Client Leader - Justice + Civic or Public Safety

Location Options: Multiple locations across Texas

An established, multidisciplinary design and consulting organization is seeking a Senior Client Leader to oversee projects within the Justice, Civic, and Public Safety sectors. This leadership role blends business development, client management, and project delivery oversight, serving public-sector clients at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, relationship‑driven leader who excels at guiding large teams, managing complex building projects, and ensuring exceptional client experiences from initial engagement through project completion.

• Lead client relationships across justice, civic, and public safety markets, serving as a trusted advisor throughout the full project lifecycle.
• Support business development efforts, including participation in interviews, proposal responses, and presentations.
• Engage in client contract negotiations, fee development, scope discussions, and change management.
• Maintain consistent communication with clients, ensuring expectations, goals, and project parameters remain aligned.
  
  

• Manage execution of large-scale, multidisciplinary projects, ensuring alignment with scope, quality, schedule, and budget.
• Partner with project managers to define staffing, roles, responsibilities, and provide performance feedback.
• Lead project planning, scheduling, and milestone tracking across design and technical teams.
• Oversee invoicing, financial performance, forecasting, and account receivables for assigned projects.
• Facilitate meetings, coordinate consultants, and ensure accurate documentation throughout the process.
  
  

• Guide teams in developing high-quality design solutions across justice, civic, and public safety facility types.
• Ensure projects comply with industry standards, documented best practices, and sustainable design principles.
• Mentor and coach team members, fostering growth, technical excellence, and collaborative problem‑solving.
• Provide leadership in evaluating building systems, construction methods, site planning, and operational requirements.
• Support efforts related to facility assessments, resilience planning, cost-of-ownership analysis, and space planning.
  
  

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, or related field (professional licensure preferred).
• 10-12 years of professional experience in the AEC industry, with a minimum of 5 years in a client-facing leadership role.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, complex architectural or engineering projects from pursuit through closeout.
• Proven experience working with public-sector clients and navigating state and local jurisdictions.
• Strong business acumen, including strategic planning, resource management, financial oversight, and leadership.
• Expertise in design techniques, planning tools, and the development of technical drawings and models.
• Familiarity with construction materials, building codes, and regulatory processes.
• Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to actively listen, understand diverse perspectives, and navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Proficiency in project management or design software (e.g., Microsoft Suite; experience with platforms like Vantagepoint, Planifi, or equivalent tools is a plus).
  
  

• Trusted, ongoing partnerships with justice, civic, and public safety clients
• Smooth coordination between internal teams, consultants, and stakeholders
• Projects delivered with high quality, operational excellence, and financial success
• Strong contributions to business development and firm-wide growth initiatives
• Leadership that strengthens team performance, innovation, and a collaborative culture