Technology & Innovation Director - Environmental Services (Kansas City)

Description

• Collaborate with clients and project teams to implement innovative solutions that directly enhance client outcomes, strengthen long-term relationships, and create shared value beyond internal efficiencies.
• Lead the evaluation of software tools and technologies for compatibility with business needs and value metrics.
• Interface and coordinate with ENS leadership, RO Managers, and the Corporate Innovation Office to ensure alignment, collaboration, and leverage of available resources.
• Develop and implement the ENS structured framework that makes innovation an integral element in the functioning of the entire Global Practice repeatable, measurable, and scalable. This includes the following elements:
• Methodologies and Tools: apply approaches such as design thinking, Agile, incubators, and innovation challenges, as well as advanced capabilities including AI/ML, digital twin simulation, automation programming, etc.
• Drive alignment of ENS innovation objectives with overall Corporate, Global Practice and Regional goals, ensuring a strong linkage to business drivers and the ENS vision of success.
• Manage and drive ENS Innovation related OKRs to align with Corporate and Regional level key results while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Serve as the conduit for knowledge-sharing across the Global Practices and Corporate Innovation resources, ensuring that ENS leverages best practices and lessons learned.
• Lead the identification, development and implementation of the ENS Global Practice strategy for transformative innovation across all Regional Offices and Service Lines.
• Directly engage clients, in partnership with project and account teams, to co-develop innovative solutions, positioning Burns & McDonnell as a partner of choice for transformative programs.
• Infrastructure and Processes: establish roles and responsibilities, innovation project coordination, training programs, tracking systems, and ongoing assessment of innovative performance.
• Culture and Environment: foster characteristics such as teamwork, experimentation, creativity, customer focus, efficiency, and a “no fear of failure” mindset.
• Identify and deliver near-term “quick wins” as well as long-term, step-change innovations that improve project execution, client experience, and business results.
• Explore external partnerships with startups, vendors, and technology providers (e.g., AI, robotics, digital platforms) to bring cutting-edge capabilities into the ENS and accelerate our position as an innovation leader.
• Serve as the central decision-maker for ENS innovation pilot investments and resource allocation, coordinating with ENS Senior Leadership.
• Develop and implement training strategies, content, and programs to build innovation capability across all levels and roles.
• Establish measurable performance indicators for innovation success, such as cost savings, margin enhancement, cycle time reduction, client satisfaction scores, new revenue generation, and employee engagement in innovation initiatives.
• Leadership Commitment: establish leadership actions, behaviors, and recognition systems that reinforce innovation.
• Provide input and feedback to performance management processes and recognition programs tied to innovation contributions. and Senior Level Employee Owners within the Programs Section.
• Guide and develop innovation champions and shared experts across ENS Regional Offices to support transformation, with responsibility to indirectly lead a network of champions initially and potentially directly lead a dedicated innovation team in the future as the function grows.
• Promote community engagement and thought leadership by representing ENS in innovation-focused forums and industry associations to strengthen Burns & McDonnell’s brand as an innovation leader.

Requirements

• Experience developing and implementing new methodologies, tools, or processes across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Previous experience in project management or cross-functional leadership is highly preferred.
• Master Degree preferred.
• Experience evaluating proposed investments in commercially available or internally developed software tools and technologies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills; and ability to clearly and effectively present complex information to all levels of employees, management, and clients.
• Knowledge of SQL queries & Python scripting preferred.
• Ability to thoughtfully and positively influence, inspire, and develop others while managing change.
• Candidates must possess a strategic perspective, strong business management skills, and demonstrate creativity and foresight in anticipating and solving problems.
• Bachelor Degree in Business, management, engineering, architecture, construction, computer science, finance or related degree from accredited program and 14 years related professional experience, experience in construction, architecture, engineering innovation and business development experience a plus.
• Demonstrated experience leading organizational change, innovation initiatives, or large-scale business transformation.
• Expertise in applying emerging AI, machine learning, and automation technologies to optimize workflows and deliver measurable improvements in design, data processing, and business reporting preferred.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance