Program Director - National Water Programs (Kansas City)

Burns & McDonnell; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Kansas City is seeking a Program Director to lead innovative multi-billion dollar water programs. This role involves overseeing capital planning and financial performance while driving a vision for sustainable infrastructure. Candidates should possess extensive experience in infrastructure management, a bachelor's degree in engineering or business, and strong leadership skills. The role demands a visionary who can integrate advanced technologies while managing risk and fostering a culture of excellence, making a significant impact on urban water management.

Qualifications

• 13 years relevant consulting experience, with 15 preferred.
• Experience in leading large teams strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in managing major capital programs.
• Demonstrated history of client development and program budgeting skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive the long-term strategy for a multi-billion dollar water program.
• Champion the integration of technology portfolios.
• Lead a large, multidisciplinary team and foster innovation.
• Cultivate key stakeholder relationships with clients and regulators.

Skills

Green infrastructure

Advanced treatment processes

Digital water solutions

Leadership

Financial acumen

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business or related field

Professional Engineer (PE) registration

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Description

Lead a New Generation of Water Infrastructure

Burns & McDonnell is seeking a visionary leader for multi‑billion‑dollar water programs that are redefining the future of urban water management. This is a career‑defining opportunity to direct complex capital programs that serve as a national model for innovation, resilience, and operational efficiency.

For 125 years, our 100 % employee‑owned firm has pioneered solutions to the world’s most complex engineering challenges. We are now seeking a senior leader to guide a cornerstone program for our national water practice. This role is centered on the strategic integration of green infrastructure, the deployment of advanced high‑rate treatment systems, and the implementation of a sophisticated digital water framework. We are looking for a leader to guide programs that serve as a national proving ground for the future of sustainable water infrastructure.

From our world headquarters in Kansas City, you will be empowered to set new industry standards and solidify your reputation as a national leader in advanced water solutions. This role is for a strategic builder who is driven to solve legacy challenges with next‑generation technology.

As Program Director, you will be responsible for the successful delivery and long‑term vision of a landmark capital program, with a mandate to drive innovation. You will assume ultimate oversight for all facets of program execution—including capital planning, financial performance, and risk management—to deliver world‑class results on time and on budget.

We will empower you to:

• Shape the Strategic Vision: Drive the long‑term strategy for a multi‑billion‑dollar program, ensuring it leads the industry in sustainability, technological advancement, and efficiency.
• Pioneer Advanced Solutions: Champion the integration of a multi‑faced technology portfolio, from nature‑based green infrastructure to advanced high‑rate treatment and predictive digital water platforms to enhance system‑wide resilience and optimize operations.
• Lead and Inspire High‑Performing Teams: Provide senior leadership to a large, multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and technical excellence in these advanced practice areas.
• Command Key Stakeholder Relationships: Serve as the principal liaison with clients and regulatory agencies, articulating a clear vision for how technology can meet and exceed compliance goals while delivering greater community value.

Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a leader with a proven track record of delivering large‑scale capital programs and a demonstrated passion for leveraging technology to redefine what’s possible in the water sector. The ideal candidate is:

• A Technology Visionary: You have direct experience with, and a deep understanding of, green infrastructure, advanced treatment processes, and digital water solutions (e.g., digital twins, sensor networks, data analytics, predictive modeling).
• A Proven Program Leader: You have successfully delivered complex, multi‑year infrastructure programs and are known for your strategic and financial acumen.
• An Exceptional Communicator: You can command a room and articulate a compelling vision for how innovative technologies drive both compliance and long‑term asset value.
• A Natural Leader: You inspire confidence and are skilled at developing talent, empowering teams, and driving a culture of forward‑thinking innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business or related field from an accredited program and 13 years (15 preferred) relevant consulting experience, preferably in the engineering or construction industry or project management required.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) strongly preferred.
• Experience leading large, multifaceted teams strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated history of managing major capital programs ($500 M +), preferably within the water, wastewater, or wet‑weather sectors strongly preferred.
• Expert experience in client and business development.
• Expert experience in managing projects, which includes proposal development, contract negotiations, project planning, design team coordination and communication, budgeting, schedule management, and client coordination.
• Expert facilitation, collaboration, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated success in achieving budget, savings and/or profit margins in completed projects.
• Ability to thoughtfully and positively influence, lead and manage.
• Excellent planning and analytical skills.
• Must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills; and the ability to clearly and effectively present complex information to all levels of employees, management, and clients.
• Expert knowledge of project management methodologies and tools including the use of Microsoft Project or equivalent.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job: Administrative/Office Support

Primary Location: US‑MO‑Kansas City

Schedule: Full‑time

Travel: Yes, 25 % of the time

Req ID: 260930

Job Hire Type: Experienced