Project Manager

Engineered for Impact™
Program Manager
At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion
for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our
projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring,
achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a
sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to
work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also
means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a
unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they will receive great total
rewards along the way.
About Us:
Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and
professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team,
and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities,
and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and
consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers,
healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education,
and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure
asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business
development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology,
and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our
commitments to life every day.
Engineered for Impact™
P&M Cincinnati Division:
The Cincinnati division serves clients across various markets, including
Agricultural, Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverage, Chemical, Consumer Products,
and Metals. Our multidisciplinary team delivers integrated solutions that address
complex challenges while maintaining the highest standards of quality and
innovation.
Job Summary:
The Program Manager is responsible for driving business growth and financial
performance by delivering exceptional client satisfaction. This role focuses on
expanding the existing client base through the development of strong, trustbased
relationships with key stakeholders, including procurement, engineering,
operations, and plant leadership. Serving as a visible ambassador for the team,
the Program Manager secures new work, leads and empowers project teams, acts
as the primary liaison between clients and execution teams, and consistently
upholds company values and standards.
Reporting Structure:
This position reports to the Director of Project Management and works closely
with divisional leadership.
Key Responsibilities:
Business Development & Client Relationship Management
1. Build and deepen relationships with key client stakeholders to create a
sustainable pipeline and backlog aligned with financial targets. Key
stakeholders include:
a. Corporate decision-makers – enabling larger, enterprise-level
opportunities
Engineered for Impact™
b. Procurement and buyers – aligning requirements and supporting
proposal closeout
c. Site leaders – identifying, shaping, and securing site-specific work
2. Develop a strong understanding of each client’s priorities, invest in their
success, and identify how Salas O’Brien can help them achieve their goals
3. Serve as the primary point of contact for client stakeholders, ensuring a
responsive, low-friction client experience
4. Develop and deliver client-ready presentations that communicate
capabilities, summarize scope and schedule, and clearly outline risks,
recommendations, and required decisions
5. Provide high-level project updates to client stakeholders to maintain
alignment and transparency
6. Provide ongoing and annual updates to client stakeholders on Salas O’Brien
services and capabilities
7. Proactively identify and resolve client and project issues by facilitating
timely communication, managing conflict, and aligning stakeholders on
next steps
8. Develop account growth strategies, including introducing new services,
cross-selling, and expanding into additional client sites
9. Partner with internal stakeholders to define pursuit strategies and
strengthen proposals
Strategic Leadership:
1. Demonstrate leadership behaviors that reinforce the company’s core
values
2. Serve as a visible ambassador of the firm with clients, partners, and
industry organizations
3. Partner across the Cincinnati division, the broader Business Unit, and other
divisions to win and deliver work as One Salas O’Brien
4. Support business planning by defining, tracking, and reporting key
performance indicators (KPIs)
Engineered for Impact™
Contract Negotiation & Management
1. Facilitate negotiations for client contracts, ensuring mutually beneficial
agreements
2. Structure contracts that drive business forward while maintaining
profitability
3. Collaborate with internal leadership and project teams to ensure contract
terms align with operational capabilities
4. Monitor contract performance and identify opportunities for renewal and
expansion
Team Leadership & Development
1. Coach and mentor project managers and client-facing seller-doers to
strengthen capabilities and performance
2. Create a collaborative, accountable team environment that promotes
ownership and continuous improvement
3. Partner with internal stakeholders to align communication and priorities
and drive efficient execution across teams
Cross-Functional Collaboration
1. Collaborate closely with divisional leadership team to align activities with
overall company strategy and ensure growth targets and profit goals are
met
2. Coordinate with project delivery teams to ensure a seamless transition
from sales through execution and strong project performance across the
Cincinnati division, the broader Business Unit, and other divisions
3. Collaborate with Marketing and Business Development to develop
marketing collateral, engage clients, and represent the firm at industry
events and tradeshows
Engineered for Impact™
Required Qualifications:
Education & Experience
1. Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field
2. Minimum 15+ years of progressive technical experience, preferably in
engineering, automation, construction, or related technical services
3. 5-10 years’ experience in a Program, Project Management, or Business
Development Role
4. Proven track record of achieving growth targets and managing complex
relationships
5. Experience in at least two of the following markets: Agricultural,
Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverage, Chemical, Consumer Products, or
Metal
6. Proven experience managing enterprise clients in a program level role
Technical & Professional Skills
1. Strong understanding of engineering, automation, procurement and
construction services
2. Demonstrated experience successfully executing the development and
closure of proposal opportunities.
3. Demonstrated experience in contract structuring and negotiation
4. Excellent analytical skills with ability to conduct market research and trend
analysis
5. Proven track record of successfully managing clients and conflict
management
6. Strong financial acumen and understanding of project profitability metrics
7. Advanced skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
Engineered for Impact™
Core Competencies
1. Relationship building and management
2. Excellent communication and presentation skills
3. Strategic thinking and planning
4. Cross-functional collaboration
5. Results-oriented mindset
6. Adaptability and resourcefulness
7. Proven Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
8. Ability to inspire and motivate team members toward common goals
Performance Metrics
1. Achievement of annual goals and growth targets
2. Client retention and expansion rates
3. New business acquisition metrics
4. Contract win rates and profitability margins
Behaviors

• Customer Focus – Demonstrates an understanding of client needs in

industrial environments and delivers technical solutions that emphasize
safety, reliability, compliance, and long-term value.

• Passion for Growth – Continuously develops technical, industry, and

consulting skills to support personal effectiveness and firm growth

• Leadership Impact – Influences project outcomes through sound

engineering/technical judgment, professionalism, and accountability

• Communication – Clearly communicates technical information, project

status, issues, recommendations, etc. to clients and internal stakeholders

• Ownership – Takes responsibility for quality, schedule, and deliverables

within assigned work scope
Engineered for Impact™

• Act With Urgency – Demonstrates a proactive sense of urgency in

addressing client needs, project issues, and commitments while
maintaining safety and quality standards

• Teamwork – Works collaboratively across disciplines to deliver integrated

and collaborative technical solutions

• Technical Excellence – Applies solid engineering /technical fundamentals,

codes, standards, and best practices to projects

• Functional Excellence – Executes work processes efficiently using tools,

systems, and methodologies
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Work Model: Hybrid
Travel: This position requires regular travel to client sites, industry conferences,
SO Division sites and company meetings. Travel is estimated up to 50% of the
time.
https://salasobrien.com/benefits/