DESIGN SECTION CHIEF - CITY OF CLEVELAND, OHIO

The City of Cleveland, OH (pop. 372,624). The City of Cleveland is seeking a detail-driven and experienced engineering professional to serve as Design Section Chief within its Division of Engineering & Construction. This leadership role will be instrumental in advancing the City’s capital infrastructure programs, overseeing the delivery of complex engineering projects, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

The City of Cleveland, anchoring the 16th largest metropolitan area in the U.S. and located in northeast Ohio, offers abundant amenities, including three major professional sports teams, world class museums and arts institutions, and easy access to the region’s international airport. Cleveland is proud of its history as a pivotal Great Lakes trade hub in its early days, surging into prominence as a manufacturing center, powered by booming iron, steel and oil industries. Major reinvestment across Cleveland more recently has uniquely positioned the city to thrive in the new era of the “Mid-Size” metropolis. As a city that continues to undergo economic transformation, Cleveland is home to an enviable share of emerging talent, enthusiastic entrepreneurs, and skilled workers, with leading-edge sectors in healthcare, biotech, and higher education.

The Mayor’s Office of Capital Projects is seeking a new leader within the Division of Engineering & Construction, which provides for planning, design, construction, and preservation of the City of Cleveland’s facilities, infrastructure and real property. This position will manage multidisciplinary teams and external consultants, collaborate across departments, and provide strategic oversight to maintain project scope, schedule, and budget. The role reports directly to the Administrative Manager of the Division of Engineering & Construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of five internal staff and oversee the work of external consultants.
• Develop and maintain an inventory of City streets to support maintenance planning and prioritization.
• Prepare and update the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for roadway projects.
• Manage the planning and design phases of transportation projects.
• Lead the implementation of programmatic and process improvements to enhance productivity and efficiency.
• Submit grant applications to secure project funding through various public funding sources.
• Manage the bid and award process for capital projects.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project goals and regulatory requirements are met.
• Develop Request for Proposals (RFPs) for the scope of services, evaluate proposals, make recommendations to retain consultants for professional engineering services, and manage the contract.

Minimum Qualifications Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited four year college or university.
• Ten (10) years of progressive engineering experience, including at least five (5) years in supervisory and/or management roles. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Must have a State of Ohio Professional Engineer’s License or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire.
• Must possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire.
• Strong knowledge of Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Construction and Material Specifications (C&MS) and project development processes is preferred.
• Proven success in communicating project requirements and collaborating with various audiences (e.g., senior management, peers, public officials, vendors, etc.).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite and CAD software, such as Bluebeam, etc.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range is $125,000 - $145,000 +/- DOQ. The City of Cleveland offers a comprehensive “CLE Total Rewards” benefits package that includes health insurance, paid leave time, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

How to Apply

Apply online at with a resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references. The position is open until filled with first reading on January 23, 2026. Residency within the City is not required. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Maureen Barry, Senior Consultant, MGT, at 847-380-3240.

The City of Cleveland is an Equal Opportunity Employer.