Air Quality Department Lead
Job Title
Air Quality Department Lead
Company Description
Join a respected environmental consulting firm known for delivering high-quality compliance, permitting, and technical solutions to clients across a range of industries. This team is recognized for combining deep technical expertise with a practical, client-focused approach, helping organizations navigate complex regulations while supporting long-term operational success.
Location
Chicago, IL (Hybrid/Remote flexibility available)
Role Summary
The Air Quality Department Lead will provide strategic leadership for the firm's air quality practice while serving as a trusted advisor to key clients. This role is focused on department leadership, team development, client management, business development, and practice growth rather than day-to-day technical execution. The ideal candidate will bring strong industry relationships, a proven ability to develop business, and a passion for building and leading high-performing teams.
Responsibilities
- Lead and grow the Air Quality Department, driving strategic initiatives and market expansion
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and career development support to air quality staff
- Serve as a senior advisor and primary point of contact for key client relationships
- Develop and maintain strong partnerships with industrial, manufacturing, energy, and commercial clients
- Provide executive oversight for air permitting and compliance projects
- Collaborate with company leadership to establish department goals, growth strategies, and operational priorities
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities with existing and prospective clients
- Lead proposal development, client presentations, networking efforts, and contract negotiations
- Ensure successful project delivery through effective resource planning and team management
- Monitor regulatory developments and market trends to identify emerging opportunities
- Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and professional organizations
- Support recruiting, workforce planning, and succession planning initiatives
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field
- 10+ years of experience in air quality consulting, environmental compliance, or a related field
- Demonstrated success in a client-facing consulting role
- Strong understanding of air quality regulations and permitting programs
- Experience leading teams, departments, or technical practice areas
- Proven business development and client relationship management experience
- Strong communication, leadership, and presentation skills
- Ability to balance strategic priorities, client needs, and operational objectives
Preferred Qualifications
- Existing client relationships within industrial, manufacturing, energy, or commercial sectors
- Demonstrated success growing a consulting practice, department, or client portfolio
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex client accounts
- Background overseeing large-scale environmental compliance programs
- Experience recruiting, mentoring, and developing environmental professionals
What's in it for You
- High-impact leadership role with significant influence on department growth and direction
- Opportunity to lead an established air quality team while driving future expansion
- Strong mix of leadership, strategy, business development, and client engagement
- Collaborative and growth-focused consulting environment
- Competitive compensation: $130,000 - $200,000 base salary + bonus potential
- Comprehensive benefits including health, retirement, and PTO
- Opportunity to shape the future of a growing environmental consulting practice
How to Apply
Apply directly or send your resume with the subject line: Air Quality Department Lead - Chicago. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
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 resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, 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 resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with resume and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your resume to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.