Central Region Area Manager, Transportation

GFT; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 230,000 - 290,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Wellness programs

Paid-time-off (PTO) accrual

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) savings plan

Job summary

GFT is looking for a Central Texas Area Manager in Austin, Texas who will lead business development efforts and enhance client relationships. This hybrid role requires regular attendance at the office, collaborating with a team to drive growth and operational performance.

The ideal candidate will have 15+ years of experience in the transportation market, strong leadership skills, and a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive experience demonstrating leadership and business judgment.
• Strong understanding of the local Central Texas transportation market.
• Proven success in strategic pursuit leadership and client relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Drive business development and expand client relationships.
• Support Texas Operations Leader in executing the business plan.
• Monitor market conditions to inform growth strategy.

Skills

Business development

Client relationship management

Strategic growth

Operational leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Job description

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking an experienced, growth-oriented Central Texas Area Manager to join our Transportation Practice in Austin, Texas. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Austin office. Working on the transportation team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether supporting highways, bridges, transit and rail, or multimodal infrastructure, our team delivers innovative, resilient, and sustainable solutions that improve mobility and strengthen the communities we serve.

What You’ll Be Challenged To Do

This is an excellent career opportunity for an experienced, motivated leader who thrives in a collaborative team environment and brings a strong blend of business development, client management, strategic growth, and operational leadership. The primary focus of this role is to drive business development, expand client relationships, grow the area’s project portfolio, and support the Texas Operations Leader in executing the Texas area business plan and day‑to‑day operational performance.

Responsibilities

Business Development, Growth & Client Management

• Develop and execute the area business development and growth strategy in alignment with business line, region, and enterprise goals.
• Identify, position for, and pursue new business opportunities with public‑ and private‑sector clients in the assigned geography and market.
• Build, strengthen, and maintain key client relationships to support repeat business and long‑term account growth.
• Support go/no‑go recommendations, teaming decisions, and pursuit strategies for major opportunities.
• Collaborate across the enterprise to identify and advance cross‑selling opportunities among practices, business lines, and geographies.
• Represent GFT in client meetings, interviews, conferences, and industry events to promote the firm’s services and brand.
• Monitor market conditions, competitor activity, client capital programs, and emerging opportunities to inform growth strategy.

Operations & Leadership

• Assist the Texas Operations Leader with execution of the Texas Area business plan, including staffing, resource planning, operational coordination, and implementation of strategic priorities.
• Support achievement of area goals related to net revenue, profitability, sales, utilization, and overall operational performance.
• Serve in project leadership roles, as needed, including Project Principal, Senior Project Manager on key assignments.
• Help ensure a high level of client satisfaction across projects and accounts within the area.
• Foster a culture of employee engagement, collaboration, innovation, learning, and positive employee relations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive experience demonstrating leadership, sound business judgment, and the ability to drive growth and operational performance.
• Strong understanding of the local and regional business environment, key clients, and market opportunities.
• Proven success in business development, client relationship management, and strategic pursuit leadership in the Central Texas transportation market.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $230,000 - $290,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location. This role is eligible for annual incentives/bonuses.

Benefits

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, pet insurance, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support for active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Company Overview

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.