Northern California - Water Business Lead

We are seeking a senior leader to guide and grow a regional water-focused practice in California. This position combines strategic leadership, operational oversight, and client development with hands-on support of project delivery across planning, design, and program management engagements.

• Set regional direction and priorities: Establish a clear vision for regional growth and performance, aligning with enterprise goals and technical practice leadership.
• Lead operations and resourcing: Oversee staffing strategy, recruiting, team utilization, workload planning, and coordination across offices and disciplines.
• Own regional financial stewardship: Manage regional budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking; identify actions to improve profitability and delivery outcomes.
• Drive accountability and execution: Monitor key operational indicators (e.g., pipeline health, workload balance, delivery performance) and take corrective action when needed.
• Manage risk and resolve issues: Provide leadership on project and business risks, ensuring timely escalation, decision-making, and resolution of delivery challenges.
• Strengthen and expand client relationships: Serve as a visible client partner; deepen existing relationships through consistent delivery excellence and identify new opportunities.
• Lead business development efforts: Shape pursuit strategy, contribute to capture planning, oversee proposal development, and coach teams for interviews and presentations.
• Oversee multi-disciplinary delivery: Provide direction and support to teams delivering water, wastewater, and recycled water projects of varying complexity and scale.
• Build a healthy, high-performing culture: Mentor staff across experience levels, support professional growth, and foster an inclusive, collaborative team environment.
• Engage with the industry: Maintain an active presence in relevant professional communities to stay current on emerging trends and best practices.
• Travel: Occasional travel within California is expected.
  
  

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related discipline (advanced degree preferred).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in California.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and retain high-performing teams across multiple disciplines.
• Strong track record delivering client-focused outcomes- balancing practicality, sustainability, life cycle considerations, and innovation.
• At least 10 years of experience supporting planning, design, and/or delivery of water, wastewater, and/or recycled water facilities (planning/design experience strongly preferred).
• Experience defining project objectives, aligning stakeholders, and proactively managing delivery risks.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to produce and review high-quality written deliverables (proposals, reports, technical memoranda, and contract-related documents).
• Comfort facilitating workshops and meetings that require alternatives evaluation, consensus-building, and decision support.
  
  

• Familiarity with evolving treatment technologies and current industry practices through professional involvement.
• Interest in delivery innovation (e.g., alternative delivery approaches, sustainability-forward solutions, life cycle thinking).
• A leadership style that balances autonomy with ownership & willing to make thoughtful decisions and be accountable for results.
• Strong client service instincts: responsive, clear communicator, active listener, and effective problem-solver.
• Genuine commitment to coaching, mentoring, and advocacy within the team.