Northern California Construction Leader (Water/Wastewater)

Founded in 1919, KJ has always looked to the future. With a talented team of professionals and a culture of continuous improvement, we deliver exceptional engineering, environmental consulting, and construction management services, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Using advanced analytics, technology, and tools, KJ improves designs, reduces risk, and finds better ways to deliver projects from planning through construction. KJ is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for clients, including green infrastructure design, strategies to reduce energy use and environmental impacts, award-winning water reuse projects, and efficient construction management practices that ensure quality, safety, and on-time delivery. We are known for our dedication to industry-leading client service and tailored solutions.

Lead the Next Phase of Growth at Kennedy Jenks

Kennedy Jenks is experiencing strong, sustained growth in our Construction Management practice, with a steady stream of opportunities across the Bay Area and Sacramento. We’ve built a high-performing team, developed trusted client relationships, and established a solid presence in the market, creating a foundation that’s ready to scale.

Here’s a rare chance to take control of a market with real backing, real work, and real influence.

As demand begins to outpace capacity, we need the right leader to step in, harness that momentum, and help scale something truly unique.

This is not a “plug into an existing machine” role. This is a build, lead, and grow opportunity, backed by:

• A strong, established team
• Deep client relationships and a trusted brand
• A robust project pipeline across Northern California
• The resources and support of a national, employee-owned firm
  
  

If you’ve been waiting for the chance to take ownership of a high-growth market, expand a team, and play a key role in shaping the future of a practice, this is it.

Responsibilities

• Drive growth in a high-demand market by identifying, pursuing, and winning new CM opportunities
• Leverage your local relationships and reputation to expand our presence across municipal and private sector clients
• Build and lead a high-performing team, mentoring staff and scaling resources to meet growing demand
• Operate in a seller-doer leadership capacity, managing key projects while driving business development
• Partner closely with internal leaders to strategically position projects, develop winning proposals, and secure key pursuits
• Collaborate across regions, including with our Southern California CM leadership, on hiring strategy and team development
• Oversee project execution, including scope, schedule, staffing, and client satisfaction
• Represent Kennedy Jenks in the local market through industry involvement and relationship building
  
  

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of the Northern California market with established client relationships
• Proven success in business development, project delivery, and team leadership
• Experience in construction management across water, wastewater, pipeline, stormwater, or related infrastructure
• A builder’s mindset, someone energized by growth, opportunity, and creating something bigger
• Strong communication skills and the ability to lead both people and projects effectively
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience
• BS or MS in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or similar
• PE license or ability to obtain within one year required
• Familiarity with alternative delivery methods (GCCM, PDB, DB) is a plus
  
  

What Makes This Role Different

• Immediate impact – Step into a market with more work than we can currently support
• True leadership opportunity – Build and shape a team, not just manage one
• Strong foundation – Established clients, trusted reputation, and proven delivery teams
• Entrepreneurial environment – Backed by a firm that supports growth, innovation, and autonomy
• Meaningful work – Deliver critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects that matter to communities
  
  

If you’re looking for a role where you can step into momentum, make a visible impact, and help lead the next phase of growth, we’d love to connect.

The salary range for this position is anticipated to be $185,000 to $275,000, and may vary based on education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications, and geographic location. This position is also eligible for our annual performance based bonus program.

Benefits Summary: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401k, bonus opportunities, tuition reimbursement, professional registration support, a competitive PTO and holiday plan, and other benefits and programs.

Kennedy Jenks is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.