Civil Engineering Practice Leader

ZipRecruiter; Sacramento (CA); Remote; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A civil engineering firm is seeking a Civil Engineering Practice Leader in Northern California to lead project execution and business development. This role demands extensive experience in managing large-scale projects and teams, guiding strategic initiatives, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Ideal for seasoned professionals, it offers competitive compensation and a flexible work environment emphasizing innovation and career growth.

Benefits

Medical Plan Options

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Paid Family Leave

Flexible work schedule options

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in civil engineering, with a proven record of leading high-level projects.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee complex civil engineering projects, ensuring quality standards and budgets.
• Develop client relationships and identify new business opportunities.
• Participate in senior-level strategic planning.

Skills

Project management software

Design tools

Leadership

Client management

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Master’s degree

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Job description

Overview

At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are an engineering design firm focused on innovative, sustainable engineering that shapes the built environment and tackles complex infrastructure challenges. Our team culture emphasizes balance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member’s professional journey with flexibility and generous benefits.

With over 1,400 professionals across 27 offices nationwide, KPFF’s decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths. Learn more at www.kpff.com.

Job Description

We are seeking an accomplished Civil Engineering Practice Leader to spearhead high-level project execution, business development, and strategic growth initiatives for our Northern California Civil Group. This role offers significant location flexibility in Northern California, allowing for professional growth and leadership opportunities within KPFF. This position is ideal for a seasoned civil engineering professional with proven expertise in leading large-scale projects, managing multidisciplinary teams, and shaping the strategic vision of the practice.

As a Practice Leader, you will be instrumental in shaping our client relationships, ensuring project excellence, and making key strategic decisions to enhance our firm’s position in the industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead High-Level Project Execution: Oversee complex civil engineering projects, ensuring that all phases—from planning and design through to delivery—meet quality standards, budgets, and timeline requirements.
• Drive Business Development and Client Engagement: Develop and expand client relationships, identify new business opportunities, and contribute to proposal and contract development to support growth and profitability of the practice.
• Guide Strategic Decision-Making: Participate in senior-level strategic planning, aligning project goals with organizational objectives and market opportunities to strengthen the practice’s position and reputation.
• Lead and Mentor Large Project Teams: Provide leadership and direction to multidisciplinary project teams, promoting collaboration and high performance. Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, fostering professional growth and succession planning.
• Ensure Regulatory Compliance and Quality Standards: Oversee compliance with regulatory standards and quality practices, ensuring projects meet client expectations and industry requirements.
• Promote Innovation and Best Practices: Stay informed of industry trends and advanced solutions, integrating new approaches to enhance project outcomes and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering; Master’s degree
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in civil engineering, with a proven record of leading high-level projects and managing large teams
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required
• Strong expertise in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera) and design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D)
• Demonstrated experience in business development, client management, and contract negotiations
• Strategic thinker with an understanding of market trends and business operations in civil engineering
• Exceptional leadership skills, with a proven ability to lead, motivate, and mentor project teams
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities, with experience engaging with clients and executives
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements, environmental standards, and sustainable design practices
• Familiarity with Design-Build and Public-Private Partnerships is a plus

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working on a computer, reviewing plans, or conducting site visits
• Capacity to move around project sites, climb ladders, and navigate uneven terrain
• Occasionally lifting up to 15 pounds

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary for this role starts at $120,000 and is competitive, with the final amount determined based on experience, education, and skills. KPFF offers performance-based bonuses and provides details about ownership opportunities and additional benefits during the interview process.

Culture and Benefits

KPFF offers a rewarding career path that emphasizes autonomy, innovation, and professional development. Our culture prioritizes employee ownership, teamwork, and shared values, creating an environment where contributions are celebrated and career growth is encouraged.

Employee Benefits

• Medical Plan Options: Traditional PPO or HDHP with HSA, covering preventive care and prescriptions
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Tax-advantaged accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Dental & Vision: Preventive care plus major dental and vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support for personal, family, and work challenges
• Life & AD&D Insurance: Company-provided life insurance equal to one year’s salary, plus AD&D
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: KPFF contributes 3% of salary
• Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, two floating holidays, and paid company holidays
• Paid Family Leave: Six weeks at 60% pay

Additional Perks

• Flexible, alternative work schedule options (hybrid, 9/80, half-day Fridays)
• Monthly educational lunch and learns
• Individual professional development budget
• Covered professional and corporate membership fees
• Monthly social events and other activities
• Volunteer opportunities with local groups
• Internal committee and affinity group opportunities

KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide Form I-9 information to verify work authorization. KPFF is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics and any other status as required by law.