Networks, Integration & Automation (NIA) Department Manager

The Department Manager is responsible for the managerial direction and leadership of the Networks, Integration & Automation (NIA) Department within the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Global Practice in Kansas City. This role supports and executes business strategy, develops high-performing teams, and promotes the Burns & McDonnell culture, values, and mission.

The NIA Department Manager leads the department in a dynamic and profitable manner, grounded in Burns & McDonnell’s core values of client satisfaction, commitment, dedication, integrity, safety, and outstanding service. This leader translates business direction into clear priorities, staffing plans, and execution expectations, building a workforce that is change-ready, value-focused, and curiosity-driven.

Department Leadership & Business Direction

• Provide leadership to the team; direct and coordinate work assignments and review performance to ensure efficient, cost-effective utilization of staff.

• Support and execute NIA and T&D business strategy by translating direction into department priorities, operating rhythms, and measurable expectations.

• Drive profitable growth by ensuring staff levels, staff loading, and staff assignments meet project requirements while maintaining billable/chargeability goals.

• Implement, apply, and support company and global practice programs and initiatives; successfully navigate and manage change within the department.

Financial Acumen & Operational Performance

• Achieve stated targets and standards for financial performance.

• Manage departmental budget and fund expenditures.

• Prepare and present workload and periodic operational reports to global practice, business line, and/or regional leadership and applicable project managers (e.g., utilization, staffing outlook, hiring plan, key risks).

• Use resource forecasting and workload planning to anticipate constraints early and reduce reactive staffing and delivery risk.

Talent, Performance, and Culture

• Recruit, develop, train, and retain staff.

• Conduct performance evaluations and address performance issues in partnership with HR.

• Establish clear expectations and accountability; provide leadership, guidance, and instruction to the department.

• Interpret policies, purposes, and goals of the organization to staff.

• Foster a positive, connected, high-performance culture aligned to Burns & McDonnell values; build transparency and consistency in people decisions.

• Identify capability gaps and partner with leadership to advance training and development that supports delivery needs.

Client Service, Growth, and Technical Excellence

• Provide expert-level technical/design guidance and support appropriate to discipline and role.

• Collaborate with business development managers, business line leads, project managers, and proposal teams to secure work aligned with staff capacity and capability.

• Ensure adherence to QA/QC processes and continuous improvement of delivery quality.

Safety, Compliance, and Employment Practices

• Ensure compliance with company and site safety policies.

• Maintain compliance with equal employment opportunity initiatives and fair, consistent employment practices.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, construction or related degree from an accredited program and 7 years of related professional experience in design and/or project management by July 1, 2026 required.

• Professional engineering registration is preferred.

• Proven leadership in developing and implementing a vision.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, and analytical / problem-solving skills.

• Ability to handle difficult situations with tact, poise, and discernment.

• Proven planning, organizing, and execution skills.

• Strong preference for the following:

• Burns & McDonnell recruiting experience.

• Experience in giving and receiving performance feedback for those they work with.

• Familiarity with tools/technology such as Pivot Tables, Data Models, Office 365 apps, and other efficiency/data tracking tools.

• Ability to influence, lead, and manage change thoughtfully and positively.

• History of high performance as demonstrated and documented in the Burns & McDonnell performance management system.

• Position to be located in Kansas City.