Director of Technical Services

Role Overview

• Define and own the vision, business plan, and growth strategy for Willdan’s Building Optimization Solutions offering.
• Translate the Assess–Improve–Sustain model into clear, standardized services and packages deployable across regions and markets.
• Establish performance targets (revenue, margin, savings delivered, client outcomes) and report progress regularly to Regional Vice President for Rocky Mountain Region goals and Willdan leadership for additional national goals and KPIs.
• Identify and prioritize target markets (K‑12, municipal, higher education, healthcare, commercial/industrial, water/wastewater) and align offerings with their internal goals.
• Collaborate with other business development managers & divisions regularly to ensure cross-collaboration is happening to sell greater Willdan services, including comprehensive design-build and ESPC opportunities.
• Develop and maintain the Building Optimization Solutions portfolio, including VPW (Ventilation, Power, Water) optimization, HVAC system optimization, and integration of renewable energy and advanced energy storage solutions.
• Ensure offerings deliver on the core value promise: healthier environments, lower cost, and more reliable operations by optimizing existing systems first, and recommending equipment upgrades when they make financial and operational sense.
• Incorporate relevant standards and guidance (e.g., ASHRAE 62.1, 241, wildfire smoke/IAQ guidance) into practical methods, tools, and playbooks for project teams.
• Define criteria for when to prioritize optimization versus planning HVAC equipment replacements and upgrades.
• Partner with national business development and account teams to position Building Optimization Solutions & turnkey (design-build or ESPC) with existing and new clients.
• Lead key client conversations to understand internal goals (e.g., sustainability, resilience, cost control) and frame tailored optimization roadmaps.
• Develop proposal content, pricing approaches, and sales tools that clearly articulate the Assess–Improve–Sustain journey and associated value.
• Represent Building Optimization Solutions at client meetings, conferences, webinars, and industry events.
• Provide leadership and oversight to cross‑functional teams delivering Assess, Improve, and Sustain scopes.
• Develop project in accordance with WPE process and guidelines. All proposals and deliverables must be reviewed and approved by the VP of Business Development & Engineering before issuance to customers.
• Establish delivery standards, templates, and QA/QC processes for assessments, optimization projects, and ongoing support to ensure consistency and quality.
• Guide project teams on integrating HVAC equipment replacements and upgrades into optimization plans where warranted.
• Support practical performance tracking and reporting that demonstrate improvements in health, cost, and reliability.
• Coordinate with internal teams to integrate Building Optimization Solutions into their qualified opportunities.
• Collaborate with technology and equipment partners (e.g., HVAC and controls providers) when their solutions support system‑level optimization outcomes.
• Help design commercial structures that enable low‑ and no‑upfront‑capital pathways for clients where appropriate.
• Serve as an manager‑level point of contact and trusted advisor for strategic Building Optimization clients.
• Lead periodic review conversations to revisit performance, refresh opportunities, and reinforce Willdan’s role as a continuous improvement partner beyond the initial project.
• Capture lessons learned and client feedback to refine offerings and enhance long‑term relationships.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in building systems, HVAC/MEP, energy engineering, performance contracting, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience developing and/or selling optimization‑focused solutions (e.g., controls‑driven savings, RCx, VPW, active energy management).
• Strong understanding of ventilation, power, water, and HVAC system operation in institutional and commercial facilities.
• Proven ability to develop service offerings, set pricing strategies, and contribute to revenue and margin goals.
• Excellent communication skills with experience engaging executive‑level decision makers and cross‑functional internal teams.
• Ability to travel at least 50% of the time. Travel may include various means of transportation including automobile, public transportation, rail, and airplane.
• Preferred Experience: Experience with public‑sector and education markets (e.g., K‑12, municipalities, higher education, commercial facilities).
• Familiarity with relevant ASHRAE standards and IAQ/wildfire smoke guidance.
• Experience with energy or facilities financing models (ESPC, ESA, equipment/municipal finance).

Benefits

• N/A