Office Principal

Office Principal

Requisition Number: 2025-1830-04

Are you a leader seeking a challenging opportunity to grow your career with a firm committed to our employees and providing high-quality service to our clients? S&ME is looking for an eager and dedicated full-time Office Principal to lead our team in Lexington, Kentucky.

At S&ME, we have a history of delivering innovative geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction material testing for over 50 years. Over the decades, we have grown into a trusted partner for clients across various industries, including transportation, energy, water, waste management, education, government, commercial, industrial, and more. Our commitment to technical excellence and integrity has established us as a leader in our field.

Why Work at S&ME?

• Professional Growth: We believe in providing continuous learning opportunities, mentorship programs, and a supportive work environment. Let us tell you more about that!
• Innovative Projects: Join a team that works on diverse and challenging projects of all sizes and complexities, including but not limited to airports, solar farms, power plants, schools, trails, mixed-use, sports stadiums, dams, museums, and more.
• Inclusive Culture: Our culture is built on collaboration and mutual respect. We want you to want to come into the office to build relationships, laugh together, learn from each other, and enjoy the time with your teammates and colleagues.
• Work-Life Balance: We believe in a flexible working environment, allowing you and your manager to determine how you can work most effectively and collaboratively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments.
• Community Impact: Our work creates lasting, positive impacts on the communities we serve. We pride ourselves on our technical excellence, quality work, and client satisfaction to continue making a difference.

About The Role:

As the Office Principal, you will lead the Lexington office with a focus on operational excellence, financial performance, and strategic growth. You will oversee all aspects of office operations from project delivery and client satisfaction to staff and business development, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and regional strategies. Your leadership will directly impact the success of the Lexington office by fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and innovation, while driving profitability and expanding market presence. This role is essential in shaping the office's future and reinforcing its value as a key contributor to the company's overall success.

• Oversee daily office operations, including staffing, scheduling, project oversight, and facility management to ensure efficient and effective workflows.
• Drive financial performance by managing project profitability, developing and monitoring budgets, forecasting revenue, and ensuring accurate financial reporting.
• Promote a culture of safety and technical excellence, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and delivering high-quality client service.
• Collaborate with regional and corporate leadership to align local strategies with broader business goals and support cross-functional initiatives.
• Lead talent management efforts, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, mentoring, and professional development of staff.

About You:

You are an experienced leader who thrives on building strong teams, delivering exceptional client service, and driving operational success. With a solid foundation in project and people management, you bring both strategic vision and hands-on leadership to every challenge. You're passionate about mentoring others, growing business opportunities, and making a meaningful impact in your community.

• You have a Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• You have at least 10 years of professional experience, including 5 years of experience, in leading, coaching, and inspiring high-performing teams, projects, and office operations
• You have a professional license or registration in your area of practice, a plus
• You have strong business and financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and driving profitability
• You have excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with a collaborative mindset and a client-first approach

Grow With Us:

At S&ME, your career growth matters. You'll receive professional training, work on exciting projects, and be part of a company that truly invests in its people. This is more than a job; it's a chance to build a long-term career in the engineering and construction industry. S&ME provides a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family, as well as career development resources. Come grow and thrive with us at S&ME!

• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options
• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401K with Company Matching
• PTO with Rollover
• Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Employee Recognition Program
• Credential Incentive Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Vehicle with Fuel Card for Project-Based Work
• $2,000 Referral Bonuses & More!

Join us at S&ME!

This full-time role offers competitive pay based on experience. Candidates must comply with our Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements. Only candidates with valid employment eligibility (I-9) will be considered. Visa assistance is not available. S&ME reserves the right to hire internally or externally at any time. No candidate/recruiter calls, personal calls, or walk-ins are accepted.