Midwest Watershed Program Lead

Spheros Environmental; Owatonna (MN); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Incentive compensation

401(k) contributions

Competitive salary

Job summary

Spheros Environmental Group is seeking a Midwest Watershed Program Lead to drive growth and delivery in the Midwest watershed practice. You will lead strategic engagements and expand services with a focus on client impact and market expansion.

The role offers a hybrid work arrangement with preference for Minneapolis–Saint Paul and opportunities to influence projects across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Strong leadership and networks are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in selling and delivering watershed management projects across the Midwest.
• Existing professional network in the agricultural sector and with watershed policy makers.
• Broad watershed management knowledge and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new watershed opportunities across the Midwest.
• Lead client engagements, strategy discussions, and technical negotiations.
• Mentor staff and oversee project deliverables within the watershed practice.

Job description

Midwest Watershed Program Lead

Brief Description

Midwest Watershed Program Lead

Location:

Hybrid - Minneapolis and Saint Paul, MN preferred; other Midwest metro areas will also be considered (Chicago, Milwaukee, Des Moine, Lincoln and Omaha)

Spheros is seeking a watershed program lead to join its Midwest team's watershed practice. The candidate should have proven expertise in selling and delivering work in watershed management projects across the Midwest. This person will play a critical, outward-facing role, building upon Spheros’ technical excellence to advance market reputation and business growth. This person will have an existing professional network in the agricultural sector, with watershed policy makers. and possess broad watershed management knowledge. The program lead will leverage this background, while working with Midwest leadership to position Spheros for new business opportunities and enhance Spheros’ visibility across the Midwest. They will implement Spheros’ strategy and vision to bring in broader services and practice areas to existing and new clients, specifically in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Success in this role is measured by impact on expanding Spheros’ range of services and clientele on watershed management within the Midwest. This includes developing and maintaining a book of business in watershed management, contributing to expansion of the range of services in the Midwest, identifying and recruiting talent, and providing technical and staff leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing and Business Development

• Leverage professional networks to identify and develop new business opportunities in the Midwest (Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and/or other neighboring states).
• Identify, track and develop watershed management opportunities arising out of Regional Conservation Partnership Plans (RCPP)
• Actively track Midwest and national proposal requests from existing and new public and private sector clients, and identify high likelihood pursuits and lead or oversee proposal development efforts with practice area leads and subject matter experts.
• Track regulatory and resource management initiatives in the Midwest and position Spheros for opportunities that may emerge from such initiatives.
• Attend conferences, public meetings, and other relevant forums to advertise Spheros’ capabilities, and generate business leads and project opportunities.
• Periodically develop a market analysis identifying Spheros’ strengths in existing and emerging market sectors, and present business development strategies to maintain or expand the firm’s market share.
• Develop and implement long-term marketing strategies based on direction from Midwest and executive leadership.
• Establish and meet growth-oriented sales and revenue targets.
• Support pursuit teams by shaping technical narratives and value propositions.

Technical Leadership and Client Engagement

• Act as a trusted technical resource to key clients, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Participate in client meetings, project strategy discussions, and critical technical negotiations.
• Strengthen long-term client relationships through credibility, insight, and thought leadership.
• Take a leadership role in understanding Spheros’ service offerings and other subject matter experts.
• Oversee project deliverables.

Mentorship and Knowledge Development

• Provide formal supervisory or performance management responsibilities for the watershed management group.
• Mentor environmental professionals across all levels on delivering watershed management work.
• Support internal training initiatives and communities of practice.
• Help to ensure teams are following company and safety standards.
• Possess and demonstrate a desire for lifelong learning.

Financial Acumen

• Understand different pricing strategies (i.e., T&M, Fixed Fee, Value Pricing, etc.), revenue contribution, return on investment, retained earnings, and sales goals.
• Possess sound judgment to gauge likelihood of financial success of potential opportunities based on scope elements, technical depth, and client needs
• Understand Spheros’ strategic objectives and be able to communicate these to clients and external audiences.
• Contribute to strategic acquisitions or investment strategies in the Midwest for expanding Spheros’ service areas and geographical footprint.

Why Spheros Environmental?

• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Salary range of $140,000 - $180,000 DOE, with opportunities for incentive compensation and 401(k) contributions.
• Professional Growth: Expanding career pathways to leadership and ownership roles.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work options and flexible schedules.
• Inclusive Culture: We are an equal opportunity employer that fosters a diverse and supportive work environment.
• Opportunities to provide clients with services from all of Spheros Environmental practice areas.

Spheros Environmental is an equal-opportunity employer.