Design Area Director - Water/Wastewater
Design Practice Area Director - Water/Wastewater
Location: Southern California (Irvine, Los Angeles, Ontario, or San Diego)
Schedule: Hybrid
About the Opportunity
A nationally respected engineering consulting firm is seeking a Design Practice Area Director to provide strategic leadership for its growing Water/Wastewater practice across Southern California. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for an accomplished water industry professional looking to influence project delivery, mentor technical staff, drive business growth, and help shape the future direction of a successful and expanding practice.
The role offers a unique blend of executive-level leadership, technical oversight, client engagement, and team development. The successful candidate will work alongside senior leaders and key clients to deliver critical infrastructure projects while helping grow a practice known for technical excellence and strong client relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the design and delivery of major water and wastewater infrastructure programs and projects.
- Provide strategic direction for practice growth, resource planning, and project execution.
- Mentor, develop, and inspire multidisciplinary engineering teams across the region.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to municipal, utility, and public-sector clients.
- Support business development initiatives, key pursuits, and long-term client relationship management.
- Drive quality, innovation, and operational excellence across project delivery teams.
- Collaborate with regional and national leadership to establish and execute growth strategies.
- Help identify emerging market opportunities and contribute to the firm's long-term vision.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental, or related Engineering discipline.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
- Extensive experience leading water and/or wastewater infrastructure projects and teams.
- Proven success managing client relationships and developing business within the water sector.
- Strong leadership experience overseeing technical staff, project managers, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience guiding project delivery, operational performance, and strategic initiatives.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
- Significant leadership influence within a well-established and growing water practice.
- Opportunity to shape strategy, operations, and long-term growth throughout Southern California.
- Access to complex, high-profile water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
- Strong balance of technical leadership, business development, and team-building responsibilities.
- Collaborative culture that values innovation, entrepreneurship, and professional growth.
- Visibility with executive leadership and a clear pathway to expanded regional and corporate leadership opportunities.
- Flexibility to be based in multiple Southern California offices.
- Opportunity to mentor the next generation of water industry leaders while making a lasting impact on critical infrastructure programs.
Compensation & Benefits
- Highly competitive compensation package
- Performance-based bonus opportunities
- Comprehensive healthcare benefits
- 401(k) and retirement programs
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Professional development and leadership training support
- Flexible hybrid work environment
- Long-term career growth within an established and expanding organization
This opportunity is ideal for a senior water industry leader who enjoys building teams, developing client relationships, driving business growth, and leading the delivery of impactful water and wastewater infrastructure projects. If you're looking for a role where you can influence both strategy and execution while helping shape a growing practice, this could be an exceptional next step.
FAQs
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