Practice Lead - Water and Wastewater

About the role

BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years. At BKF, you'll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to have received the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row.

The Practice Area Lead in Water/Wastewater ensures excellence in project delivery, client service, talent development, revenue growth, and financial performance for the W/WW vertical.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan for the W/WW vertical, aligning with BKF's long-term goals and vision.
• Identify and pursue growth opportunities including geographic expansion, new service lines, and major pursuits.
• Identify Merger and Acquisition opportunities that align with the overall service line, market, and corporate strategy; develop and execute integration strategies to unlock synergies.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a team of Regional Leads, fostering an environment of growth, collaboration, and integrity.
• Lead succession planning and talent acquisition strategies for key roles within the markets; oversee resource allocation to ensure project success and operational efficiency.
• Lead annual business plan/budget and long-range forecasting for the W/WW vertical; own revenue growth, profitability (P&L responsibility), backlog health, and margin in accordance with the annual operating plan.
• Guide pricing strategies, fee development, and resource allocation in alignment with financial targets; monitor and drive performance metrics to meet or exceed KPIs.
• Regularly review and assess vertical performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions; enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service delivery.
• Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities, expand client and partner relationships, and contribute to sector growth.
• Collaborate with Business Development and Marketing teams to shape go-to-market strategies, major pursuit plans, and capture efforts; serve as executive sponsor on key pursuits and client accounts.
• Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and with public agencies to enhance market visibility and influence; cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key public and private sector clients.
• Provide leadership and oversight of all project delivery ensuring quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction from inception to completion; drive consistency in project delivery using best practices and standardized tools.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with W/WW projects and operations; drive continuous improvement in project delivery processes and methodologies.
• Conduct technical reviews and provide guidance on civil engineering designs, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with regulatory agencies and stakeholders to obtain necessary permits and approvals for W/WW projects; offer technical expertise and support to project teams.
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative solutions to address W/WW challenges.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring a high level of satisfaction and trust in BKF's services; foster new client relationships aligned with strategic growth goals.
• Work closely with other leaders across BKF to share best practices, optimize processes, and contribute to company-wide initiatives; maintain open and effective communication with stakeholders.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in water and wastewater design.
• Proven success in P&L ownership, including driving scaled revenue growth, operational efficiency, and profitability management across multiple business lines or regions.
• Excellent business acumen with a focus on KPIs, operational efficiency, and scalable growth.
• Deep expertise in water and wastewater design.
• Demonstrated track record of business development and client relationship management in public and/or private sector markets.
• Strong understanding of project delivery methods, including traditional design-bid-build, progressive design-build, CM/GC, and other alternative delivery models.
• Skilled in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and change management.
• Deep understanding of project lifecycle management in the AEC industry, including planning, design, permitting, and construction phases.
• Exceptional leadership and people management capabilities with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills; able to represent the firm with clients, partners, and industry organizations.
• Strong working knowledge of industry trends, funding mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks affecting infrastructure investment.
• Client-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering excellence and value.
• Highly organized, analytical, and results-oriented.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven consulting environment.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support regional offices, project sites, or client engagements.
• Able to work cooperatively with leadership and other key stakeholders within BKF.
• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Construction or closely related field is required.
• PE license in California preferred.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse.
• Occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.

Work Conditions

• Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting.
• Exposure to high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.

Pay

The typical base salary range for this position is $200,000 - $270,000 annualized, depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salary position paid biweekly.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries, end-of-year bonuses, profit sharing, and 401k.
• Generous paid time off packages.
• 9 paid holidays.
• Education reimbursement.
• Paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations.