Water Resources Director of Engineering

Lawrence, MA or Worcester, MA | Hybrid Working

Our client is one of New England's fastest-growing multidisciplinary engineering consulting firms, with more than 100 employees across three offices and a 25-year history of organic growth. Unlike many firms that have expanded through acquisition, this organisation has built its reputation by developing talent, fostering entrepreneurial leaders, and delivering exceptional service across transportation, structural engineering, civil/site development, land planning, environmental permitting, and stormwater management.

As the firm continues to expand, they are making a significant investment in establishing Water Resources as a standalone core service line. This is a rare opportunity for an experienced water resources professional to step into a highly visible leadership role and shape the future of an emerging practice with the full backing of an established and successful organisation.

The Opportunity

The firm currently delivers stormwater and drainage solutions as part of its transportation and civil/site programmes. With long-standing relationships across more than 100 communities throughout Massachusetts and the wider New England region, there is a substantial opportunity to develop a dedicated Water Resources practice focused on municipal stormwater management, watershed planning, drainage system evaluation, permitting, resilience planning, and community-wide infrastructure solutions.

The Water Resources Director of Engineering will lead the development of this new service area, helping define the strategic vision, expand technical capabilities, strengthen client relationships, and build a team that can support continued growth.

This position offers flexibility depending on the successful candidate's background and aspirations. Individuals coming from a highly technical water resources leadership background will have the opportunity to establish technical excellence and build internal capabilities, while candidates with established client relationships and market presence will be empowered to develop business opportunities and ultimately lead the practice from both a technical and commercial perspective.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the growth and strategic development of the firm's Water Resources practice throughout Massachusetts and the broader New England market.
• Serve as a technical authority for municipal stormwater management, watershed planning, hydraulic and hydrologic modelling, drainage assessments, permitting, and resilience initiatives.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with municipal clients, public agencies, and key stakeholders.
• Identify new business opportunities and expand existing client relationships within the water resources sector.
• Support town-wide and city-wide stormwater planning initiatives, including master planning and long-term infrastructure improvement strategies.
• Guide project teams through technical delivery, regulatory compliance, permitting, and quality assurance processes.
• Collaborate closely with transportation, civil/site, environmental, and land planning teams to provide integrated solutions.
• Mentor, develop, and recruit water resources professionals as the practice expands.
• Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and professional organisations.
• Contribute to proposals, presentations, strategic planning efforts, and overall practice growth initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licence required.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant water resources engineering experience.
• Strong expertise in hydrologic and hydraulic modelling, stormwater management, drainage design, and municipal infrastructure planning.
• Demonstrated experience with permitting and regulatory processes throughout Massachusetts and/or New England.
• Experience leading technical project delivery and managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Established relationships with municipal clients, agencies, or other public-sector stakeholders is highly desirable.
• Strong business development, client management, and leadership capabilities are preferred.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A desire to build, grow, and shape a practice within an entrepreneurial environment.

Why Join?

This is far more than a typical department leadership position. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build something truly meaningful within an organisation that has already established a strong market presence and reputation.

The company has experienced sustained organic growth throughout its 25-year history and continues to invest heavily in its people and services. Leadership is accessible, collaborative, and notably younger than many competing organisations, creating an environment that embraces fresh ideas, innovation, and professional growth.

Employees enjoy significant flexibility, including hybrid working arrangements without rigid office attendance requirements. Team members can take advantage of half-day Fridays through an adjusted work schedule, while full summer Fridays off are also available through a compressed work week arrangement.

Retention across the business is exceptionally strong, reflecting a culture that prioritises employee development, trust, and long-term career progression.

For professionals who feel limited by bureaucracy, overlooked for advancement opportunities, or constrained within larger organisations, this role presents the chance to take ownership of a growing practice and leave a lasting mark on one of the most respected consulting firms in New England.

Whether your background is rooted in technical excellence, client development, or both, this opportunity offers the platform, support, and market presence needed to build a leading Water Resources practice from the ground up.