Client Program Leader (CPL)

About the role

AE2S is seeking a Client Program Leader to strengthen client partnerships, expand our regional presence, and help special districts and utilities deliver critical water, wastewater, and water resource infrastructure solutions. This role is ideal for a relationship-focused leader with experience in consulting, municipal utilities, special districts, public works, or public infrastructure programs. The right candidate will understand how Iowa municipalities plan, fund, permit, and deliver utility infrastructure, and will enjoy building trusted, face-to-face client relationships. This is not a traditional sales role. The Client Program Leader is a senior market and relationship leader who helps AE2S understand client needs, align technical resources, support high-quality project delivery, and grow long-term partnerships across Iowa.

Responsibilities

• Build and sustain trusted relationships with municipalities, special districts, public works departments, utility authorities, and regional water/wastewater providers. Maintain a strong local presence through regular in-person client engagement. Lead proactive client feedback efforts to support high satisfaction, long-term partnerships, and continuous improvement. Serve as an escalation point for client concerns and help drive timely resolution.
• Develop and maintain a long-term growth vision for the Iowa market, supported by annual goals and action plans. Lead Client Action Planning to deepen relationships, understand client needs, and expand AE2S service offerings. Stay informed on Iowa funding trends, regulatory and permitting requirements, legislative developments, and infrastructure initiatives. Support strategic decisions around staffing, office presence, technical resources, and market positioning.
• Identify and prioritize opportunities aligned with client needs and AE2S strategy. Maintain visibility into the Iowa sales pipeline, opportunity tracking, and forecasting. Support Go/No-Go decisions, capture planning, proposal strategy, and pursuit positioning. Coordinate local and firm-wide resources to support key pursuits and client opportunities.
• Partner with AE2S technical, operations, and practice leaders to align services with client needs. Share market intelligence, client feedback, and teaming opportunities with internal stakeholders. Represent AE2S at Iowa-based conferences, association meetings, client events, and industry forums. Maintain involvement in organizations such as Iowa Water Environment Association, Iowa Rural Water Association, American Water Works Association Iowa Chapter, and similar groups.
• Remain connected to project delivery and your area of technical or professional expertise. Support selected projects, programs, planning efforts, or client initiatives to stay current with client needs and AE2S service delivery. Bring practical, credible insight into client conversations through continued engagement with project work.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in leadership within the engineering industry.
• Experience in consulting, utility management, public works, special district leadership, or public infrastructure programs.
• Background in one or more of the following areas:
  • Water supply, storage, treatment, and distribution
  • Wastewater collection and treatment
  • Stormwater, flood management, or water resources
  • Capital improvement planning or utility infrastructure delivery
  • Program management, funding strategy, permitting, or public-sector infrastructure planning
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with municipal, utility, special district, public works, or public-sector decision makers.
• Experience identifying client needs, shaping project or program opportunities, and supporting organizational growth.
• Experience with project delivery, capital planning, proposal development, funding strategy, public procurement, or client management.
• Strong communication, strategic planning, collaboration, and relationship-management skills.