Water Resources Practice Leader

KCI Technologies in Newark, Delaware is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Water Resources Practice Leader to support our team of environmental professionals.

About the role

The individual holds a pivotal role in day-to-day leadership, financial management, coordination, collaboration, marketing, mentoring, and staff development within the practice. Typical services include NPDES MS4 support; environmental compliance; monitoring and operational support of private, municipal, and transportation clients.

At KCI, we’re building an enduring community that provides unparalleled value to our employee-owners. We invest deeply in supporting and developing our team, rewarding integrity and commitment. Our employees have the freedom to innovate, unlimited growth, a voice that matters, a lifestyle that works, and skin in the game. Achievements are shared and celebrated.

About the company

KCI Technologies, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned engineering, consulting, and construction firm serving clients throughout the United States. Recognized as an industry leader, KCI employs cutting-edge technologies, management practices, and strategic growth initiatives. Employee ownership fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, encourages technical expertise, and shapes strategic planning. KCI is currently ranked #50 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 design firms in the nation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Practice Leader for SC Water Resources, reporting directly to the Regional Practice Leader.
• Responsible for staff development, project execution, and procurement of work within the Delaware Water Resources Practice.
• Assist the Regional Practice Leader and Service Line Leader in sales activities and maintenance of client relationships.
• Prepare technical and fee proposals for work within the Practice.
• Participate in field work, lead project status meetings, and assist in the preparation of field investigation summary memos and annual reports.
• Perform QA/QC (quality control) reviews for project or task deliverables.
• Provide leadership and guidance to Project Managers (PMs), Senior Project Managers (Sr. PMs), and staff within the practice.
• Support the professional growth and development of Sr. PMs, PMs, and staff.
• Assume responsibility for the business within the practice, focusing on achieving budgeted margins, project health, and effective cash management.
• Hire and manage the work routine of all assigned staff and assign job activities as required.
• Track and coordinate practice performance results.
• Serve as project manager on select projects and ensure a high level of quality on all projects within the practice.
• Lead recruiting and retention efforts to attract and retain top talent within the practice.
• Mentor staff, leading in their training and development.
• Lead negotiations of contract terms, scopes, and fees with clients/subconsultants.
• Lead project schedule development from inception to completion for projects within the Practice.
• Develop monthly progress reports and invoices for projects.
• Prepare monthly staff utilization plans and provide monthly cash management (WIP/AR) comments to Finance and the Project Management Office.
• Drive business development initiatives by maximizing opportunities with existing and new clients, gathering insights for business planning, and cross-selling other KCI services.
• Lead project opportunity evaluation, consultant selection, and preparation of qualification/experience statements within the Practice.
• Identify new business opportunities, coordinate and participate in project presentations, and promote KCI’s capabilities among existing and prospective clients.
• Develop and maintain customer relationships by soliciting monthly performance feedback, identifying client needs, and identifying the next project.
• Provide input for the annual business development plan to achieve sales targets.
• Provide market trends to the Regional Practice Leader and Service Line Leader for strategic planning purposes.
• Comply with all KCI policies and procedures and ensure practice fulfills Quality Management System compliance requirements.
• Participate and contribute to annual leadership meetings and applicable regional office forums.
• Represent KCI in technical/industry and community organizations.
• Develop project-specific safety plans as needed and ensure compliance with all Federal, state, and local safety rules and regulations.
• Deliver all projects on time, within budget, and at a high level of quality while fully meeting the scope.
• Monitor effective use of equipment and personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (AEC Industry) and minimum of 7 years of related professional experience, or 11 years of equivalent professional experience.
• Progressive professional and increasing project management and organizational management experience.
• Proven experience in project management roles within the technical practice.
• Demonstrated leadership capability to build and lead teams of technical practitioners and/or project managers.
• Strong interpersonal as well as verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage budgets, project margins, and cash flow.
• Experience in business development, with a focus on maximizing client relationships and identifying growth opportunities.
• Commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence within the Practice.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions.
• Adaptability and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools used in the practice area.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to the service line.

Qualifications

• Ability to complete the KCI PM Training and Contract Training within six months of start date.
• Professional license or certification within the field of expertise preferred.
• Pre-employment drug screening and background check are conditions of employment. Motor vehicle checks may be required based upon position.

Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package, family-friendly benefits, a collaborative working environment, and the training, mentoring, and resources you need to advance in your career.