Practice Lead - Water and Wastewater

About BKF

BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond.

With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years. At BKF, you'll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to have received the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row.

BKF is seeking a Practice Area Lead in Water/Wastewater. With a strong understanding of Water and Wastewater needs, the Practice Lead of W/WW ensures excellence in project delivery, client service, talent development, revenue growth, and financial performance.

• Develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan for the W/WW vertical, aligning with BKF's long-term goals and vision.
• Identify and pursue growth opportunities including geographic expansion, new service lines, and major pursuits.
• Identify Merger and Acquisition opportunities that align with the overall service line, market, and corporate strategy.
• Develop and execute strategies to successfully integrate W/WW acquisitions with the goal of unlocking synergies that drive growth.

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a team of Regional Leads, fostering an environment of growth, collaboration, and integrity.
• Lead succession planning and talent acquisition strategies for key roles within the markets.
• Oversee the allocation of resources to ensure project success and operational efficiency.
• Oversee teams that are responsible for planning and design of Water and Wastewater infrastructure.

• Under the guidance of the Market Lead for Water, lead annual business plan/budget and long‑range forecasting for your vertical. Develop and own the W/WW vertical revenue growth, profitability (P&L responsibility), backlog health, and margin in accordance with the annual operating plan.
• Guide pricing strategies, fee development, and resource allocation in alignment with financial targets.
• Monitor and drive the vertical's performance metrics, ensuring that the team consistently meets or exceeds Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Regularly review and assess the performance of the W/WW vertical, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service delivery.

• Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities, expand relationships with clients and partners, and contribute to the overall growth of the sector.
• Collaborate with Business Development and Marketing teams to shape go-to-market strategies, major pursuit plans, and capture efforts.
• Serve as executive sponsor on key pursuits and client accounts.
• Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and with public agencies to enhance market visibility and influence.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, long‑term relationships with key public and private sector clients.

• Provide leadership and oversight of all project delivery ensuring quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction from inception to completion.
• Drive consistency in project delivery, leveraging best practices and standardized tools across teams.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with W/WW projects and operations, ensuring the safety and success of all initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement in project delivery processes and methodologies, enhancing overall efficiency and effectiveness.
• Conduct technical reviews and provide guidance on civil engineering designs, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with regulatory agencies and stakeholders to obtain necessary permits and approvals for W/WW projects.
• Offer technical expertise and support to project teams, helping them navigate complex engineering challenges.
• Lead…