Build and Lead a Water Utility Infrastructure Practice
Location: Onsite | Any of the following Design Center Locations*
* IN (Indianapolis, Evansville, South Bend, Fort Wayne, Jeffersonville, Merrillville), FL (Tampa, Orlando), IL (Chicago/Lisle), OH (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Akron), PN (Pittsburgh), TN (Nashville), TX (Austin, Round Rock, Dallas/Irving)
We’re partnering with a highly respected engineering firm to identify a national practice leader who’s ready to build, lead, and grow a water utility infrastructure office in United States and Internationally. This is a rare opportunity to step into a true ownership-minded role—shaping strategy, developing talent, and expanding a high-impact practice.
As the national leader, you’ll oversee operations, mentor and grow a multidisciplinary team, serve as a technical authority, and act as a trusted advisor to clients. If you’re energized by building teams, elevating people, and delivering complex infrastructure projects, this role offers both influence and long-term growth.
What You’ll Own
Practice & National Team Leadership
Lead day-to-day operations for water utility infrastructure practice
Oversee workflow, staffing plans, utilization, and profitability
Prepare monthly staffing and financial forecasts with a forward-looking outlook
Maintain visibility into project performance, billings, and margins
Partner senior leadership to align resources and drive growth
Identify hiring needs and play a key role in recruiting top engineering talent
Foster a high-performance, collaborative, and engaged team culture
Lead performance reviews and support employee development and retention
Staff Development & Mentorship
Actively mentor Team Leaders, Engineers and Project Managers at all career stages
Build technical depth and leadership capability across the team
Develop Project Managers into well-rounded leaders of scope, schedule, budget, and client relationships
Coach PMs on proposals, fee development, billing, and financial performance
Create and track individualized development plans and progression timelines
Technical Leadership
Provide technical leadership across drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects
Lead and oversee studies, designs, and complex utility infrastructure solutions
Anticipate and resolve technical challenges to keep projects moving efficiently
Serve as a go-to technical resource for both staff and clients
Project & Financial Management
Lead proposal development, fee negotiations, and contract execution
Monitor project financial performance and guide PMs toward consistent delivery
Ensure schedules, budgets, and quality standards are met across all projects
Contribute to overall group and cross-discipline profitability
Quality & Client Engagement
Ensure rigorous technical review and quality control at all project stages
Leverage firmwide expertise to deliver best-in-class solutions
Build long-term, trusted relationships with municipal and utility clients
Identify expansion opportunities with existing clients and support new pursuits
Partner with business development and sales teams to grow the practice
What Our Client Is Looking For
Education & Credentials
Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering
REQUIRED: Professional Engineer (PE) license in one of the United States
Experience
20+ years of utility infrastructure engineering experience
Strong background in water and wastewater treatment facilities, distribution and collection systems, and lift stations
Proven history of high client satisfaction and repeat work across the USA and internationally
Leadership & Business Acumen
Confident, positive communicator at all organizational levels
Demonstrated success leading, mentoring, and developing teams
Experience supporting proposals, presentations, and winning new work
Ability to contribute to business planning, growth strategy, and practice expansion
Technical & Market Presence
Strong track record of profitable project delivery
Established relationships with local municipalities and utility clients
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
Build and shape the practice's future
Visible leadership role with real influence and autonomy
Strong, people-first culture with excellent benefits
Long-term growth potential within a respected engineering firm