Full Job Description
BKF is seeking a Practice Area Lead in Water/Wastewater to join our team! With a strong understanding of Water and Wastewater needs, the Practice Lead of W/WW ensures excellence in project delivery, client service, talent development, revenue growth, and financial performance.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Direction:
• Develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan for the W/WW vertical, aligning with BKF's long-term goals and vision.
• Identify and pursue growth opportunities including geographic expansion, new service lines, and major pursuits.
• Identify Merger and Acquisition opportunities that align with the overall service line, market, and corporate strategy.
• Develop and execute strategies to successfully integrate W/WW acquisitions with the goal of unlocking synergies that drive growth.
Team Building & Development:
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a team of Regional Leads, fostering an environment of growth, collaboration, and integrity.
• Lead succession planning and talent acquisition strategies for key roles within the markets.
• Oversee the allocation of resources to ensure project success and operational efficiency.
• Oversee teams that are responsible for planning and design of Water and Wastewater infrastructure.
Financial Management:
• Under the guidance of the Market Lead for Water, lead annual business plan/budget and long-range forecasting for your vertical. Develop and own the W/WW vertical revenue growth, profitability (P&L responsibility), backlog health, and margin in accordance with the annual operating plan.
• Guide pricing strategies, fee development, and resource allocation in alignment with financial targets.
• Monitor and drive the vertical's performance metrics, ensuring that the team consistently meets or exceeds
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Regularly review and assess the performance of the W/WW vertical, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service delivery.
Market Engagement & Growth:
• Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities, expand relationships with clients and partners, and contribute to the overall growth of the sector.
• Collaborate with Business Development and Marketing teams to shape go-to-market strategies, major pursuit plans, and capture efforts.
• Serve as executive sponsor on key pursuits and client accounts.
• Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and with public agencies to enhance market visibility and influence.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key public and private sector clients.
Project Oversight & Execution:
• Provide leadership and oversight of all project delivery ensuring quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction from inception to completion.
• Drive consistency in project delivery, leveraging best practices and standardized tools across teams.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with W/WW projects and operations, ensuring the safety and success of all initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement in project delivery processes and methodologies, enhancing overall efficiency and effectiveness.
• Conduct technical reviews and provide guidance on civil engineering designs, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with regulatory agencies and stakeholders to obtain necessary permits and approvals for W/WW projects.
• Offer technical expertise and support to project teams, helping them navigate complex engineering challenges.
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative solutions to address W/WW challenges.
Client Relations:
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring a high level of satisfaction and trust in BKF's services.
• Foster new client relationships in alignment with the strategic growth goals of W/WW and Infrastructure Services.
Collaboration:
• Work closely with other leaders across BKF to share best practices, optimize processes, and contribute to company-wide initiatives. Support other projects and teams as needed.
• Maintain open and effective communication with stakeholders, including clients, team members, and senior leadership, to ensure alignment and transparency.
Requirements
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in water and wastewater design.
• Proven success in P&L ownership, including driving scaled revenue growth, operational efficiency, and profitability management across multiple business lines or regions.
• Excellent business acumen with a focus on KPIs, operational efficiency, and scalable growth.
• Deep expertise in water and wastewater design.
• Demonstrated track record of business development and client relationship management in public and/or private sector markets.
• Strong understanding of project delivery methods, including traditional design-bid-build, progressive design-build, CM/GC, and other alternative delivery models.
• Skilled in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and change management.
• Deep understanding of project lifecycle management in the AEC industry, including planning, design, permitting, and construction phases.
• Exceptional leadership and people management capabilities with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills; able to represent the firm with clients, partners, and industry organizations.
• Strong working knowledge of industry trends, funding mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks affecting infrastructure investment.
• Client-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering excellence and value.
• Highly organized, analytical, and results-oriented.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven consulting environment.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support regional offices, project sites, or client engagements
• Able to work cooperatively with leadership and other key stakeholders within BKF.
• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Construction or closely related field is required.
• PE license in California preferred.
Physical Demands: Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.
Work Conditions: Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.
Benefits
• The typical base salary range for this position is $200,000 - $270,000 annualized, depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salary position paid biweekly.
• Competitive salaries, end of year bonuses, profit sharing, and 401k.
• Generous paid time off packages.
• 9 Paid Holidays.
• Education reimbursement, Paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations.
• BKF offers competitive and award-winning benefits and perks. To learn more click here.
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