How to apply for Senior Manager

About Exponent

Exponent is a unique engineering and scientific consulting firm that tackles complex, high-stakes problems across industries—from construction disputes to product safety—with a focus on safer, healthier, and more sustainable solutions. Working here means collaborating with top-tier experts on diverse projects that often have real-world legal and regulatory implications, offering intellectual challenge and impact.

About the role

As a Senior Manager in Exponent's Construction Disputes practice, you'll drive business growth by developing client relationships, securing new opportunities, and managing projects from inception to delivery. You'll also mentor staff, ensuring the practice's continued excellence in providing expert consulting for construction claims and litigation. This role is pivotal in expanding Exponent's footprint in the construction consulting market.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with clients to discuss ongoing disputes, analyzing project documentation for a claim, and collaborating with colleagues across disciplines to develop a comprehensive report. You might also spend time mentoring junior staff, preparing proposals for new business, and strategizing with partners on expanding client relationships. The role blends technical analysis, client interaction, and team leadership, often in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Who Exponent is looking for

• Holds a Master’s in Civil Engineering or Construction Management with 15+ years of experience in project/construction management or consulting, including a strong track record in construction claims and litigation support.
• Proven business developer with the ability to identify, pursue, and secure new clients domestically and internationally, leveraging a network in the construction and legal industries.
• Exceptional communicator who can convey complex technical concepts clearly to clients, attorneys, and internal teams, both in writing and verbally.
• Experienced leader who has recruited, developed, and mentored staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your experience in construction claims and litigation services prominently—Exponent’s clients often include law firms and insurers, so emphasize any work with attorneys or in dispute resolution.
• Quantify your business development successes: specify revenue generated, clients secured, or projects won to demonstrate your ability to grow the practice.
• Tailor your resume to show a blend of technical expertise and leadership—Exponent values consultants who can both manage projects and mentor junior staff.
• Research Exponent’s recent projects or publications in construction disputes and reference them in your application to show genuine interest and alignment.
• If you have an existing network in the construction or legal sectors, mention specific relationships or past collaborations that could translate into new business for Exponent.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your proven ability to develop and maintain client relationships in the construction industry, with examples of successful business development.', 'Your deep technical expertise in construction claims and litigation, including experience serving as an expert witness or consultant on complex disputes.', 'Your leadership experience in mentoring and developing staff, and how you’ve contributed to building high-performing teams.', 'Your alignment with Exponent’s mission to deliver safer, healthier, and more sustainable solutions, and how your background supports that.']

Research before applying

• Explore Exponent’s Construction Disputes practice area on their website to understand their service offerings, key projects, and client types.
• Read Exponent’s recent publications, press releases, or case studies related to construction claims and litigation to speak knowledgeably about their work.
• Research the backgrounds of current leaders in the Construction Consulting Practice to understand their expertise and potential synergies.
• Look into Exponent’s overall corporate culture and values, especially around sustainability and scientific rigor, to align your answers in interviews.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Can you walk us through a complex construction dispute you managed? What was your role, and what was the outcome?
• How have you successfully identified and secured new business in the construction consulting space? Share specific examples.
• Describe your experience working with legal teams on construction claims. How do you ensure your technical analysis supports their case effectively?
• How do you balance business development with project execution and team mentorship?
• What strategies do you use to mentor junior staff and ensure knowledge transfer in a consulting environment?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Focusing only on technical project management without highlighting business development—Exponent needs someone who can grow the practice, not just execute projects.
• Underestimating the importance of communication skills; avoid vague examples and instead prepare concrete stories of how you’ve explained complex issues to non-technical audiences.
• Neglecting to show familiarity with Exponent’s multidisciplinary approach; avoid positioning yourself as only a construction expert without acknowledging how you collaborate with other scientific and engineering experts.