Department Manager - Transmission (Northeast Region)
Burns & Mcdonnell
Multinational design‑build firm delivering critical infrastructure through engineering, architecture and construction.
Lead and manage the Northeast Region Transmission Department, driving safety, growth, and client satisfaction.
6 days ago ago
Experienced (8-12 years)
Full Time
Newton, MA
Hybrid
Company Size
13,500 Employees
Service Specialisms
Engineering
Construction Services
Project Management
Consulting
Architecture
Design
Technical Services
Turnkey
Sector Specialisms
Aviation
Commercial, Retail & Institutional
Environmental
Government & Military
Manufacturing & Industrial
Mining & Minerals
Oil, Gas & Chemicals
Power
Role
Description
quality control
proposal development
technical advisory
project management
root cause analysis
standardization
Ensure corporate and T&D quality initiatives are implemented which includes coordinating with other departments and Project Managers to assign quality control reviewers.
Regularly review team utilization of staff to make sure employees have a clear path of development and support and are adequately leveraged and empowered to their strengths and skillsets.
Support sales and marketing activities for projects & pursuits. Responsible for client maintenance and coordination. Assist with and lead technical aspects of proposal efforts including hour estimates.
Provide technical mentorship to the transmission group to ensure they can effectively perform their job duties in a high-quality manner.
Monitor progress on projects and provide input into areas of concern and direction or redirection to enhance achievement of project schedules, productivity goals, budgets, and quality.
Serve as the technical advisor, provide senior-level input and evaluation on transmission engineering projects.
Make intentional efforts to maintain personal technical proficiency and connection to the core business line.
Prioritize recruitment and proactively recruit experienced hires and new grads with the use of internal and external networks, online tools, references & HR support.
In coordination with T&D NER leadership, evaluate and assess candidates to hire high performing NER employee owners while maintaining focus on the retention of current staff.
Perform a bi-annual SWOT analysis of the department, and work with NER T&D management to provide input into the annual Transmission Business Plan.
Ensure profitable and sound growth. Achieve stated targets and standards for financial performance.
Drive a culture focused on safety and compliance with company and site safety policies.
Work with Human Resources and staff to identify, prepare, communicate, and monitor performance plans for employees with areas of needed improvement.
Oversight and management of chargeability and proper investment of overhead labor and costs.
May serve as project manager for key technical projects where required.
Continuously educate the department about the various career paths offered within T&D, and work with employee owners to help them develop the knowledge, skills, abilities, and opportunities to pursue their desired career path.
Regularly coordinate and collaborate with business line management and technical management across the company to build cohesion and tie the needs of our people to the needs of our business.
Organize, lead, and conduct the annual performance appraisal process for department staff.
Travel regularly to NER offices which have Transmission EO’s.
Interpret and establish policies, procedures, and strategic goals for the group in collaboration with management.
Develop and foster an innovation culture that challenges the norm and utilizes tools, technology, and processes to drive continuous improvement and efficiency.
Purposefully interview, assess, and hire prospective candidates while remaining diligent to uncover and combat unconscious bias throughout the entire interview process.
Recommend changes in basic structure and organization of the group to ensure the effective fulfillment of objectives assigned to it.
Coordinate and promote transmission consistency across all NER offices.
Coordinate shared client work with other T&D departments and regional offices.
Proactively share information with the department, and continually look for ways to better dissemination. Help transmission staff develop and grow relationships with internal contacts, internal technical experts, and external vendors. Develop and establish a personal network of internal relationships with BMcD’s transmission group and NER T&D team.
Lead a dynamic department with a focus on creating an atmosphere and environment for all.
Establish and proactively communicate to staff the vision, expectations, requirements, processes, and guidelines to meet department, global practice, regional and company objectives.
Evaluate project opportunities and facilitate go/no-go decisions in cooperation with NER leadership and T&D practice leadership based on resource availability.
Responsible for the onboarding process for all the employee owners transitioning into Transmission. This includes but is not limited to interns, new graduates, experienced hires, transfers and converted contract employees.
Perform Root Cause analysis for Poor Quality Projects, Construction Issues, and Organizational Challenges.
Actively foster a culture based on our MacCulture principles, quality, diversity and inclusion, and team cohesion and camaraderie.
Advocate for staff by meeting regularly, listening to their short- and long-term goals and providing guidance, direction, and facilitation of opportunities to meet those goals.
Meet with staff quarterly, at a minimum, to discuss real-time performance driving continuous improvement.
Identify training needs and support training programs in collaboration with WHQ and other regionals.
Support T&D & BMcD’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Support Human Resources on educational partnerships and internship programs.
Coordinate work in the department which includes making assignments and reviewing performance to ensure the efficient, cost-effective utilization of staff.
Requirements
transmission
bachelor's
7+yrs
professional engineer
leadership
problem solving
Demonstrated technical ability in transmission engineering design.
Ability to influence, lead, and manage change thoughtfully and positively.
Ability to handle difficult situations with tact, poise, and discernment.
Bachelor's degree in a related field. Minimum 7 years of Overhead/Underground Transmission Experience and/or Structural Civil engineering/design experience. Other qualifications include:
Possess strong strategic perspective of the industry.
Demonstrate creativity, foresight and mature judgment in anticipating and solving problems.
Registration as a professional engineer, or currently pursuing professional registration required.
Ability to clearly and effectively present complex information to all levels of employees, management, and clients.
Proven leadership in developing and implementing vision that have brought positive impact.
Previous personnel management experience is preferred.
Ability to solve multi-layered complex resource, projects, and or performance challenges.
Proven collaboration, facilitation and organization problem solving skills in previous roles.
Demonstrated excellent written & verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, planning, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Benefits
Information not given or found
Training + Development
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Interview process
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Visa Sponsorship
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Security clearance
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Company
Overview
1898 Founded
Year of Establishment
The company was established in 1898 by two Stanford engineers to address early city water and sewer challenges in Kansas.
$7 Billion
Annual Revenue
By 2023, the company achieved $7 billion in revenue, managing nearly 19,000 projects across various industries.
#1 Ranked
ENR Ranking
The company is ranked #1 in data-center and power engineering by ENR, highlighting its leadership in mission-critical infrastructure.
The firm grew steadily from municipal roots, evolving into a global design‑build leader with integrated engineering, architecture, and construction services.
Headquartered in Kansas City, it has expanded its operations to more than 75 offices worldwide, including locations in the US, Canada, UK, UAE, India, and the Middle East.
It specializes in sectors such as water, power, transportation, aviation, manufacturing, and oil & gas, undertaking projects ranging from airports to chemical facilities.
Its full‑service model encompasses consulting, design, procurement, construction, and commissioning, ensuring seamless project delivery from concept to operation.
The company is 100% employee‑owned, following a significant employee buyout in the 1980s that redefined its trajectory.
Culture + Values
We are committed to delivering an exceptional client experience by upholding the highest standards of safety, quality, and integrity.
We foster a culture of collaboration, where teamwork and communication drive results.
We are passionate about providing innovative solutions to our clients' challenges.
We value continuous improvement and hold ourselves accountable for the success of our projects.
We believe in a work environment where employees can thrive personally and professionally.
We are dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work.
Environment + Sustainability
Net Zero by 2050
Emissions Target
Committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
50% Reduction by 2030
Emissions Goal
Aims to reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions.
17% Emissions Reduction
Achievement in 2022
Reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to baseline levels.
Actively involved in designing and implementing renewable energy projects to help clients achieve their sustainability goals.
Offers energy-efficient solutions that reduce emissions and operational costs for clients.
Inclusion & Diversity
25% by 2030
Target for women in technical roles
The company aims to increase the percentage of women in technical roles.
25% workforce
Women representation
The workforce currently comprises 25% women.
Committed to creating an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered.
Has a comprehensive mentorship program aimed at increasing leadership representation of underrepresented groups.