Civil Engineering Group Leader

Civil Engineering Group Leader

At David Evans and Associates, our Land Development team is recognized for thoughtful innovation and responsive service. Our technical expertise and deep understanding of the built and natural environments drive our commitment to creating enduring legacies that resonate with local values. Whether transforming vacant land into vibrant communities or reusing underutilized spaces, our services are customized to realize your vision from entitlement to ribbon cutting.

By delivering comprehensive land planning, urban development, landscape architecture, civil engineering, and environmental stewardship, DEA is consistently helping our clients deliver award‑winning projects that set new industry standards and enhance our communities.

The Civil Engineering Practice is seeking a Group Leader / Civil Engineering Manager to join and help grow our Southern California Land Development Business Unit.

This leadership role is responsible for group operations, staff development, project delivery excellence, and expanding DEA's private and public‑sector land development presence across the region.

This position combines strategic leadership
, business development
, and technical project management to support a portfolio of residential, commercial, industrial, mixed‑use, and redevelopment projects. The Group Leader will directly influence operational performance, profitability, team culture, and market impact.

• Lead a Land Development group with responsibility for operations, utilization, profitability, and staffing aligned with DEA's performance metrics and growth strategies.
• Implement the vision and strategic direction for the assigned Southern California group or segment.
• Oversee short‑ and long‑term group utilization
  , workload forecasting, and capability assessment to ensure technical resources align with project and market needs.
• Promote a culture of quality, accountability, safety, and operational excellence
  .

• Supervise, mentor, and coach project managers, engineers, designers, and technical staff.
• Support career development, training plans, performance reviews, and recruiting/retention strategies to build a high‑performing team.
• Ensure staffing levels and technical capabilities are in place to meet client demands and growth targets.

• Serve as Project Manager and/or technical lead for complex land development projects.
• Oversee preparation of civil engineering plans, reports, permit packages, and cost estimates.
• Develop and implement quality assurance/quality control procedures.
• Guide project scoping, budgeting, scheduling, resource planning, and risk management.
• Ensure client expectations are met through consistent communication, timely delivery, and proactive issue resolution.

• Maintain and grow client relationships within the Southern California private development and municipal markets.
• Lead project pursuits, including strategy development, teaming, proposal oversight, and presentations.
• Identify incremental, cross‑discipline, and new business opportunities aligned with DEA's services.
• Collaborate with Market Leaders and the LDBU leadership team to position DEA for strategic wins.

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive civil engineering experience within a complex consulting environment.
• Extensive background in land development
  , including residential, commercial, and/or industrial site development.
• Demonstrated experience managing all aspects of a project portfolio: financial performance, client satisfaction, staff leadership, risk management.
• Proven ability to win work, negotiate contracts, and drive profitable growth.
• Strong skills in leadership, communication, mentoring, critical thinking, and collaborative problem solving.

• California Professional Engineer or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Experience leading operations or managing a group/team within a consulting environment.
• Established Southern California private development client…