Client Leader - Justice + Civic or Public Safety
Senior Client Leader - Justice, Civic & Public Safety
Location Options: Multiple locations across Texas
About the Role
An established, multidisciplinary design and consulting organization is seeking a Senior Client Leader to oversee projects within the Justice, Civic, and Public Safety sectors. This leadership role blends business development, client management, and project delivery oversight, serving public-sector clients at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels.
The ideal candidate is a strategic, relationship‑driven leader who excels at guiding large teams, managing complex building projects, and ensuring exceptional client experiences from initial engagement through project completion.
Key Responsibilities
Client Leadership & Business Development
- Lead client relationships across justice, civic, and public safety markets, serving as a trusted advisor throughout the full project lifecycle.
- Support business development efforts, including participation in interviews, proposal responses, and presentations.
- Engage in client contract negotiations, fee development, scope discussions, and change management.
- Maintain consistent communication with clients, ensuring expectations, goals, and project parameters remain aligned.
Project Oversight & Delivery
- Manage execution of large-scale, multidisciplinary projects, ensuring alignment with scope, quality, schedule, and budget.
- Partner with project managers to define staffing, roles, responsibilities, and provide performance feedback.
- Lead project planning, scheduling, and milestone tracking across design and technical teams.
- Oversee invoicing, financial performance, forecasting, and account receivables for assigned projects.
- Facilitate meetings, coordinate consultants, and ensure accurate documentation throughout the process.
Technical & Operational Leadership
- Guide teams in developing high-quality design solutions across justice, civic, and public safety facility types.
- Ensure projects comply with industry standards, documented best practices, and sustainable design principles.
- Mentor and coach team members, fostering growth, technical excellence, and collaborative problem‑solving.
- Provide leadership in evaluating building systems, construction methods, site planning, and operational requirements.
- Support efforts related to facility assessments, resilience planning, cost-of-ownership analysis, and space planning.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, or related field (professional licensure preferred).
- 10-12+ years of professional experience in the AEC industry, with a minimum of 5 years in a client-facing leadership role.
- Demonstrated ability to lead large, complex architectural or engineering projects from pursuit through closeout.
- Proven experience working with public-sector clients and navigating state and local jurisdictions.
- Strong business acumen, including strategic planning, resource management, financial oversight, and leadership.
- Expertise in design techniques, planning tools, and the development of technical drawings and models.
- Familiarity with construction materials, building codes, and regulatory processes.
- Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to actively listen, understand diverse perspectives, and navigate complex stakeholder environments.
- Proficiency in project management or design software (e.g., Microsoft Suite; experience with platforms like Vantagepoint, Planifi, or equivalent tools is a plus).
What Success Looks Like
- Trusted, ongoing partnerships with justice, civic, and public safety clients
- Smooth coordination between internal teams, consultants, and stakeholders
- Projects delivered with high quality, operational excellence, and financial success
- Strong contributions to business development and firm-wide growth initiatives
- Leadership that strengthens team performance, innovation, and a collaborative culture
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your CV and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organisations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your CV so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with CV and interview preparation. From customised support on how to optimise your CV to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.