Senior Consultant - Chicago - Lerch Bates Inc.

Description

Senior Consultant - Forensics (Structural Engineer)

Join to apply for the Senior Consultant - Forensics (Structural Engineer) role at Lerch Bates Inc.

Job Summary

Lerch Bates is seeking a Senior Consultant with expertise in building envelope consultancy. The Senior Consultant plans, directs, and coordinates activities of designated projects to ensure objectives are achieved on time and within cost. They are responsible for identifying, planning, directing, and overseeing all aspects of Forensic Engineering projects. This role will primarily oversee multiple projects and provide solutions and recommendations to clients while offering technical review, mentorship, and training to specialists, engineers, and technicians. The Senior Consultant also fosters relationships with existing and prospective clients.

Company Insight

Lerch Bates is a global multidisciplinary technical consultancy that helps clients design, modernize, investigate, and manage buildings. We provide integrated specialties ranging from vertical transportation to forensic analysis, ensuring functionality, safety, and value across the building lifecycle.

What You'll Do

Assessment

• Conduct or direct engineers, specialists, and technicians in site investigations and field reviews of existing buildings.
• Review background documentation to determine original construction detailing and identify the cause of damage or defect.
• Focus on critical aspects of structural engineering, building enclosures, commercial roof systems, waterproofing systems, and exterior facades, including masonry.

Evaluate

• Prepare and present reports and presentations that document existing conditions, inspect defects, and recommend repairs, including rough cost estimates.
• Collaborate with clients to determine appropriate next steps following evaluations.
• Work with the business development team to develop proposals, scope of services, and budgets.
• Review necessary permits and codes.
• Provide peer-review reports of findings for direct reports or peers.

Design

• Communicate complex design ideas through multiple formats, including hand sketching.
• Coordinate with internal designers, drafters, engineers, and consultants for construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents.
• Conduct drawing, detail, and specification reviews throughout the design process.
• Review shop drawings and submittals for conformance with design intent and performance standards.
• Perform cursory calculations of repair and code upgrades.

Oversee

• Provide oversight of technicians and specialists performing field reviews, including technical and directional advice.
• Assume full managerial responsibility for all aspects of the project: scope, schedule, design, quality, staff, and execution.
• Act as the engineer of record to sign and seal reports of findings.

Communication

• Act as a trusted advisor to clients and prospective clients; own and develop the client relationship.
• Explore opportunities to enhance services or upsell to existing clients.
• Proactively keep clients and stakeholders informed of project status and changes.
• Establish industry reputation and market to new clients.

Tracking

• Perform project tracking and quality control, including regular status reviews of actual vs. planned.
• Manage time and resources effectively; maintain and communicate schedule internally and externally.
• Ensure personal utilization and direct report consistently meet established goals.

Leadership

• Provide guidance and supervision for up to five direct reports.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Civil, Structural, Construction) or Architecture.
• 8‑10 years of experience in forensic engineering, rehabilitation, or building envelope consulting.
• SE license required.
• Previous experience managing, mentoring, and leading teams.
• Technical competency and strong communication skills for building enclosure systems.
• Expert understanding of enclosure installation quality and schedule impacts.
• Excellent technical writing and oral communication.
• Flexible, responsive, and confident multitasking.
• Ability to work independently, handle multiple deadlines, and accommodate shifting priorities.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality, organization, and detail.
• Experience managing budgets, change orders, and invoicing.
• Successful track record of upselling services or scope.
• Proficiency in design/modeling software such as WUFI, THERM, etc. (preferred).
• Master's Degree in Engineering or Architecture (preferred).
• Certification in industry‑specific areas (Roofing, Fenestration, Waterproofing, etc.) (preferred).
• Specialized focus in five or more technical expertise areas (preferred).

Why Work with Lerch Bates?

• Competitive Compensation
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Employee Stock Ownership program
• Generous PTO
• Incentive compensation bonus
• 401(k) with up to 6% employer match
• FSA and HSA
• Charitable paid time off
• Birthday Bonus
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Learning and Development opportunities with a dedicated internal department
• Exceptional company culture
• Employee resource groups
• Team building and networking activities
• And more

Be More Than an Employee

Lerch Bates is 100% employee‑owned. After a certain service time, you become eligible for stock ownership, providing an additional wealth accumulation or retirement account. Core values are Ownership, Community, Integrity, Respect, and Optimism.

Working Environment

This role involves both physical and mental demands, performed in offices, construction sites, and confined spaces.

Physical Demands

Regular sitting, talking, and hearing in meetings and by phone. Requires navigating tight spaces, climbing ladders, moving around construction sites, taking measurements, traveling by car, air, or rail, and working at heights and in confined spaces. May require applying up to 30 lbs. and close visual attention.

Mental Demands

Strong written and verbal communication, problem‑solving, and analytical skills. Must interpret complex information, apply mathematical and logical reasoning, learn new skills quickly, and manage detailed, multitask workloads under shifting deadlines. Regular interaction with executives, colleagues, clients, and external stakeholders is expected.

Employment Conditions

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre‑employment background check and drug test. If a candidate fails either, the offer may be rescinded.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Consulting, Information Technology, and Sales

Industries

Architecture and Planning