Position Overview Our client, a full-service engineering firm serving industrial and manufacturing sectors, is seeking a Department Manager within their Mechanical team with deep expertise in industrial ventilation systems. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a technically strong engineer ready to own both the strategic and hands-on dimensions of a specialized, high-performing department.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Mechanical/Industrial Ventilation department, including engineers, designers, and support staff
• Own the design and analysis of industrial ventilation, dust collection, HVAC, and process exhaust systems
• Serve as the technical authority on mechanical engineering deliverables, ensuring quality and consistency
• Partner with project managers and discipline leads to execute complex, multi-discipline projects
• Mentor and develop talent across the team, driving both technical and professional growth
• Own department standards, tools, and best practices — and continuously raise the bar
• Contribute to client relationships and business development, including proposals and estimating
• Ensure adherence to safety, regulatory, and environmental compliance standards

Why This Role

• Step into a visible leadership seat with real influence over department direction and growth
• Work on technically complex, specialized projects with an established and respected team
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and long-term upside

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (PE licensure a plus)
• 15+ years of mechanical engineering experience in an EPC or consulting environment, with strong emphasis on industrial ventilation, dust collection, HVAC, and process exhaust systems
• 2+ years in a leadership or department management capacity, with demonstrated ability to develop engineers into discipline leads
• Deep knowledge of industrial ventilation design standards: ACGIH, NFPA, ASHRAE, and related codes across industrial sectors
• Demonstrated experience on industrial capital projects (pulp & paper, food & beverage, chemicals, life sciences, heavy industrial, or related sectors)
• Proficiency in relevant mechanical design and simulation tools; familiarity with multi-discipline coordination processes
• Strong communicator across technical and non-technical audiences, with active client-facing and BD support experience

About Buffkin / Baker

Buffkin / Baker is a partner-led executive search firm specializing in Healthcare, Higher Education, Private Equity, Technology/Digital, Consumer, and Non-Profit sectors. Each partner, a leader in their field, brings over a decade of retained search experience, contributing to a collective total of more than 300 years in search and over 400 years in industry and operational expertise. The firm operates from multiple locations, including Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Cleveland, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Simons Island, Tampa, Washington, DC, and Winston-Salem. We are proud partners of Panorama, a global network specializing in executive search and placement, executive recruitment consulting, leadership development advisory, board evaluation, and executive succession planning.

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