Business Unit Leader - Vertical Transportation
About The Position
GFT is seeking a Business Unit Leader - Vertical Transportation to join our Vertical Transportation Team in New York, NY. This role requiring regular attendance in New York, NY office. What you’ll be challenged to do: As a Business Unit Leader, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to multiple teams delivering elevator and escalator consulting services. You will guide work across new design, modernization, condition assessments, inspections, and maintenance oversight, ensuring technical quality, strong client relationships, and sustained business performance. In this role, you will lead a multi-disciplinary team, expand market presence, strengthen key client partnerships, and ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in full compliance with applicable codes and regulatory standards. This is an opportunity to shape the direction of the practice while driving both operational excellence and long-term growth.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field
- 15+ years of experience in the elevator, escalator, or vertical transportation industry
- Demonstrated leadership experience overseeing multiple teams, disciplines, or business units
- Strong understanding of vertical transportation design, modernization, condition assessments, and maintenance oversight
- Experience managing complex client relationships and negotiating contracts
- Knowledge of cost estimating, scheduling, and contract administration
- Ability to interpret architectural and engineering drawings and specifications
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders
Nice To Haves
- Professional Engineer (PE), Project Management Professional (PMP), or Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) certification
- Experience leading a vertical transportation consulting practice or business unit
- Proven track record of revenue growth and market expansion
- Experience working with public sector clients and regulatory agencies
Responsibilities
- Design transmission line segments using PLS-CADD or other structural design software.
- Develop design criteria documents and construction specifications.
- Prepare comprehensive construction packages, including structure details, material lists, staking tables, plan and profiles, and stringing charts.
- Estimate project costs, resources, labor, and materials, establishing realistic deadlines and completion dates.
- Write, modify, and review specifications in compliance with NESC, IEEE, NEC requirements, and industry best practices.
- Conduct feasibility studies, routing studies, and EMF calculations to support project planning.
- Oversee project implementation, ensuring proper verification of foundations, structures, and equipment installation.
- Lead or assist with proposal preparation and business development initiatives.
- Travel to client sites for project definition and execution phases.
- Mentor and coach less experienced engineers and technicians, fostering professional growth within the team.
Benefits
- Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
- Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
- Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
- Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
