JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

KLE is seeking a hands-on operational leader with the vision to scale. This role is ideal for a proven manager with a strong project management and engineering background. The Manager will have ownership of key segments of our operations and P&L, driving performance, accountability, and collaboration across the business and with our clients. The Manager serves as the central point of integration with operations, driving consistency in process, design standards, and program outcomes.​

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LOCATION

This is a hands-on leadership position that requires in-office collaboration in southeast Michigan and travel for client and team meetings across the United States.

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OVERVIEW OF DUTIES

The successful Project Manager will:

• Lead a team of 5 – 20 engineers, designers, project managers, and other project support roles.

• Manage multiple programs, ensuring alignment with company goals and client requirements.

• Develop and monitor project plans, schedules, budgets, and performance metrics.

• Ensure all work is performed to the highest degree of safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.

• Develop systems & processes to ensure safe and efficient operations.

• Own the P&L for revenue-generating activities. Deliver operational performance against income statement targets.

• Develop and adhere to cost budgets, revenue forecasts, and gross profitability goals.

• Monitor escalated issues from the operational teams, intervening as needed to ensure operational goals are achieved.

• Provide operational insights to the executive team and ownership.

• Collaborate with other KLE departments on company-wide initiatives. Lead initiatives as appropriate.

• Promote collaboration, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement.

• Support hiring, onboarding, and performance management within the engineering/programs team. Validate appropriate levels of supervision are always in place.

• Empower and enable employees to grow and learn.

• Engage in high-level client interactions to resolve escalated issues.

• Seek new business development opportunities.

• Recommend modification to the organization's policies and processes to increase efficiency, safety and/or quality. Lead the implementation of changes as appropriate.

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DESIRED LEADERSHIP TRAITS

High-energy and proactive, with a bias for action and problem-solving.

• Approachable and people-oriented; able to build rapport across all levels.

• Collaborative mindset that values teamwork and open communication.

• Comfortable balancing technical detail with big-picture program delivery.

• Positive presence who sets the tone for engagement and performance.

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (civil, electrical, or mechanical preferred) or related field, electrical highly desired.

• Power and gas utility experience desired.

• More than 10 years of applicable experience.

• Strong knowledge of engineering design, project management practices, and construction coordination.

• Proven experience managing multiple projects or programs simultaneously.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Ability to mentor and provide informal leadership for less experienced staff.

• Shows potential to assume a director-level position.