Director of Land Engineering

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Charlotte is seeking a proactive Director of Land Engineering to drive growth in their Land Development practice. This role involves leadership, project management, and business development, requiring exceptional communication skills and a strong background in civil engineering. The ideal candidate will lead the Land Engineering team, work closely with clients, and mentor staff while managing impactful projects that enhance community development.

Benefits

Diverse and inclusive culture

Flexible, hybrid workplace

Focus on learning and development

Best-in-class benefits

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive experience in land development, engineering, and team leadership.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure required.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations of the Land Engineering Team.
• Oversee project delivery teams and provide strategic guidance.
• Actively lead business development efforts.

Skills

Leadership

Team Development

Business Acumen

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

B.S. in Civil Engineering

Job description

Overview

ABOUT THE POSITION

Director of Land Engineering | Charlotte, NC

VHB is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to drive the growth of our Land Development practice in Charlotte. As Director of Land Engineering, you will work with the Managing Director to shape the future of our LD team, enhance client relationships, and deliver high-impact projects. This role reports to the Charlotte MD and involves leading project execution, mentoring staff, engaging with clients, and spearheading business development efforts to expand our market presence. The ideal candidate is an innovative problem solver with exceptional communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines and offices.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead daily operations of the Land Engineering Team, overseeing Charlotte LD Team Leaders and senior technical staff while fostering a collaborative, growth-oriented environment aligned with VHB’s Generational Company philosophy.
• Strengthen VHB’s OneVHB culture by collaborating with other Land Development Leaders throughout VHB’s footprint to drive local prominence, continuous growth, and financial success.
• Develop and implement workload plans, ensuring alignment with business objectives and identifying work-sharing opportunities.
• Mentor and develop technical staff, implementing recruitment, retention, and training initiatives to build a high-performing team.
• Lead change management initiatives related to innovative technologies, data integration, and sustainability.
• Promote a culture of innovation and intellectual curiosity, recognizing and implementing impactful ideas.

Technical & Project Management

• Oversee project delivery teams, providing strategic and technical guidance for land development projects.
• Set the vision for the Land Development Service Line, ensuring excellence in design and project execution.
• Lead project approach discussions, optimizing scope, cost, and schedules while identifying innovative solutions and strategic teaming partnerships.
• Ensure adherence to VHB’s best practices, including quality assurance, project initiation, and documentation procedures.
• Keep teams informed on regulatory changes, industry best practices, and lessons learned to maintain high-quality standards.
• Represent VHB in meetings with clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders, addressing project needs and permitting issues.
• Serve as Project Executive, Project Manager, or Design Manager on high-profile projects as needed.

Business Development & Client Engagement

• Actively lead business development efforts, securing new projects and expanding VHB’s market presence.
• Build and maintain trusted advisor relationships with key clients, leveraging connections for strategic growth.
• Provide strategic direction in project pursuits, from opportunity identification to risk assessment and goal setting.
• Drive go/no-go and partnership decisions, ensuring alignment with VHB’s long-term objectives.
• Represent VHB externally at conferences, industry forums, and professional associations to enhance our visibility and reputation.

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with a focus on mentorship and growth.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead a highly functioning land engineering team.
• Strong business acumen with experience in market expansion and client relationship management.
• Proven track record in managing and delivering complex land development projects.
• High-level problem-solving skills and the ability to drive innovative solutions.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Commitment to quality, financial excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse clients and cross-disciplinary teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Civil Engineering.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in land development, engineering, and team leadership.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure required and ability to obtain North Carolina and South Carolina PE license within 3 months.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple projects.
• Experience coordinating multi-discipline projects with allied professionals such as architects, engineers, and planners.
• Expertise in developing site plans, construction documents, specifications, and engineering reports.

We are VHB!We’re an inspired and innovative team of engineers, scientists, planners, and designers who partner with clients in the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy industries, as well as federal, state, and local governments. Our work helps improve mobility, enhance communities, and contribute to economic vitality. We do this while balancing development and infrastructure needs with stewardship of our environment.

Our people make us great! VHB provides a differentiating employee experience, which includes:

• Diverse and inclusive culture of collaboration and innovation
• Opportunity to work on complex, transformational projects
• Community and social responsibility as sustainable stewards
• Focus on learning, development, and career growth
• Best-in-class benefits, including flexible, hybrid workplace

We are consistently rated one of the top AEC firms to work for across our 30+ offices on the East Coast. We’re growing, and we hope you’ll join us!

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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