Section Manager - Environmental Engineering; Upper Midwest

Environmental challenges facing industrial, utility, commercial, and government clients are increasingly complex – and addressing them requires experienced leaders who can combine technical excellence, project strategy, client partnership, and business growth. Burns & McDonnell is seeking a Section Manager to help expand and deliver Environmental Engineering services across the Upper Midwest Region. As a Section Manager, you will be a key leader in developing new business, delivering high-quality environmental engineering projects, and guiding multidisciplinary teams.

You will influence strategy, support client development, and set the tone for exceptional project execution in markets including industrial facilities, utilities, commercial, and local government agencies. Burns & McDonnell is a 100% employee-owned firm with a long legacy of delivering sustainable environmental solutions. You’ll have access to a network of more than 12,500 professionals across engineering, environmental, and construction disciplines – along with a culture that rewards initiative, collaboration, and an ownership mindset.

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients across sectors including oil/gas/chemical, utility, industrial, and local government clients.
• Identify, pursue, and win environmental engineering opportunities that align with regional and national strategies.
• Lead proposal development, client interview preparation, and overall capture planning.
• Stay informed on market drivers, client needs, regulatory changes, and emerging trends in environmental engineering.
• Lead planning, design, permitting, and implementation of environmental engineering projects.
• Serve as the technical and strategic advisor for project teams, reviewing key deliverables and guiding technical approaches.
• Oversee scope, schedule, budget, and quality to ensure projects meet or exceed client expectations.
• Provide day-to-day leadership for multidisciplinary internal teams and subcontractors.
• Commit to safety being the number one priority and follow Burns & McDonnell’s Live Safer approach.
• Mentor project engineers and emerging PMs through coaching, work direction, and knowledge sharing.
• Manage project financials, including fee development, forecasting, margin performance, and risk management.
• Contribute to annual sales planning and business strategy for the Environmental Engineering practice.

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Civil or Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of related professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience with environmental engineering projects for oil/gas/chemical, utility, industrial, or municipal clients.
• Understanding of regional permitting frameworks, environmental regulations, and compliance programs.
• Strong skills in client engagement, project delivery, and multidisciplinary team leadership.
• Exceptional communication, coordination, and problem‑solving capabilities.