Group Leader, Highway Engineering

Join to apply for the Group Leader, Highway Engineering role at GFT
.

GFT is seeking an experienced Roadway Group Leader to join our Transportation Group in Texas
. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of our Texas offices. Working on the transportation team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient, sustainable design and construction, delivering innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern, multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all.

GFT is seeking a Roadway Group Leader with experience in leading teams, business development, project management and roadway/highway engineering. This role will lead and grow a dynamic group of 70+ professionals across the state. This leader will drive project excellence, develop and mentor technical teams, and strengthen our statewide presence with TxDOT, municipal clients, toll authorities, and regional partners.

• Champion a “One Team Texas” culture.
• Lead, mentor, and empower teams across Texas offices while fostering a collaborative, accountable, high-performance environment.
• Communicate proactively and effectively with the Area Leader, other leaders, and staff.
• Champion professional development, recruitment, and retention of staff.

• Oversee project delivery by providing leadership and direction to project managers.
• Manage and support engineering efforts for complex and high-profile projects.
• Conduct project performance reviews.
• Drive project performance by monitoring schedule, budget, quality, and risk, proactively resolving issues to maintain client confidence.
• Support QA/QC by ensuring quality expectations are consistently met or exceeded.

• Partner with the Area Leader, Project Managers, and Regional Sales Leader to expand market presence across Texas.
• Cultivate client relationships, identify and evaluate pursuits, establish teaming strategies, and lead proposal efforts aligned with Texas growth objectives.
• Develop strategies and tactical action plans to achieve business development and client service goals.
• Identify trends and opportunities for business and resource growth.
• Initiate and review proposals and sales activities; lead or participate in interviews and presentations.
• Attend conferences of strategic significance and maintain visibility through active participation in professional, civic, and business organizations.

• Develop and manage labor projections for the group and balance workload across offices.
• Collaborate with the Business Manager during PM meetings and resolve at-risk projects.
• Lead project management both technically and financially to deliver high-quality, on‑time, on‑budget projects.
• Balance direct billable work with business development, mentorship, and operational leadership responsibilities.
• Track and improve group metrics, including utilization, profitability, NLM, schedule adherence, and quality performance.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering required.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience managing transportation projects.
• Experience leading teams.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Texas.
• Strong background in project management, heavy civil infrastructure engineering, and business development, with a verifiable track record of winning and executing large, complex transportation projects.
• Growth‑focused mindset with the ability to attract, develop, and retain talent to expand market share and meet evolving client needs.
• Self‑starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to challenge, confront, and influence effectively.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package…