Assistant Department Manager - Overhead Transmission

We are seeking an Assistant Department Manager to lead and grow our overhead transmission design engineering team in the Upper Midwest Region. This is a dual-role position combining hands-on overhead transmission design engineering with the managerial direction and development of interns, designers, and engineers within the Transmission Department.

The successful candidate will balance technical delivery with people leadership including mentoring a growing team, supporting client relationships and pursuits, and driving initiatives that improve quality, efficiency, and profitability across the department. This role reports to Transmission Department management.

Technical & Project Delivery

• Perform overhead transmission design engineering duties in support of active projects.
• Demonstrate creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in anticipating and resolving technical and organizational problems.
• Provide input on areas of concern and direction to advance productivity goals, budgets, and quality standards.
• Champion an innovative culture that challenges the status quo and leverages tools, technology, and processes to drive continuous improvement.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide managerial direction and leadership to interns, designers, and engineers.
• Recruit, develop, train, and retain engineering talent.
• Coordinate team and mentor assignments with the Transmission Department Manager, project managers, and project engineers to ensure efficient, cost-effective staff utilization.
• Conduct performance reviews and development conversations, including 90-day and annual appraisals, mid-year reviews, coaching sessions, and performance improvement plans.
• Identify training needs and support or develop departmental training programs, collaborating with other departments on shared training initiatives.
• Foster a healthy, vibrant employee-owner culture through sound team-building practices, effective conflict resolution, promotion of an ownership mentality, healthy work-life balance, and community engagement.
• Interpret organizational policies, purpose, and goals for staff.

Safety & Culture

• Advocate for safety within the department and reinforce safety as a shared responsibility.
• Actively foster a culture grounded in our Burns & McDonnell principles, quality, diversity and inclusion, and team cohesion.

Business Development & Operations

• Assist with developing new clients and maintaining existing client relationships.
• Assist with developing and reviewing proposals.
• Support the Transmission Department Management team in developing business initiatives that improve profitability and efficiency.
• Approve timecards and ensure billable time goals are met.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Transmission Department management and senior management.

• Bachelor Degree in engineering, architecture, construction or related degree from accredited program and 5 years related professional experience in design and/or project management required.
• Previous leadership and/or management experience is preferable.
• Must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to clearly and effectively present complex information to all levels of employees, management, and clients.
• Position requires the ability to thoughtfully and positively influence, lead, and manage change.
• Must possess strong project management skills and a strategic perspective.
• Must be expert in the use of computer software (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).