Practice Leader

Join us as we Rise to the Challenge

At KCI, we’re building an enduring community that provides unparalleled value to our employee-owners. We make our mark designing and delivering our world-class solutions, so we invest deeply in supporting and developing our team. We reward integrity and commitment, and when we do well, you do well. Our employee’s have the freedom to innovate, unlimited growth, a voice that matters, a lifestyle that works, and skin in the game. Achievements are shared and celebrated. As a team, we are motivated to better ourselves, each other, and the world around us. 

THE COMPANY

KCI Technologies, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned engineering, consulting and construction firm serving clients throughout the United States. KCI is recognized as an industry leader, employing cutting-edge technologies, management practices and strategic growth initiatives. Employee ownership fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, encourages technical expertise, and shapes strategic planning.

KCI is currently ranked #53 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 design firms in the nation.

KCI BENEFITS INFORMATION

We offer a competitive compensation package, family friendly benefits, a collaborative working environment, and the training, mentoring and resources you need to advance in your career.

We understand that you have choices, and we know that together we will make a great team!

KCI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

KCI Technologies, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

We are seeking a highly motivated experienced Fire Protection Practice Leader to lead our Fire Protection discipline in the mid altantic region. This person will drive business growth and elevate our market presence. This leadership position blends technical expertise, operational leadership, and strong business development and marketing acumen to expand our client base, strengthen service offerings, and position the firm as a premier provider in the fire protection engineering and consulting market. 

Your key responsibilities include: 

Leadership and Management: 

• Lead the Fire Protection practice, including technical delivery, staffing, performance management, and long-term strategic planning. 

• Establish and implement practice-wide standards, processes, and quality assurance procedures. 

• Oversee project teams, providing guidance on fire protection engineering design, code consulting, life safety assessments, and system evaluation. 

• Collaborate with executive leadership to set annual goals, revenue targets, and market strategies. 

Business Development and Marketing: 

• Develop and execute a comprehensive business development plan to expand the firm’s presence in target markets (e.g., commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, government). 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, architects, contractors, developers, etc. 

• Identify, pursue, and secure new project opportunities through networking, presentations, proposals, and strategic partnerships. 

• Lead go/no-go decisions, proposal strategies, and fee development for major pursuits. 

• Represent the firm at industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events to enhance brand visibility. 

• Partner with the marketing team to craft compelling messaging, thought leadership content, and market-specific campaigns. 

• Contribute to white papers, webinars, case studies, and speaking engagements to strengthen the firm’s technical influence and reputation. 

• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and market conditions to guide marketing priorities and service positioning. 

• Support development of marketing collateral, qualification packages, and digital content focused on fire protection services. 

Client Relationship Management: 

• Develop and maintain customer relationships by soliciting monthly performance feedback, identifying client needs, and identifying the 

• next project. 

• Provide input for the annual business development plan to achieve sales target to the Regional Practice Leader. 

• Provide and review annual market research in preparation for annual business plan development. 

• Provide market trends to the Regional Practice Leader and Service Line Leader for strategic planning purposes. 

Project Management: 

• Oversee the planning, design, and review of fire alarm, fire suppression, life safety, and code compliance projects. 

• Provide expert-level guidance on performance-based design, NFPA codes, IBC/IFC requirements, etc. 

• Conduct quality control reviews to ensure technical excellence and compliance with industry standards. 

• Support resolution of complex technical challenges and client concerns. 

• Deliver all projects on time, within budget and at a high level of quality while fully meeting the scope. 

Financial Management: 

• Lead negotiations of contract terms, scopes, and fees with clients/subconsultants. 

• Lead project schedule development from inception to completion for projects with Practice. 

• Develop and contribute to periodic financial reports 

• Operate within specified corporate or project budget parameters. Provide input to unbilled work authorizations and forward to the Regional Practice Leader and operations manager. 

• Provide monthly cash management (WIP/AR) comments to Finance and the Project Management Office. 

• Provide weekly new project budget data to project analysts. 

Recruitment, Retention, and Professional Development: 

• Lead recruiting and retention efforts to attract and retain top talent within the practice. 

• Develop and deliver timely annual employee performance appraisals for assigned staff. 

• Mentor staff, leading in their training and development. 

Compliance and Reporting: 

• Comply with all KCI policies and procedures. 

• Ensure practice fulfills Quality Management System compliance requirements. 

• Participate and contribute to annual leadership meeting. 

• Participate in and contribute to applicable regional office forums. 

• Represent KCI in technical/industry and community organizations. 

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
• Bachelor’s Degree in related field (AEC Industry) and minimum of 7 years of related professional experience, or 11 years of equivalent professional experience.
• Progressive professional and increasing project management and organizational management experience.
• Proven experience in project management roles within the technical practice.
• Demonstrated leadership capability to build and lead teams of technical practitioners and/or project managers.
• Strong interpersonal as well as verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage budgets, project margins, and cash flow.
• Experience in business development, with a focus on maximizing client relationships and identifying growth opportunities.
• Commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence within the Practice.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions.
• Adaptability and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools use in the practice area.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to the service line.

Certificates, licenses, and/or Registrations Required:
• Ability to complete the KCI PM Training and Contract Training within six months of start date. 

Certificates, licenses, and/or Registrations Preferred:
• Professional license or certification within the field of expertise preferred.

Pre-employment drug screening and background check are conditions of employment. Motor vehicle checks may be required based upon position.