Director of Transportation

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc.; Wethersfield (CT); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible, hybrid work environment

Job summary

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. is seeking a Director of Transportation in Wethersfield, CT to lead the day-to-day operations of the transportation department and drive performance across a multidisciplinary team.

The role partners with office leadership to strengthen local presence and support team growth. The successful candidate will manage client relationships, pursue opportunities with CTDOT, COG, and municipalities, and oversee financials, staffing, and QA/QC to ensure project success and

Qualifications

• 15+ years of professional experience.
• 4+ years of experience working on CTDOT projects.
• Connecticut PE license.
• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience managing a high-performing team.
• Experience managing and completing transportation studies, design reports, final design documents, and contract plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the transportation department and develop, engage, and grow team members.
• Grow client relationships, backlog, and oversee financial, staffing, workload, and quality performance for the department.
• Lead pursuit and client development for CTDOT, COG, and municipalities; contribute to the annual Business Plan and Strategic Plan.

Skills

Team leadership

Business development

Client relationship management

Financial management

QA/QC

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Director of Transportation

Job Location: US-CT-Wethersfield

Overview

VHB is seeking a Director of Transportation to lead the day-to-day operations of the transportation department in Wethersfield, CT. This leader will foster a positive, collaborative environment while advancing VHB's Generational Company philosophy, core values, brand, and strategic vision. The department currently includes approximately 40 engineers and designers across multiple disciplines, including highway design, traffic operations and safety, structures, transit and rail, and planning. The role works closely with the Managing Director and office leadership team to strengthen VHB's local presence and support continued team growth.

The Director of Transportation is responsible for three core areas of leadership: team leadership and development, business development and client relationship management, and department operational performance. This individual will guide a high-performing team, help grow client relationships and backlog, and oversee financial, staffing, workload, and quality performance for the department.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a transportation professional who can lead people, grow client relationships, and drive operational excellence for a multidisciplinary transportation team in Connecticut. The role is central to expanding local market prominence and supporting VHB's strategic growth.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the transportation department.
• Develop, engage, and grow team members and serve as a role model across all levels of the organization.
• Conduct regular team meetings to review workload, pursuits, visibility, team updates, and departmental performance and direction.
• Proactively identify staffing, recruiting, training, and hiring needs, and support onboarding in partnership with the Managing Director, Market/Service Leaders, and HR.
• Support office-wide meetings and events, including town halls, milestones, outings, holiday celebrations, and team‑building activities.
• Manage the Career Conversation program for the department, including annual career conversations and mid‑year check‑ins.
• Coordinate with the Managing Director on focal point and incentive compensation processes for department employees.

Business Development and Client Leadership

• Lead pursuit and client development efforts for opportunities with CTDOT, COG, and municipalities, aligned with the annual Business Plan and VHB's Strategic Plan, in collaboration with the Managing Director and Regional Market and Service Leaders.
• Lead and participate in the preparation for and delivery of project interviews.
• Provide input into the annual business development action plan to build client relationships, win work, and strengthen backlog.
• Make recommendations regarding go/no‑go decisions and teaming or partnering strategies for pursuits.
• Develop, monitor, and regularly update a list of key near‑term and long‑term pursuits.
• Participate in local organizational activities to promote VHB's visibility in the community.

Operational and Financial Management

• Actively manage the financial performance of the department.
• Collaborate with the Managing Director to create and deliver an annual, growth‑oriented Business Plan.
• Manage departmental workload to meet or exceed the group's utilization target.
• Monitor backlog relative to team size and business plan goals, oversee workload planning, and identify work‑sharing opportunities.
• Participate in monthly financial review meetings to manage financial expectations, support client relations, and discuss project creation opportunities.
• Drive quality across the department and ensure QA/QC processes are implemented.

Required Qualifications

• 15+ years of professional experience.
• 4+ years of experience working on CTDOT projects.
• Connecticut PE license.
• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience managing a high-performing team.
• Experience managing and completing transportation studies, design reports, final design documents, and contract plans.

Building what's next, together.

When you join VHB, you'll find:

• Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
• Support to grow your skills and lead through change
• Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
• Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

We’re growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what's next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with 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, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.