Practice Leader - Bridge

KCI; Woodcliff Lake (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Family-friendly benefits

Career advancement resources

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in New Jersey is seeking a Practice Leader for Bridge Structures. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and at least 7 years of experience in the AEC industry, along with demonstrated leadership and project management capabilities. Responsibilities include overseeing bridge projects, mentoring engineers, and ensuring the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects. This position offers a competitive compensation package and a commitment to employee development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in the AEC industry.
• Progressive project management and organizational management experience.
• Proven ability to effectively manage budgets and project margins.

Responsibilities

• Drive the success of bridge design and delivery projects.
• Mentor engineers and support team development.
• Promote best practices in construction engineering and project delivery.

Skills

Leadership capability

Project management

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (AEC industry)

Job description

Join us as we Rise to the Challenge

At KCI, we’re building an enduring community that provides unparalleled value to our employee‑owners. We design and deliver world‑class solutions, invest deeply in supporting and developing our team, and reward integrity and commitment.

Company

KCI Technologies, Inc. is a 100% employee‑owned engineering, consulting and construction firm serving clients throughout the United States, ranked #56 on Engineering News‑Record’s Top 500 design firms list.

Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package, family‑friendly benefits, a collaborative working environment, and the training, mentoring and resources you need to advance in your career.

Diversity & Inclusion

KCI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff and encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

Equal Opportunity

KCI Technologies, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Duties, Responsibilities & Other

The Practice Leader for Bridge Structures is a highly organized and experienced leader responsible for driving the technical, operational, and strategic success of bridge design and delivery projects across both traditional and alternative delivery methods.

Leadership And Management

• Provide leadership and technical direction to Project Managers, Senior Project Managers, and bridge engineering staff.
• Oversee execution of bridge projects including highways, interchanges, transit structures, and complex rehabilitation/replacement efforts.
• Lead teams delivering projects through both Design‑Bid‑Build and alternative delivery methods such as Design‑Build, CM/GC, and P3.
• Ensure alignment of technical quality, constructability, and innovation on fast‑paced, contractor‑driven delivery projects.
• Drive practice performance, including project health, budget adherence, and profitability across a diverse portfolio of bridge projects.
• Collaborate with other Practice Leaders to integrate bridge expertise into multidisciplinary pursuits and major programs.
• Serve as Project Manager or Technical Lead on key, high‑profile bridge pursuits and projects.
• Build and lead a strong, collaborative team culture focused on accountability, innovation, and delivery excellence.

Recruitment, Retention, And Professional Development

• Lead recruiting efforts to grow a high‑performing bridge structures team with experience in both design and alternative delivery.
• Mentor engineers across all levels, supporting development in structural design, constructability, and project delivery approaches.
• Foster technical growth in areas such as complex bridge analysis, staged construction, accelerated bridge construction (ABC), and construction engineering.
• Develop future leaders capable of operating in both traditional and design‑build environments.

Financial Management

• Oversee financial performance of bridge projects, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning.
• Lead contract negotiations, scopes, and fee development for alternative delivery pursuits where scope definition evolves.
• Monitor project schedules, staffing utilization, and overall financial health (WIP/AR) across the practice.
• Provide leadership in managing risk, change orders, and cost controls on complex infrastructure projects.

Business Development And Marketing

• Lead and support major bridge pursuits, including design‑build and alternative delivery proposals.
• Partner with contractors, DOTs, and public agencies to position the firm for complex infrastructure opportunities.
• Drive growth by identifying and securing new bridge and transportation projects across regional and national markets.
• Lead technical proposal development, teaming strategies, and interview presentations for high‑profile pursuits.
• Promote the firm’s bridge capabilities, including complex structures, rehabilitation, and innovative delivery expertise.

Client Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with DOTs, municipalities, transit agencies, and contractor partners.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on bridge delivery strategies, constructability, and risk management.
• Identify upcoming opportunities and position the team early in the pursuit lifecycle.
• Provide input into strategic planning through market insights and client feedback.

Compliance And Industry Engagement

• Ensure all bridge projects meet quality management and regulatory requirements.
• Represent the firm in industry organizations such as ASUAS and ASCE.
• Stay engaged in evolving industry trends, including alternative delivery methods and accelerated construction techniques.

Safety And Project Delivery

• Ensure safe, efficient delivery of bridge projects across all phases—from design through construction support.
• Promote best practices in construction engineering, traffic management, and staged construction.
• Deliver projects on time, within budget, and with a high standard of quality, especially in fast‑paced alternative delivery environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (AEC industry) with a minimum of 7 years of professional experience, or 11 years of equivalent experience.
• Progressive professional and increasing project management and organizational management experience.
• Proven experience in project management roles within the technical practice.
• Demonstrated leadership capability to build and lead teams of technical practitioners and/or project managers.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage budgets, project margins, and cash flow.
• Experience in business development, focusing on maximizing client relationships and identifying growth opportunities.
• Commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence within the Practice.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to make decisions.
• Adaptability and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools used in the practice area.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to the service line.

Certificates, Licenses, And/Or Registrations Required

• Ability to complete the KCI PM Training and Contract Training within six months of start date.

Certificates, Licenses, And/Or Registrations Preferred

• Professional license or certification within the field of expertise preferred.

Pre‑employment drug screening and background check are conditions of employment. Motor vehicle checks may be required based upon position.