Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we’re building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We’re making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

renewables and energy services engineering and design construction and facility services

To get where we’re going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

The Opportunity with McKinstry

We are adding a Lighting Project Development Manager to oversee all lighting project development activities, acting as the critical link between client needs, technical design criteria, and strategic business goals. Reporting directly to the Lighting Director, this role is responsible for managing project performance, ensuring alignment with company objectives, and providing the final review and approval of all lighting project designs. The Development Manager will prioritize technical expertise, project quality, and strategic alignment to drive exceptional outcomes across the portfolio of lighting projects. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Project Oversight & Strategic Alignment: 

Lead the review, approval, and finalization of all lighting project designs, ensuring they meet client specifications, company standards, and project objectives before client submission. 

Develop and drive strategies to align lighting project development activities with overall departmental goals and company-wide business objectives. 

Collaborate with the Lighting Director to set strategic priorities, track progress on key performance indicators (KPIs), and contribute to department-level decision-making. 

Technical Leadership & Quality Assurance: 

Provide high-level guidance on lighting project design criteria, ensuring technical accuracy, compliance with industry standards, and alignment with client goals. 

Evaluate project proposals, energy savings calculations, and life-cycle assessments, ensuring cost-effectiveness, quality, and feasibility of proposed solutions. 

Lead the development and continuous improvement of technical standards and best practices for project design and implementation across the team. 

Team Leadership & Development: 

Oversee a team of Lighting Regional Leads, Project Developers (Levels 1-3), and Coordinators, providing mentorship, technical guidance, and support to drive team performance and growth. 

Lead training sessions on project-specific skills, including design standards and energy analysis, to build technical capabilities within the team. 

Facilitate regular touchpoints and communication across the team to ensure alignment, support problem-solving, and provide clarity on project goals and departmental priorities. 

Client Engagement & Stakeholder Communication: 

Act as a key point of contact for clients, providing strategic guidance on project scope, design intent, and performance expectations. 

Engage with internal stakeholders, including business development, operations, and executive leadership, to provide insights on project status, team performance, and strategic opportunities. 

Foster and maintain strong relationships with vendors, manufacturers, and industry partners to support technical innovation and enhance project solutions. 

Project Development & Process Optimization: 

Drive project development process optimization, focusing on improving workflows, project efficiency, and documentation practices. 

Analyze project data, performance metrics, and market trends to identify growth opportunities and strategic enhancements to lighting solutions. 

Contribute to departmental planning, resource allocation, and budgeting activities to ensure the team is positioned to meet project demands and achieve business targets. 

Project Design & Technical Support 

Step into a design role when necessary, ensuring continuity in lighting project execution and alignment with client expectations. 

Apply advanced lighting design principles, energy efficiency standards, and cost-effective strategies to create comprehensive lighting layouts that meet client requirements and industry regulations. 

Collaborate closely with design managers, proposal engineers, and field teams to ensure technical feasibility, financial viability, and adherence to project timelines. 

Integrate energy-saving opportunities, available rebates, and compliance standards into design work, supporting McKinstry’s commitment to sustainable and impactful lighting solutions. 

What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, or a related field; or equivalent work experience. 

7-10 years of experience in lighting design, project development, or energy solutions, with significant experience leading complex projects. 

Advanced proficiency in lighting design software (e.g., AGI32), technical drawing tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit), and data analysis software. 

In-depth knowledge of industry standards, lighting technologies, controls, and energy-efficient solutions. 

Strong understanding of Profit and Loss (P&L) management and departmental financials, with the ability to track, analyze, and report on project and team financial performance. Capable of overseeing project budgets, identifying financial trends, and providing strategic insights to senior leadership to ensure the team meets financial and operational goals. 

Proven leadership skills, with a track record of successfully managing teams, mentoring technical staff, and driving project success. 

Strong communication skills, with experience in client-facing roles, cross-functional collaboration, and presentation of complex technical information. 

This role requires 25% travel, including visits to collaborate with project teams on site or McKinstry team members in regional offices. 

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook required; working knowledge of SharePoint preferred. 

PeopleFirst Benefits

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

Competitive pay 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan Paid time off and holidays Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave Transgender inclusive benefits Commuter benefits Pet insurance “Building Good” paid community service time Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

If you’re driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.

The pay range for this position is $126,500 - $195,480 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Base pay information is based on market location. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.

Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role.

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