

DLR Group is an integrated design firm delivering architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, and building optimization for new builds, renovations, and adaptive reuse projects. We are 100% employee-owned: every employee is literally invested in our clients’ success. At the core of our firm are interdisciplinary teams engaged in every step of project life cycles. Our teams champion true collaboration, open information sharing, shared risk and reward, value-based decision making, and proficient use of technology to deliver exceptional design.

We are pursuing the goals of the 2030 Challenge, the ME2040, and the SE2050, and are an initial signatory of the China Accord and the AIA 2030 Commitment.

DLR Group follows a four-day in-office work model, with employees having the flexibility to work somewhere other than the office on Fridays.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/M/F/Veteran/Disabled employer.