Job Description: 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 OwnPractice & 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 ForEducation & Credentials Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Environmental EngineeringREQUIRED: 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 OutBuild 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
