Innovation Development Director - Midwest Region (MWR

Innovation Development Director
- Midwest Region (MWR)

The Director of Innovation & Transformation is a senior leader responsible for developing and implementing the regional strategy of innovation for the Midwest Region (MWR), coordinating and advising MWR Senior Leadership, Global Practice (GP) Managers, and Corporate Innovation resources. The MWR Innovation Director will lead initiatives that transform the way Burns & McDonnell delivers value to clients and operates as a business, with a focus on efficiency, speed, risk management, and meeting rapidly evolving client needs across all practices represented in the region.

This position can be located at any of our MWR offices
- Chesterfield, MO;
Akron, OH; or Columbus, OH

Primary duties of the MWR Innovation Director include:

• Lead the identification, development and implementation of the MWR regional strategy for transformative innovation across all Global Practices and M&S functions.
• Drive alignment of MWR innovation objectives with overall Corporate, Global Practice and Regional goals, ensuring a strong linkage to business drivers and the MWR vision of success.
• Challenge existing processes, methodologies, and mindset to rethink how we do business and execute projects for our clients.
• Develop and implement the MWR "Innovation Operating System", a structured framework that makes innovation an integral element in the functioning of the entire region, repeatable, measurable, and scalable. This includes the following elements:
  Culture and Environment: foster characteristics such as teamwork, experimentation, creativity, customer focus, efficiency, and a "no fear of failure" mindset.
• Leadership Commitment: establish leadership actions, behaviors, and recognition systems that reinforce innovation.
• Methodologies and Tools: apply approaches such as design thinking, Agile, incubators, and innovation challenges, as well as advanced capabilities including AI/ML, digital twin simulation, automation programming, etc.
• Infrastructure and Processes: establish roles and responsibilities, innovation project coordination, training programs, tracking systems, and ongoing assessment of innovative performance.
• Establish measurable performance indicators for innovation success, such as cost savings, cycle time reduction, client satisfaction scores, new revenue generation, and employee engagement in innovation initiatives.
• Serve as the central decision-maker for MWR innovation pilot investments and resource allocation, coordinating with Regional Leadership.
• Interface and coordinate with MWR leadership, GP Managers, and the Corporate Innovation Office to ensure alignment, collaboration, and leverage of available resources.
• Guide and develop innovation champions and shared experts across MWR Global Practices to support transformation, with responsibility to indirectly lead a network of champions initially and potentially directly lead a dedicated innovation team in the future as the function grows.
• Manage and drive MWR Innovation related OKRs to align with Corporate, Regional, and GP-level key results while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Identify and deliver near-term "quick wins" as well as long-term, step-change innovations that improve project execution, client experience, and business results.
• Collaborate with clients and project teams to implement innovative solutions that directly enhance client outcomes, strengthen long-term relationships, and create shared value beyond internal efficiencies.
• Directly engage clients to co-develop innovative solutions, positioning Burns & McDonnell as a partner of choice for transformative programs.
• Explore external partnerships with startups, vendors, and technology providers (e.g., AI, robotics, digital platforms) to bring cutting-edge capabilities into the MWR and accelerate our position as an innovation leader.
• Develop and implement training strategies, content, and programs to build innovation capability across all levels and roles.
• Serve as the conduit for knowledge-sharing across the North Super Region and Corporate Innovation resources, ensuring the MWR leverages best practices and lessons learned.
• Promote community engagement and thought leadership by representing the MWR in innovation-focused forums, industry associations, universities, and community initiatives to strengthen Burns & McDonnell's brand as an innovation leader.
• Provide input and feedback to performance management processes and recognition programs tied to innovation contributions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or related field from an accredited program.
• Minimum 14 years of professional experience in engineering, consulting, or related industries, with exposure to multiple business practices or functions.
• Demonstrated experience leading organizational change, innovation initiatives, or large-scale business transformation.
• Previous experience in project management or cross-functional leadership is highly preferred.
• Excellent oral and written…