DLB Associates is a premier engineering and consulting firm specializing in innovative, mission-critical solutions across hyperscale data centers, advanced infrastructure, and high-performance building systems. With over four decades of expertise, we partner with some of the world’s most influential companies to design and optimize environments that demand precision, scalability, and resilience.

Join us and be part of a team where your voice matters, your work makes an impact, and your growth is a shared priority.

DLB Associates is seeking a Deputy Strategic Initiatives Officer (SIO) to help transform strategic vision into high-impact programs across the mission-critical industry. This senior leadership role partners with the SIO and CEO to drive growth, strengthen market position, and ensure flawless execution of complex initiatives. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in liquid cooling, high-density workloads, and commissioning operations, along with a proven record of turning strategy into measurable results.

Position Title: Deputy Strategic Initiatives Officer (SIO)

Position Location: Remote - work from anywhere in the United States.  Must be located near a major airport.

Travel Requirements: between 30% - 50% domestic travel to support strategic programs and executive engagements.

SALARY

DLB recognizes salary ranges from job boards do not necessarily reflect our pay ranges.  In many instances we out-compete those ranges for well-qualified candidates.

JOB SUMMARY

The Deputy Strategic Initiatives Officer (SIO) is a senior support leader who works closely with the Strategic Initiatives Officer and CEO to turn strategic vision into actionable programs. This role focuses on coordinating, tracking, and advancing initiatives that drive growth, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen DLB’s market position.

While the SIO sets the direction, the Deputy SIO ensures that projects stay on track, stakeholders are aligned, and execution is well-coordinated across departments. The position requires strong organizational skills, cross-functional collaboration, market awareness, and the ability to adapt to shifting priorities.

This is a hands-on role that balances strategic support with tactical execution. The Deputy SIO may lead select initiatives, serve as liaison for key accounts, and represent the SIO in certain internal or client-facing settings.

This person will communicate and operate in line with organizational goals and values, as well as departmental objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategic Business Planning & Market Intelligence

• Assist the SIO in maintaining the pipeline of multi-year strategic projects, alliances, and service-line expansions.
  
  
• Gather and synthesize market intelligence on industry trends (AI, liquid cooling, modular construction, sustainability) for executive review.
  
  
• Support the evaluation of M&A, joint venture, and outsourcing opportunities by compiling analysis and preparing recommendations for the SIO.
  
  
• Prepare draft updates for the strategic roadmap, highlighting potential threats, opportunities, and resource considerations.
  
  
• Assist in developing ROI models and scenario analyses to inform go/defer/pivot decisions.
  
  

Program Strategy & Governance

• Help maintain the firm-wide strategic initiatives portfolio by tracking timelines, milestones, and status updates.
  
  
• Support PMO activities such as preparing stage-gate documentation, updating dashboards, and maintaining RACI charts.
  
  
• Coordinate cross-functional steering reviews, ensuring follow-up items are captured and addressed.
  
  
• Document lessons learned and best practices from completed initiatives for organizational use.
  
  

Operational Scale-Up

• Assist in codifying operational playbooks for new service offerings and delivery models.
  
  
• Coordinate training logistics for capability scale-up programs.
  
  
• Monitor delivery reports and client feedback to identify areas for improvement and escalate as needed.
  
  

Elite Team Liaison (QRF)

• Support the SIO in managing Quick Reaction Force readiness, including updating metrics and coordinating debrief sessions.
  
  
• Prepare summaries of critical incidents and action plans for leadership review.
  
  

External Voice & Business Development Amplifier

• Assist as secondary executive contact for key accounts, helping to coordinate renewals and client engagement activities.
  
  
• Support major deal pursuits by developing proposal content, coordinating cross-functional contributions, and assisting with contract preparation.
  
  
• Draft thought-leadership pieces, presentation materials, and client insights for review and approval by the SIO.
  
  
• Coordinate participation in conferences, panels, and whitepaper development projects.
  
  

Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget

Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned

Requirements

POSITION REQUIREMENTS (ADVANCED LEVEL FOR ALL THE FOLLOWING)

• Proven P&L accountability and staff development track record
  
  
• Knowledge of strategic planning methodologies and the ability to align enterprise initiatives with organizational goals.
  
  
• Knowledge of U.S. A/E/C market dynamics, data center and mission-critical trends, and program-management frameworks.
  
  
• Knowledge of technology integration, including digital tools, AI-driven analytics, and data platforms used to support strategic and tactical decision-making.
  
  
• Strong program management skills with the ability to lead multiple complex, cross-functional initiatives concurrently.
  
  
• Skilled in executive relationship-building, strategic negotiation, financial modeling, storytelling, risk assessment, cross-functional leadership.
  
  
• Skilled in client relationship management, including engagement strategies, expectation-setting, and contract development.
  
  
• Skilled in partnering with senior leadership, Board executives, and discipline-level directors.
  
  
• Proficient in preparing presentations, reports, and dashboards for executive audiences.
  
  
• Capable of gathering and interpreting market, financial, and operational data to support decision-making.
  
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
  
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is

• Frequently required to remain in a stationary position
  
  
• Frequently moving through office, facility and other environments
  
  
• On occasion the employee may need to move stationary items weighing up to 30 pounds
  
  

TRAVEL / RELOCATION REQUIREMENTS

• 30% - 50 % travel, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states.
  
  
• Must be located near a major airport. 
  
  
• Effective May 7, 2025, and in accordance with U.S. federal regulations for domestic air travel, a valid REAL ID (or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport) is required for travel associated with this position.
  
  
• Travel may involve transportation by car or plane depending on the destination and nature of the business need.
  
  
• Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meetings for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc.
  
  
• Potential relocation opportunities may exist per project needs.
  
  

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction, business or related discipline; two additional years of relevant experience may be substituted for degree.
  
  

PLUS

• Minimum thirteen years’ additional experience in mission-critical environments (Cx, design-build, or owner/operator roles).
  
  
• Track record converting strategy into funded, operationalized programs.
  
  
• Proven accountability for P&L or programs exceeding $50M.
  
  
• Expertise in liquid cooling, high-density workloads, and commissioning operations.
  
  

Benefits

DLB Associates offers a very competitive benefits package; highlights include

• Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option)

• Flex spending accounts (FSA)

• Dental and vision plans

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse / domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26

• 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option

• PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year

• Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents

• Short and long-term disability, AD&D coverage

• Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance

• Paid parental leave after one year of employment

DLB is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and participates in the E-Verify program with the Department of Homeland Security. We encourage diversity in our workforce.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

DLB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to DLB in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where DLB has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of DLB and DLB will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.