Location: California
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: 180,000 - 260,000

Build and Lead a Growing Water Infrastructure Practice

An established multidisciplinary consulting firm is seeking a VP for Water Infrastructure Leader to launch, grow, and lead a strategic water, wastewater, recycled water, and stormwater engineering practice throughout California.

This is more than a traditional project management position. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build a business line, shape growth strategy, expand key client relationships, recruit talent, and establish a long-term presence in one of California's most active infrastructure markets.

Ideal for a senior engineering professional who combines strong technical expertise with business development success, executive leadership, and a passion for building high-performing teams.

The Opportunity

This role offers the chance to operate as a senior leader responsible for both business growth and technical excellence.

You will work closely with executive leadership to expand market presence, develop new service offerings, strengthen client partnerships, and create a scalable team capable of delivering complex infrastructure projects across the state.

What You'll Be Responsible For

Practice Leadership & Growth

• Develop and execute strategic plans for a growing water infrastructure business unit.
• Establish market presence and identify growth opportunities across California.
• Build scalable staffing plans and support recruitment of engineering and technical professionals.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on long-term business objectives and expansion strategies.

Client Development & Market Expansion

• Develop and strengthen relationships with public agencies, utilities, industrial clients, and infrastructure stakeholders.
• Identify and secure new project opportunities.
• Lead pursuit strategies, client presentations, interviews, proposals, and contract negotiations.
• Expand existing client relationships while cultivating new partnerships throughout the region.

Project & Program Leadership

• Provide executive oversight for major water, wastewater, recycled water, and stormwater infrastructure projects.
• Guide projects from planning and design through construction and implementation.
• Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to high-quality standards.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients on critical infrastructure decisions.

Technical Leadership

• Provide senior-level expertise in areas such as:
  • Water and wastewater conveyance systems
  • Utility infrastructure planning and design
  • Hydraulic modeling and system analysis
  • Asset management and condition assessments
  • Capital improvement planning
  • Infrastructure rehabilitation and modernization
  • Treatment and utility facility improvements

Team Building & Mentorship

• Recruit, mentor, and develop engineers and project managers.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence and collaborative problem solving.
• Support succession planning and long-term team growth.
• Help establish best practices, quality standards, and operational procedures.

Industry Engagement

• Represent the organization within professional associations and industry organizations.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies, funding opportunities, regulatory developments, and market trends.
• Help shape strategic direction through thought leadership and industry involvement.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• 15+ years of experience in consulting engineering, utility infrastructure, water resources, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex infrastructure projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong background in water, wastewater, stormwater, recycled water, or municipal utility systems.
• Proven success developing client relationships and growing business portfolios.
• Experience managing project financials, contracts, schedules, and overall delivery.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and business development skills.

Highly Desired

• Experience building, launching, or significantly expanding an engineering practice, business unit, or regional operation.
• Established relationships with municipalities, utilities, infrastructure owners, or public-sector clients.
• Strong understanding of California's water and wastewater market.
• Experience driving strategic growth initiatives and market expansion efforts.
• Expertise in utility master planning, hydraulic analysis, capital improvement programs, and infrastructure rehabilitation.

Why This Role Stands Out

✅ Rare opportunity to build and shape a growing practice from the ground up.

✅ Significant influence on business strategy, hiring, operations, and market direction.

✅ Executive-level visibility and direct collaboration with company leadership.

✅ Strong support for recruiting, marketing, proposal development, and operational growth.

✅ Opportunity to leverage existing industry relationships while expanding your professional influence.

✅ Leadership role within a collaborative and entrepreneurial consulting environment.