Director of Commercial Design

Bax Engineering is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Director of Commercial Design to lead our Commercial Design Department. This role oversees project delivery, team development, client relationships, and full profit and loss responsibility for the Commercial Design group. We are looking for a proven technical and strategic leader who is ready to take ownership of a high performing team and play a key role in the continued growth of Bax Engineering.

About the Role

The Director of Commercial Design will guide all civil engineering work associated with commercial site development, including grading, stormwater, utilities, parking, access, and site layout. This individual will oversee internal operations, manage staff, maintain quality control, and help build the commercial sector of our business. The Director will have direct authority over hiring, staffing, performance management, and departmental standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership and Department Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of civil engineers, designers, and project managers.
• Set expectations for quality, efficiency, deadlines, and professional performance.
• Manage all hiring, onboarding, staffing, and personnel decisions within the department.
• Promote a positive team culture aligned with Bax Engineering values of leadership, familia, and professionalism.

Project Delivery and Technical Oversight

• Oversee development of commercial civil construction plans including grading, stormwater systems, utilities, site circulation, and parking design.
• Ensure all design packages comply with local codes, ordinances, and engineering best practices.
• Provide high level technical review and quality control for all plan sets and deliverables.
• Support engineers in design problem solving and cross department coordination.

Client and Community Engagement

• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing commercial clients while also helping to attract new opportunities.
• Represent Bax Engineering at Planning and Zoning Commission and Board meetings when project presentation is required.
• Work closely with municipal staff to guide commercial projects through zoning, site plan approval, and permitting.

Financial and Business Management

• Hold full profit and loss responsibility for the Commercial Design Department.
• Develop annual budgets, revenue goals, and key performance indicators for the team.
• Monitor project profitability, utilization, and workload distribution across the department.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities that will grow the commercial design sector of Bax Engineering.

Qualifications

• Current Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience preparing civil site development plans for commercial projects.
• Strong knowledge of planning and zoning processes within St. Charles County and surrounding jurisdictions.
• Demonstrated success leading engineering teams or managing technical staff.
• Comfortable presenting projects at public meetings and engaging with municipal officials.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Business minded with experience managing project budgets, schedules, and profitability.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance incentives.
• Full benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement plan with company match.
• Supportive leadership, a collaborative culture, and opportunities for growth.
• A chance to shape the next stage of Bax Engineering’s commercial design practice.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $115,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Civil engineering: 10 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Professional Engineering License (Required)

Work Location: In person