Midwest Transportation Area Leader (Hybrid)

GFT; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 196,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Wellness programs

Parental leave

Pet insurance

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401(k) plan

PTO accrual

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Incentive pay

Job summary

GFT is seeking a Transportation Area Manager to lead the Mid-West region. You will drive strategy, growth, and profitable project delivery, reporting to the Regional Leader and managing an area P&L.

The role emphasizes client relationships, cross-functional leadership, and alignment with enterprise priorities. You will own the area business plan, sales forecast, and staffing while coordinating with Regions and Practices to optimize resources and pursue top opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, planning, architecture, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years in transportation consulting/design planning/program management with at least 5 years leading staff.
• Proven success managing P&L, building client relationships, developing business, and delivering complex projects profitably.
• Strong financial acumen and business judgment, with excellent communication, negotiation, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Area business plan and growth strategy.
• Own the area pipeline and sales forecast from lead through pursuit, win, booking and project start.
• Lead go/no-go decisions, teaming, capture plans, pursuit investments, pricing inputs, and interview prep.
• Build trusted relationships with priority clients, industry partners, and community stakeholders as CSL or sponsor for selected accounts.
• Monitor client capital programs, funding, market trends, and competitors; convert insight into growth actions and measurable sales results.
• Collaborate across Regions, Business Lines, Practices, and Growth Office to cross-sell services and pursue opportunities.

Skills

P&L management

Client relationships

Business development

Leadership

Financial acumen

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Licensure/certification

Job description

GFT is seeking a Transportation Area Manager to lead the Mid-West region. You will drive strategy, growth, and profitable project delivery, reporting to the Regional Leader and managing an area P&L.

The role emphasizes client relationships, cross-functional leadership, and alignment with enterprise priorities. You will own the area business plan, sales forecast, and staffing while coordinating with Regions and Practices to optimize resources and pursue top opportunities.