Market Lead - Data Centers

Bkfengineers; Virginia Beach (VA); Hybrid; USD 185,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

401k

Paid time off

9 Paid Holidays

Flexible schedules

Education reimbursement

Dues paid

Job summary

BKF is seeking a Market Lead – Data Centers to drive growth in technology-focused markets, including data centers and emerging submarkets. You will lead regional teams, develop client relationships, and guide major pursuits, ensuring delivery excellence and financial performance.

Reporting to the Land Development Regional Lead, you will shape go-to-market strategy, mentor talent, and collaborate across BKF offices to expand market share while maintaining high-quality project delivery.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8–10 years delivering technology projects, with 3+ years in leadership.
• Experience leading or scaling a market, practice, or business line with growth accountability.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage fast-track programs.
• Strong understanding of West Coast technology market dynamics and permitting frameworks.
• Executive presence to engage C-suite and position BKF as a trusted advisor.
• Proven business development and key account management with data center owners/operators.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the firm’s strategic plan for technology-focused markets, including data centers and submarkets.
• Lead and develop regional teams aligned with sector growth.
• Build and maintain relationships with key clients and industry partners; lead major pursuits.
• Provide executive oversight to ensure quality, profitability, and client satisfaction.
• Manage technology portfolio backlog, revenue, and operating margin; monitor KPIs.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Client relations

Executive presence

Communication

Analytical

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Project management software

Job description

BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years.

At BKF, you’ll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row.

The Market Lead – Data Centersis responsible foroverseeing and growing the firm's service offering within the market. This includes driving a go-to-market strategy, managing client relationships, and developing the team. Reporting directly to the Development Division’s Land Development Regional Lead, this role is critical to executing the firm’s strategicobjectives, including expanding market share, strengthening priority client accounts, and ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery to mission-critical clients.With a strong understanding of theCaliforniaTechnologyecosystem, delivery models, and permitting/regulatory environment, the Market Lead ensures excellence in project delivery, client service, talent development, and financial performance. This role fosters collaboration across offices and disciplines and serves as the primary connector between local delivery teams andTechnology marketleadership.

Responsibilities

Market Strategy & Execution:

• Develop and execute the firm’s strategic plan for technology-focused markets, including data centers, advanced manufacturing, and emerging industrial submarkets.
• Identify market trends, client needs, and competitive positioning todrive growth andinform firmwide strategy.
• Provide subject matter expertise in mission-critical environments.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing regional teams, with a focus on building market-alignedteams as the sector grows.
• Leadsuccession planning and talent acquisition in alignment with sector and firmwide goals.

Client Engagement & Market Growth

• Build andmaintainrelationships with key clients, developers,contractors,and industry partners.
• Lead major pursuits, proposals, and presentations for high-value projectsand programs.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients on facility design, scalability and operational efficiency.
• Represent the firm at industry events,conferences, and client forums.

Project Oversight & Delivery:

• Provideexecutive-level oversight on key projects to ensure quality, profitability, and client satisfaction.
• Support project teams in navigating complex technical and operational challenges.

Operational & Financial Management:

• Leadthe developmentand executionof thefirm’sTechnologymarket plan and budget.
• Own performance acrossbacklog, revenue, and operating marginfor theTechnologyportfolio.
• Responsible for meeting or exceeding performance KPIs includingutilization, project profitability, and bookings.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience deliveringTechnology projects, with a focus onDataCenters, advanced manufacturing, and/orlogisticsprojects, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience leading or scaling a market, practice, or business line, with accountability for growth, client development, and overall performance.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams (civil, site development, utilities, and supporting disciplines) and manage complex, fast-track programs.
• Strong understanding ofthe West Coast’sTechnologymarket dynamics, client delivery models, utility coordination, and permitting/regulatory frameworks.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to engage and influence C-suite stakeholders and position the firm as a trusted advisor.
• Demonstrated success in business development and key account management with data center owners/operators, developers, and contractors.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Highly organized, analytical, and results oriented.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven consulting environment.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support Bay Area project sites, client engagements, and coordination with other offices.
• Able to work cooperatively with leadership and other key stakeholders within BKF.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field is required.
• PE license in California is preferred.

Physical Demands: Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.

Work Conditions: Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.

Benefits

• The typical base salary range for this position is $185, 000.00 - $235,000.00, annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salary position paid biweekly.
• Competitive salaries, profit sharing, and 401k.
• Generous paid time off packages.
• 9 Paid Holidays.
• Flexible schedules.
• Education reimbursement, Paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations.
• BKF offers competitive and award-winning benefits and perks.

BKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

BKF does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and a specific solicitation for the position or other approved engagement request for the position with BKF, BKF reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited submittals are done at the risk of the recruiter.

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