Client Program Leader

Job Description:

SD Client Program Leader - Sioux Falls or Rapid City, SD

The Client Program Leader (CPL) serves as a strategic leader with primary responsibility for programmatically advancing AE2S's mission of delivering passionate client service and sustainable growth. The CPL will partner closely with Operations Directors, Client Development Director, Operations Managers, Practice Leaders, and Client Managers to drive coordinated business development strategies, strengthen AE2S's regional presence and enhance long-term client satisfaction.

Responsibilities

Client Experience Ownership

• Lead the Enhanced Client Feedback Program, working in conjunction with Project Managers and Client Managers.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for client challenges and concerns driving timely resolution and client satisfaction.
• Champion a culture of proactive client engagement through annual client surveys and other feedback mechanisms.

Strategic Client Growth Leadership

• Develop and maintain a 5-Year Geographic Vision, 3-Year Picture, and 1-Year Plan with defined sales goals and measurable outcomes.
• Advise Operations leadership on strategic staffing, office locations, and resource alignment to support growth.
• Collaborate with Practice Leaders to align on emerging technical trends, resource needs, and strategic opportunities within the geography — proactively coordinating pursuit strategies, identifying and recruiting key technical experts, and positioning the right talent to support priority clients and project opportunities.

Business Development Oversight

• Prioritize clients for indirect time investment, balancing effort with strategic value and long-term potential.
• Lead Client Action Planning initiatives to deepen relationships, identify opportunities, and drive growth.
• Coordinate AE2S representation at key industry conferences ensuring consistent brand and relationship presence.
• Coordinate out-of-geography resources, including Practice Leaders and Technical Specialists, to support client pursuits within the CPL's geography.

Business Development Pipeline Management

• Maintain visibility and accountability for opportunity tracking, pipeline updates, and sales forecasting within the CPL's geography.
• Guide pursuit strategies and lead the Go/No-Go process to ensure disciplined business development.

Market Intelligence & Strategic Awareness

• Stay informed on funding trends, legislative developments, and regulatory changes impacting the CPL's geography.
• Identify and cultivate strategic teaming opportunities to enhance competitiveness and expand AE2S's reach.
• Develop, manage, and implement growth strategies to strengthen AE2S's market and technical presence within the CPL's geography
• Share market intelligence insights and teaming opportunities with relevant stakeholders.

Project Delivery

• Maintain active engagement in your technical/engineering area of practice and project management.
• Dedicate approximately 20-30% of your time to billable project work to stay current with client needs, industry standards, and AE2S service delivery.

Success Metrics

• Achievement of short-term sales goals and long-term geographic growth objectives.
• Delivery of best-in-class client service, measured through client feedback, client retention, and AE2S reputation.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in client-facing roles within professional services, consulting, or engineering.
• Proven experience in project delivery and business development.
• Strong understanding of market dynamics, including funding, regulatory, and legislative environments.
• Excellent communication, strategic planning, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to travel within assigned geographic region as needed.
• Strong commitment to client service.
• Demonstrated experience in pursuing, positioning, preparing proposals and winning projects through the competitive RFP/Q process.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional licensure or certification (e.g., PE, PMP).
• Experience leading and executing client growth strategies.
• Proven success in managing complex client portfolios and driving long-term growth.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, project management tools, and data analytics platforms.
• Familiarity with industry-specific conferences and teaming strategies.
• Experience with internal reporting and performance tracking systems.

Physical Qualifications

• Ability to walk up to 3-miles on uneven terrain
• Ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
• Occasionally climb, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull light to moderate amounts of weight
• May require lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds, with rare lifting of up to 50 pounds
• Ability to inspect equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• May be required to wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) including but not limited to, flame resistant clothing, hard hat, and protective footwear
• May require occasional evenings and weekends with overtime expectations varying with workload
• May be required to travel to off-site locations including occasional overnight stays out of town

Elevate Your Career with AE2S – Award-Winning Culture and Unmatched Benefits

Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services (AE2S) is an award-winning, specialized civil/environmental consulting engineering firm that provides professional services and a unique brand of extreme client service. Our work environment is consistently recognized both locally and nationally for our great culture and values, proven recognition programs, and social atmosphere.

• Significant Opportunities to Grow and Advance
• Great Culture and Spirit where Creativity is Fostered
• Core Values which Speak to the Heart of AE2S and its Employees
• Large, Diverse, and Challenging Projects with the Latest Technology
• Family-Friendly with Flexibility and Work-Life Balance

AE2S offers more than just competitive compensation and a best-in-class insurance package to our employees and families; our benefit plan is one of the richest plans currently in the marketplace today

• 100-percent paid Family Health Insurance
• 100-percent paid Employee Dental, Short- & Long-Term Disability, and Vision Insurance
• Discretionary Bonus Plan
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Matching 401(k) Contributions
• Paid Time Off (PTO) Credits for Past Experience
• Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Program

AE2S is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Disability Employer

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