Principal- Wastewater Leader

Build Your Future with GBA. At GBA, we’re more than engineers—we’re problem-solvers, collaborators, and innovators. Our people are passionate about delivering high-quality, technically sound solutions that improve the communities where we live, work, and play. We combine deep expertise with a commitment to mentorship, safety, and continuous improvement to create remarkable outcomes for our clients and meaningful growth for our team.

About the Role

We’re seeking a Principal – Texas Wastewater Leader to provide strategic, technical, and business leadership for our Wastewater Treatment practice across Texas. This executive-level role is responsible for driving market growth, strengthening client relationships, leading high-performing teams, and advancing GBA’s position as a trusted partner in municipal wastewater infrastructure. The ideal candidate is a proven industry leader who combines deep technical expertise with strong business acumen and a passion for developing people and growing client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies to grow GBA’s wastewater treatment practice throughout Central Texas and the broader Texas market.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, expand service offerings, and strengthen GBA’s market position.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to assess market trends, evaluate risks, and drive long-term growth initiatives.
• Represent GBA as an industry leader through professional organizations, conferences, client engagement, and thought leadership activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with municipalities, utility districts, regulatory agencies, and industry partners.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and advocate for clients, helping them address infrastructure, regulatory, and growth challenges.
• Lead client development efforts and support strategic pursuits for major projects and programs.
• Collaborate with internal teams to position GBA for long-term partnerships and recurring opportunities.
• Provide strategic and technical leadership for wastewater treatment and utility infrastructure projects.
• Guide project teams in delivering innovative, high-quality solutions that meet client objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Support major planning, design, rehabilitation, and infrastructure improvement initiatives.
• Establish and maintain quality assurance, risk management, and project governance practices.
• Lead, mentor, and develop senior leaders and project teams across the Water Environment practice.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Support succession planning and leadership development initiatives.
• Champion employee growth while maintaining GBA’s commitment to exceptional client service and technical excellence.
• Monitor financial performance, resource allocation, profitability, and overall operational effectiveness.
• Support contract review, risk management, and strategic decision-making.
• Ensure teams have the resources and support needed to successfully deliver projects and meet business objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required; Texas PE license or ability to obtain Texas licensure.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in wastewater treatment, utility infrastructure, or related water environment services.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing leaders, project managers, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong background in municipal wastewater systems, including treatment facilities, collection systems, lift stations, and utility infrastructure.
• Experience leading complex infrastructure projects from planning and design through implementation.
• Proven track record of business development, market growth, and client relationship management.
• Strong communication, leadership, and strategic planning skills.

Preferred Leadership Attributes

• Recognized industry leader with demonstrated involvement in professional organizations, speaking engagements, publications, or other thought leadership activities.
• Ability to influence organizational strategy and business performance through market insight and industry expertise.
• Strong consulting and client advisory skills with the ability to guide complex decisions and build lasting partnerships.
• Passion for mentoring others and developing the next generation of industry leaders.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in office, client, and project-site environments.
• Ability to travel up to 50% for client meetings, project visits, industry events, and regional business activities.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life, accident, and disability coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness initiatives
• Paid company holidays, floating holidays, and flexible time off
• Opportunities for leadership development, professional growth, and advancement