Vice President of Public Works

ice President of Public/Federal Works

About the Firm

Our client is an established multidisciplinary architecture and engineering firm providing planning, engineering, architecture, design, construction management, program management, and related professional services. The firm offers a collaborative environment where technical leaders work closely with clients, communities, and internal project teams.

Role Description

Our client is seeking a Vice President of Public/Federal Works for its Southern California operations. This senior leadership position will oversee public and federal projects while supporting business development, project delivery, staff development, and client relationships.

The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years of civil engineering experience and be a registered Professional Engineer in California. Responsibilities include developing new business, mentoring staff, directing project teams, managing plan production and processing, overseeing construction administration, and supporting projects through closeout.

Location: Southern California
Employment Type: Full-time, in-office
Compensation: $200,000 to $220,000 base salary
Registration: California Professional Engineer
Education: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Duties

• Serve as Principal-in-Charge and Senior Project Manager on key projects.
• Identify prospective clients, industry contacts, and opportunities for new work.
• Support business development, strategic planning, proposal preparation, and contract negotiations.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
• Mentor staff and review work for technical accuracy and quality assurance.
• Help grow the firm's public and federal practice.
• Ensure project managers and project teams have the resources required to meet schedule and budget commitments.
• Negotiate scopes and fees, support timely billing and collections, and prepare change orders.
• Contribute to office and practice-area sales goals.
• Prepare project work plans, schedules, budgets, and resource forecasts.
• Manage the preparation of design documents, construction drawings, technical reports, and related deliverables.
• Lead staff with varying levels of experience and technical expertise.
• Plan, direct, and monitor technically complex projects.
• Review project work and recommend design changes to meet project requirements and applicable codes.
• Develop and implement plans of action to resolve project issues.
• Coordinate project teams in collaboration with internal design and technical leads.
• Provide technically sound and practical designs for clients.
• Ensure quality-control and risk-management procedures are followed throughout project delivery.
• Lead project kickoff meetings and high-level design discussions with clients.
• Prepare project forecasts and client cost estimates when appropriate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
• Active California Professional Engineer license.
• At least 15 years of relevant civil engineering experience, including significant project management and leadership experience.
• Experience producing accurate and complete construction plans, specifications, and technical reports.
• Ability to work independently, collaborate within a team environment, and manage multiple projects with limited supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor staff and review work for technical quality.
• Strong leadership, management, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines, manage client expectations, and resolve complex project issues.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Civil 3D is preferred.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Willingness and ability to take on increased responsibility as needed.
• Ability to communicate proactively with clients and escalate issues when appropriate.
• Demonstrated success developing client relationships and supporting business development.
• Ability to troubleshoot issues, recommend practical solutions, and document outcomes for internal and external stakeholders.

Leadership Expectations

• Provide accountable leadership for assigned projects, clients, and staff.
• Maintain project financial performance and support established operational goals.
• Ensure direct reports meet applicable performance and utilization expectations.
• Support timely invoicing, accounts receivable follow-up, timekeeping, resource forecasting, and project reporting.
• Achieve established business development and sales goals.
• Maintain an appropriate balance of project leadership, client development, and operational responsibilities.
• Ensure quality-control and risk-management procedures are consistently followed.
• Model the firm's core values and leadership expectations.

Benefits and Perks

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Telehealth benefits
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Employee events and team-building activities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Commuter benefits
• Professional society membership and registration-fee reimbursement
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• Supplemental insurance options
• Retirement benefits