Area Manager - Upper Midwest

Who We Are:

RailPros is the premier provider of engineering and diversified safety services to America's rail and transit industry. Driven by a passion for our people, clients, and communities, we are committed to solving our customers' challenges and earning their trust through teamwork, continuous improvement, and service excellence. As a people first organization, we prioritize the safety, well being, and growth of our employees, fostering a culture of caring and support. We believe that when our people thrive, our company thrives.

Our mission is to enhance mobility, safety, and quality of life for residents, passengers, and partner companies. We do more than just provide services; we are constantly innovating and staying informed of industry developments to help our customers succeed. Join us in our shared goal of keeping America moving and ensuring customer satisfaction in an environment where your contributions are valued and your growth is encouraged. Apply now and become a part of our exciting journey!

Job Summary:

As the Area Manager- Upper Midwest for RailPros, you will play a key role in driving success and growth within your region. You will oversee responsibilities including managing project managers, client prospecting, business development, financial performance tracking, resource coordination, mentoring employees, and promoting communication. Additionally, you will assist with leadership responsibilities such as national conference presentations, organizational strategy, contract management, and growth planning. You will be instrumental in supporting leadership, client relations, project reviews, and pricing evaluations. The preferred candidate must live in IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, or WI.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Project and Program Delivery
  • Manage and produce deliverables as assigned.
  • Direct and produce assigned technical deliverables, ensuring accuracy, quality, and alignment with project requirements.
• Staff Management
  • Manage and supervise local area project managers.
  • Hiring of local project managers and coordination with area technical engineering staff.
• Client Prospecting & Cross-Selling:
  • Identify and pursue potential clients and business opportunities.
  • Promote cross-selling across service lines.
• Business Development & Sales Tracking:
  • Track and prioritize area business development activities. This will include attendance at local conferences, industry events, regular client visits, etc.
  • Lead a monthly business development call covering each major area client (opportunities, current projects, meetings, etc), area event attendance coordination, and other items as required.
  • Collaborate with the Business Development team to manage Tier 1 clients and shortlines.  Work together to develop a growth strategy.
  • Act as Capture Manager (leading the Engineering team alongside the Proposal Manager in the Marketing team) on selected proposals.
• Industry Events & Sponsorships:
  • Attend and track regional industry events and evaluate sponsorship opportunities to enhance company presence.
• Client/Project Financial Performance:
  • Work with finance and project managers to monitor financial performance and identify cost-saving opportunities.
  • Track and report client and project revenue.
• Resource Coordination & Staffing:
  • Coordinate Project Manager resource needs.
  • Ensure the right talent is allocated to area projects as appropriate – while engaging with the national discipline leads.
• Employee Mentoring & Engagement:
  • Foster a positive work environment through mentoring and engagement initiatives (group lunches, team events, etc.).
• Communication Strategy:
  • Implement and maintain effective communication between the area, region, and corporate headquarters.
• Training & Development:
  • Identify internal and external training opportunities to keep your team up to date with industry standards working with the national discipline leads.
• Client Satisfaction:
  • Maintain oversight of client relationships, ensuring satisfaction beyond individual projects or contracts.
• Organizational Leadership & Strategy:
  • Support leadership in strategic decision-making and organizational structuring.
  • Define and track area sales goals, growth planning, and resource allocation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Expertise in business development, financial oversight, and project management.
• Proficiency in budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to foster cross-functional collaboration and team engagement.
• Knowledge of industry trends, best practices, and networking opportunities.
• Established relationships within the area, including with consultants, clients, and teaming partners.
• Ability to travel up to 10% within the area and to clients, with occasional travel nationally.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil, structural, or another engineering discipline from an ABET accredited school
• 8+ years of leadership experience in regional or departmental roles within the rail engineering industry.
• Proven experience with business development, project management, and financial oversight within the rail industry.
• Experience managing client relationships, contracts, and budgets.
• Active involvement in professional organizations or technical committees

Additional Qualifications, Certifications, etc.:

• Master’s degree preferred
• Professional Engineering (PE) or Structural Engineering (SE) license preferred.
• Experience presenting at industry conferences and contributing to thought leadership.
• A solid understanding of principles, with experience working on multiple large phase rail projects.
• Ability to mentor staff in fundamentals of rail projects and sound engineering principles.

Why RailPros? Build Your Career Where Culture Leads The Way

• A People First Culture (Caring): At RailPros, you’re more than an employee; you’re part of a team driven by genuine care and respect. Our Align29 pillar of Caring reflects our deep commitment to supporting your growth, well being, and success every step of the way.
• A Workplace Where Your Voice Matters (Sharing): Our Sharing culture encourages transparency, active dialogue, and collaboration across every level of the company.
• A Company Invested in Your Growth (Progress): Through continuous improvement of our systems, processes, and operations, our Progress pillar ensures you have the tools and support to excel.
• An Innovative, Industry Leading Environment (Innovation): Our Innovation pillar fuels creative problem solving, modern technology adoption, and breakthrough thinking that positions RailPros as a leader in the rail and transit space.

Benefits & Perks:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Includes medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Additional Coverage Plans: Accident plan, critical illness plan, and hospital indemnity with employee to family coverage.
• Legal Shield, ID Shield, Pet Insurance: Added protection for you...and your pets.
• Life & Disability Insurance: Employer provided coverage with additional voluntary options available.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with employer match includes pre and post deduction options.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): With carryover each year.
• Paid Holidays: For full time employees.
• Wellness Programs: Access to wellness initiatives and resources.
• Discount Programs: Exclusive discounts on products and services.
• Company Merchandise Allowance: Company funded allowance for our online store.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA): With employer match.
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): Employer funded.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): For dependent care expenses.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Support for personal and professional challenges.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and career growth.
• Balanced Work Environment: A culture that respects boundaries so employees can recharge and bring their best selves to work.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continued education or professional development.
• Professional & Career Growth: Through mentorship, continuous training, career path partnerships, goal setting, and succession planning.
• Culture & Recognition: Employee spotlights, annual Service Excellence Awards, alignment committee, philanthropy opportunities, company events, monthly new hire calls, monthly newsletters, feedback surveys, and quarterly town halls.

Choose a career where your work truly matters. At RailPros, you’ll be part of a stable, growing industry and a team driven by strong core values. We collaborate, innovate, and stay ahead of industry changes to deliver exceptional service to our clients. Our culture is built on trust, continuous improvement, and practical problem solving.

If you’re passionate about making an impact and want to grow with a dedicated, supportive team, join us and contribute to our success.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

RailPros provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations unless doing so would impose undue hardship. For accommodation requests, contact [email protected].

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