Vice President - Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama Maritime Leader, Ports and Maritime Engineering

Vice President – Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama Maritime Leader, Ports & Maritime Engineering

WSP is seeking a talented Vice President – Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama Maritime Leader, Ports & Maritime Engineering professional to join our National Maritime team at New Orleans, LA or Baton Rouge, LA. Provides leadership within the national ports and maritime business line. The ideal candidate shall possess subject‑matter expertise in planning and design delivery of port/waterfront projects (solid/bulk handling ports including ship and barge docks, multipurpose cargo handling facilities, container terminals, oil/fuel terminals, military facilities, intermodal yards, and passenger terminals) in the region, and significant experience in pursuing and proposing multidisciplinary marine waterfront programs along the Mississippi River.

Candidate should have a proven record of designing and delivering PS&E packages of a quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry and company standards for design, safety, and functionality. Hands‑on understanding of the maritime market and a proven record of meeting and exceeding client objectives is highly desirable.

• Provide proactive and strategic leadership for the maritime subsector offering direction, expertise, and support to achieve project and business line expansion goals.
• Understand the maritime permitting process and perform engineering review of permit applications, engineering design plans and specifications, standby plans and engineering contracts, integrated management plans, and periodic construction inspections to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations and sound engineering practice and standards.
• Lead large‑scale multidisciplinary greenfield port development and port redevelopment/reconfiguration projects ensuring contributors know what they are required to do and by when, preparing and overseeing relevant project budgets, monitoring external events, tracking hours and expenses, ensuring satisfactory performance, and supervising subcontractors, contract work, and employees.
• Provide expert technical assistance on various engineering, design, and construction issues relating to marine, port, and coastal systems.
• Capture planning, pursuit, and development of business and the successful execution of traditional maritime/port work all across Louisiana, Mississippi with a specific focus on Louisiana and private clients including terminal operators along the Mississippi.
• Lead technical aspects of contract negotiation, presentations, and meetings.
• Support the overall long‑term strategy, growth, and pipeline development of Marine Engineering work for WSP in the assigned area of responsibility, with a focus on port infrastructure opportunities in all disciplines (planning, design, strategic consulting and program/construction management).
• Ensure the profitable performance of the individual projects and successful completion within the specified area.
• Develop a solid client base consisting of various public or private entities or individuals and meet with them regularly to track opportunities and discuss issues relating to a variety of engineering/construction challenges and programs.
• Ensure that engineering discipline certifications, accreditations, and value proposition are developed and continuously improved.
• Serve as one of the practice’s lead representatives/liaisons to a variety of external entities including federal, state, and local agencies, clients, subcontractors, port authorities, industry‑related groups, and various government and community entities.
• Mentor staff to support their growth and professional development.
• Manage and provide performance guidance and leadership to assigned staff.
• Remain current in the latest marine, port, and coastal engineering techniques and practices. Be acquainted with the capital investment programs of all leading regional public ports at a minimum.
• Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide “trusted advisor” service and future‑ready solutions for clients.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources and…