Municipal Client Service Manager- Water- Bay Area

GHD; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 230,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering and environmental firm is seeking a Client Service Manager (CSM) for the Water sector in San Francisco, CA. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of experience in client relationship management within the public sector. Key responsibilities include developing strong client relationships, leading engagement teams, and pursuing new business opportunities. A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Environmental Science is required, with a Professional Engineer license preferred. A competitive salary range of $230,000–$280,000 is offered based on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in client service management with municipal or public sector clients.
• Professional Engineer license preferred.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at senior levels.
• Proven ability to develop and execute market strategies.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong client relationships with municipal clients.
• Lead a client engagement team and create growth plans.
• Identify new opportunities within municipal markets.
• Represent the organization at municipal meetings and events.
• Manage the client portfolio and track opportunity pipeline.

Skills

Client relationship management

Strategic account management

Business development

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Interpersonal skills

Proficiency in Salesforce

Microsoft Office Suite

Strategic thinking

Knowledge of municipal operations

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering or Environmental Science

Tools

CRM tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description

Help us build the future and we’ll help you build a rewarding and purposeful career. Our global network is made up of architects, designers, planners, engineers, and environmental scientists all working towards the same goal.

Overview

Join a team that brings inspirational architecture, landscapes, townscapes and places to our world, and we’ll provide you unlimited space to grow. You’ll be able to apply our powerful global network of skills and decades of experience to build positive client outcomes.

Who are we looking for?

GHD’s municipal business in Water and Transportation is in a period of accelerated growth. Over the past few years, we have doubled our municipal portfolio, driven by strong client relationships, technical excellence, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. Building on this momentum, we have launched a bold growth initiative to double our municipal practice over the next four years. This next phase of growth is intentional, market‑focused, and rooted in long‑term partnerships with cities, counties, and local agencies.

Position Summary

Client Service Manager (CSM) – Water

You will serve as a critical link between our clients, the communities, and our technical teams, bringing external voices and priorities into the organization. The role combines client relationship development, strategic account management, business development, and advocacy across municipal water clients in San Francisco, Oakland, and Concord, CA.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Relationship Development – Build and maintain strong relationships with municipal clients, act as the client voice within the organization, develop and implement client interaction plans to engage decision‑makers.
• Strategic Account Management – Lead a client engagement team, create and execute annual growth plans for municipal accounts, and monitor trends in public spending, regulatory changes, and infrastructure investments.
• Business Development – Identify and pursue new opportunities within municipal markets, collaborate with technical teams during bidding and delivery, and maintain an active pipeline of projects and pursuits.
• Advocacy and Representation – Represent GHD at municipal meetings, conferences, and industry events; promote the organization’s brand and capabilities; facilitate multi‑party communications to resolve issues and advance strategic initiatives.
• Key Performance Indicators – Manage the client portfolio, track opportunity pipeline, and meet booking targets.
• Additional Responsibilities – Oversee CRM implementation and maintenance, act as subject‑matter expert in technology or regulation, manage a portfolio of complex customer relationships, and develop relationship plans for strategic accounts.

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer license preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in client service management or client relationship management with municipal or public sector clients.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence at senior levels.
• Proficiency in CRM tools (Salesforce in particular) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strategic thinker with a client‑centric mindset and a strong understanding of municipal operations, governance, and procurement.
• Experience in client engagement and business development, with a track record of building relationships across government, industry, and community stakeholders.
• Proven ability to develop and execute market strategies.

EEO Statement

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, national origin, sex (including same sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, disability or handicap, citizenship status, service member status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Salary

Salary Range: $230,000–$280,000 based on experience and location.