DLR Group
National Mission Critical Client Leader
DLR Group, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
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National Mission Critical Client Leader
role at
DLR Group
DLR Group is an integrated design firm with a promise to elevate the human experience through design. This fuels the work we do around the world and inspires our mission to improve the lives of our clients, our communities, and our planet. If this sparks your interest, you’re in the right place.
Position Summary DLR Group is seeking a Client Leader for our rapidly expanding Mission‑Critical practice to drive strategic growth, nurture client partnerships, and lead project success. In this role, you will help shape the future of digital infrastructure and operationally essential environments from hyperscale data centers to emergency operations and high‑performance industrial facilities.
As a trusted advisor and relationship builder, you will guide clients through complex technical programs, ensuring alignment between their mission, operational demands, and the integrated design solutions we deliver. You will serve as a market‑facing leader who elevates our practice brand, expands key client partnerships, and champions excellence in project delivery and client satisfaction. Our firm operates within a hybrid work model, supporting flexibility between office time and work from home. Live somewhere other than the listed locations? DLR Group has a network of 30+ studios across the United States. For this role, we encourage exceptional applicants nationwide.
Responsibilities Lead Client Relationships & Strategic Growth
Cultivate and expand relationships with mission‑critical clients, hyperscale operators, colocation providers, and critical operations agencies
Serve as a trusted advisor, deeply understanding client mission, technical requirements, risk profiles, and operational priorities
Lead strategic pursuits, including qualification packages, proposals, interviews, and relationship‑building initiatives
Drive Project & Financial Success
Guide project execution from early strategy through post‑occupancy, ensuring alignment with quality, schedule, and budget goals
Partner with Project Managers on staffing plans, fee development, resourcing, and scope management
Oversee invoicing, accounts receivable, and financial performance across multiple projects and clients
Manage contract negotiations, amendments, and change requests with a focus on clarity, transparency, and value
Champion Integrated Project Delivery
Collaborate closely with Design Leaders, engineers, and technical specialists to integrate client goals with design excellence
Facilitate decision‑making and communication across internal and external teams
Support seamless coordination between technical disciplines, vendors, and specialty consultants unique to mission‑critical delivery
Serve as a Mission Critical Market Voice
Represent DLR Group in industry organizations, thought‑leadership forums, and client events
Monitor industry trends, including energy, resiliency, sustainability, cybersecurity, and technology, to inform client solutions
Help position DLR Group as a leader in the mission‑critical space through relationships, advocacy, and market intelligence
Inspire Teams & Elevate Practice Culture
Foster a collaborative and accountable team environment with a focus on client service and technical excellence
Mentor staff on client engagement, proposal strategy, and project leadership skills
Support the advancement of DLR Group’s integrated design model and ESOP culture
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Construction Management, or a related field (professional licensure or certification strongly preferred)
10+ years of AEC industry experience, including 5+ years in a client‑facing role and proven experience in mission‑critical or technically intensive sectors
Experience managing large‑scale programs or portfolios for mission‑critical, industrial, or hyperscale clients
Strong understanding of business development, contract negotiation, financial management, and project delivery practices
Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and presentation skills
Ability to travel occasionally to support client and project needs
Must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship
Our comprehensive Benefits at DLR Group include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401(k) plan, employee stock ownership, and bonus opportunities. Compensation considerations are based on location, experience, and skills. The suggested pay range for this position is: $145,000 - $185,000 USD.
DLR Group follows a four‑day in‑office work model, with employees having the flexibility to work somewhere other than the office on Fridays.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/M/F/Veteran/Disabled employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
National Mission Critical Client Leader
role at
DLR Group
DLR Group is an integrated design firm with a promise to elevate the human experience through design. This fuels the work we do around the world and inspires our mission to improve the lives of our clients, our communities, and our planet. If this sparks your interest, you’re in the right place.
Position Summary DLR Group is seeking a Client Leader for our rapidly expanding Mission‑Critical practice to drive strategic growth, nurture client partnerships, and lead project success. In this role, you will help shape the future of digital infrastructure and operationally essential environments from hyperscale data centers to emergency operations and high‑performance industrial facilities.
As a trusted advisor and relationship builder, you will guide clients through complex technical programs, ensuring alignment between their mission, operational demands, and the integrated design solutions we deliver. You will serve as a market‑facing leader who elevates our practice brand, expands key client partnerships, and champions excellence in project delivery and client satisfaction. Our firm operates within a hybrid work model, supporting flexibility between office time and work from home. Live somewhere other than the listed locations? DLR Group has a network of 30+ studios across the United States. For this role, we encourage exceptional applicants nationwide.
Responsibilities Lead Client Relationships & Strategic Growth
Cultivate and expand relationships with mission‑critical clients, hyperscale operators, colocation providers, and critical operations agencies
Serve as a trusted advisor, deeply understanding client mission, technical requirements, risk profiles, and operational priorities
Lead strategic pursuits, including qualification packages, proposals, interviews, and relationship‑building initiatives
Drive Project & Financial Success
Guide project execution from early strategy through post‑occupancy, ensuring alignment with quality, schedule, and budget goals
Partner with Project Managers on staffing plans, fee development, resourcing, and scope management
Oversee invoicing, accounts receivable, and financial performance across multiple projects and clients
Manage contract negotiations, amendments, and change requests with a focus on clarity, transparency, and value
Champion Integrated Project Delivery
Collaborate closely with Design Leaders, engineers, and technical specialists to integrate client goals with design excellence
Facilitate decision‑making and communication across internal and external teams
Support seamless coordination between technical disciplines, vendors, and specialty consultants unique to mission‑critical delivery
Serve as a Mission Critical Market Voice
Represent DLR Group in industry organizations, thought‑leadership forums, and client events
Monitor industry trends, including energy, resiliency, sustainability, cybersecurity, and technology, to inform client solutions
Help position DLR Group as a leader in the mission‑critical space through relationships, advocacy, and market intelligence
Inspire Teams & Elevate Practice Culture
Foster a collaborative and accountable team environment with a focus on client service and technical excellence
Mentor staff on client engagement, proposal strategy, and project leadership skills
Support the advancement of DLR Group’s integrated design model and ESOP culture
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Construction Management, or a related field (professional licensure or certification strongly preferred)
10+ years of AEC industry experience, including 5+ years in a client‑facing role and proven experience in mission‑critical or technically intensive sectors
Experience managing large‑scale programs or portfolios for mission‑critical, industrial, or hyperscale clients
Strong understanding of business development, contract negotiation, financial management, and project delivery practices
Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and presentation skills
Ability to travel occasionally to support client and project needs
Must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship
Our comprehensive Benefits at DLR Group include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401(k) plan, employee stock ownership, and bonus opportunities. Compensation considerations are based on location, experience, and skills. The suggested pay range for this position is: $145,000 - $185,000 USD.
DLR Group follows a four‑day in‑office work model, with employees having the flexibility to work somewhere other than the office on Fridays.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/M/F/Veteran/Disabled employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr