Director, Strategic Operations (FMI Consulting)

Overview FMI Consulting (FMIC) is entering an exciting phase of growth and is seeking a Director, Strategic Operations to help shape how the business scales for the future. Reporting directly to the President of FMIC and serving on the Consulting Leadership Team, this leader will build the operating systems, governance, and execution discipline that enable sustainable growth across one of the industry's leading consulting firms serving the built environment. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution. You'll partner closely with practice leaders to lead high-impact initiatives, strengthen operational excellence, improve business performance, and help shape how the firm grows and creates value. If you're energized by solving complex business challenges, driving organizational change, and building scalable operating capabilities while working alongside an experienced executive leadership team, this is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact. Why FMI? Partner directly with executive leadership and influence the strategic direction of a nationally recognized consulting firm. Build the systems, processes, and operating discipline that will support FMIC's next stage of growth. Lead transformational initiatives involving AI, automation, business intelligence, and operational excellence. Join a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture where ideas are valued, ownership is encouraged, and your impact is visible across the organization. This is a full-time position based in our corporate headquarters in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. FMI is unable to provide visa sponsorship. Responsibilities Build and implement the operating system, governance framework, and project management processes that drive execution across FMIC's strategic priorities. Partner with practice leaders to strengthen Salesforce adoption, pipeline visibility, pricing discipline, utilization management, project profitability, and overall business performance. Develop integrated dashboards and reporting that connect commercial, operational, and financial data into actionable business insights. Lead complex cross-functional initiatives from planning through implementation, ensuring alignment, accountability, and measurable results. Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve workflows, and increase organizational effectiveness across FMIC's consulting practices. Accelerate the adoption of AI, automation, and workflow technologies by identifying high-value use cases and partnering with internal stakeholders to implement scalable solutions. Provide executive-level analysis, recommendations, and decision support that help leadership prioritize initiatives, allocate resources, and execute on strategic objectives. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Economics, Finance, Operations, Management Science, or a related field required. MBA or other relevant master's degree preferred. 10+ years of professional experience, including at least five years in a senior leadership role supporting the growth or operational scaling of a management consulting, advisory, or other expert-driven professional services organization. Demonstrated success building operational infrastructure and leading complex, cross-functional initiatives from strategy through implementation. Experience partnering directly with senior executives to improve execution, drive organizational change, and strengthen business performance. Strong understanding of consulting or professional services economics, including utilization, realization, pricing, leverage, and project profitability. Proven ability to influence without direct authority and build credibility in a high-autonomy, partner-led environment. Strong executive presence, communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate ambiguity while balancing multiple priorities. Preferred Qualifications Prior management consulting experience is strongly preferred, providing an understanding of consulting business models, client service, project-based work, and the dynamics of a partner-led professional services firm. Experience in strategic operations, business transformation, strategy & operations, chief of staff, consulting operations, or a similar leadership role. Experience within a high-growth, partner-led, expert-driven organization. Experience with Salesforce, ERP or professional services financial systems, business intelligence platforms, and AI or workflow automation technologies. About FMI Founded in 1953, FMI is the leading management consulting and investment banking firm dedicated exclusively to the engineering and construction, infrastructure, and built environment industries. We partner with clients to solve their most pressing business challenges through strategy, leadership and organizational development, operational performance, mergers and acquisitions, financial advisory, and private equity financing. Our success is built on deep industry expertise, long-term client relationships, and a collaborative culture focused on helping our clients and our people succeed. Benefits FMI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including fully paid employee medical insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage, as well as additional benefit elections. Our package also includes a competitive 401(k) plan, paid time off, and parental leave. Equal Opportunity FMI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.