Managing Technical Dir, Buildings and Industrial

Managing Technical Director, Buildings & Industrial

Lead the future of the built environment at NEMA, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, where industry comes together to shape the future of electrification, buildings, data centers, and industrial systems. Representing 300+ leading manufacturers, NEMA members account for 1% of U.S. GDP, support 580,000 American jobs, and deliver the technologies that power, protect, connect, and light the world.

We are seeking a Managing Technical Director, Built Environment & Industrial/Core—a senior technology leader ready to set a strategy and lead a team to accelerate adoption of the latest electrical technologies through building codes, standards, and technical education.

This is a high-impact leadership role at the intersection of technology, markets, standards, and policy, with direct engagement with executive leadership and global manufacturers.

Lead the Technology Future of the Built Environment

As Managing Technical Director, you will set and execute the technical strategy for NEMA’s Built Environment and Industrial/Core portfolio, ensuring today’s work anticipates tomorrow’s technologies.

You will:

• Translate emerging technology and market trends into actionable, forward-looking technical programs
• Lead and develop a team of high-performing technical experts
• Partner with industry leaders, standards bodies, and policymakers to amplify NEMA’s influence
• Serve as a trusted advisor to members navigating complex technical, regulatory, and market challenges

You will sit on NEMA’s Leadership Team, reporting to the Senior Vice President, Technical Affairs, and play a visible role shaping the association’s long-term strategy. The position is located in Arlington, Virginia and may include up to 20% travel.

Technical Strategy & Execution

• Define and deliver forward-looking technical work plans aligned with NEMA’s Technology Roadmap, end-market strategies, and organizational priorities
• Anticipate future technology evolution across buildings, industrial systems, and core electrical products
• Ensure consistent on-time, on-budget execution, using clear performance metrics to demonstrate member value
• Continuously refresh priorities based on member feedback, market signals, and policy developments

Industry & Market Leadership

• Serve as a recognized subject-matter leader across building systems, industrial technologies, and core electrical infrastructure
• Convert technical insight into strategic guidance for standards development, codes, and advocacy
• Communicate complex issues clearly to key partners and stakeholders
• Represent NEMA at conferences, standards forums, and industry events

Partnerships & Influence

• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with domestic and international standards bodies and technical organizations
• Expand NEMA’s reach, relevance, and impact through collaboration and alignment

Member Value & Engagement

• Drive exceptional member satisfaction by listening actively and resolving issues decisively
• Partner with Membership colleagues to support recruitment, retention, and onboarding
• Maintain regular executive-level engagement with member companies to surface needs and opportunities early
• Use engagement metrics and feedback to inform leadership decisions and continuous improvement

Team & Organizational Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Technical Program Managers
• Set clear expectations, foster accountability, and build a culture of continuous improvement
• Collaborate across NEMA departments to unlock staff development opportunities
• Model NEMA’s core values: Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Leadership, and Agility

What You Bring

• 10+ years of senior-level experience in relevant technical, industrial, or built environment fields
• Undergraduate degree required; advanced technical degree preferred
• Proven ability to set strategy and deliver results
• Deep knowledge of building systems and industrial technologies
• Exceptional executive-level communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Familiarity with domestic and international standards development processes
  (ASP or CSP certification a plus)
• Track record of building trust, resolving conflict, and leading high-performing teams
• A learning mindset and enthusiasm for tackling emerging technology challenges

Why NEMA?

At NEMA, you won’t just follow industry change—you’ll lead it.

We offer:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• Flexible work arrangements
• 401(k) with employer support
• Health and dental coverage
• Paid holidays, personal time, and commuter benefits

Most importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the technical foundation of the built environment at scale, with impact, and alongside industry leaders, creating a safe, reliable, and sustainable electric future.