Senior Vice President, Central Region Transportation Practice Lead

WSP; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP seeks a dynamic Senior Vice President – Central Region Transportation Market Lead to drive growth and market leadership across the Midwest. This senior leader will identify, develop, and capture opportunities in public and private sectors while fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration under the ONE WSP approach.

The role requires a highly connected transportation professional with a strong market understanding and the ability to mobilize internal teams to deliver exceptional client value.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in transportation, infrastructure, engineering, or consulting serving public and private sector clients.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, planning, environmental science, business, or related field.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or relevant professional certification.
• Demonstrated success developing strategic client relationships and contributing to market growth initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Drive transportation market growth across the Central Region, engaging state DOTs, local agencies, municipalities, transit organizations, and stakeholders.
• Build and maintain executive-level client relationships and serve as a trusted advisor to understand client priorities and infrastructure needs.
• Champion the ONE WSP approach by integrating expertise across disciplines to deliver connected client solutions.
• Position WSP for future projects through early-stage engagement, capture planning, and strategic pursuit approaches.
• Lead teams by influence in a matrixed organization and mentor staff in client engagement best practices.

Skills

Market leadership

Client development

Influence & leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, planning, environmental science, business, or related field

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)

Job description

WSP is seeking a dynamic and strategic Senior Vice President – Central Region Transportation Market Lead to drive growth and market leadership across clients throughout the Midwest. This senior leader will be responsible for identifying, developing, and capturing opportunities across the public and private sectors while fostering strong cross-disciplinary collaboration under the ONE WSP approach.

This role requires a highly connected professional with a strong understanding of transportation markets, extensive industry relationships, the ability to lead through influence, and the capability to mobilize internal teams and resources to deliver exceptional value for clients.

Key Responsibilities

Market Leadership & Growth

• Responsible for driving transportation market growth across the Central Region, with emphasis on state DOTs, local agencies, municipalities, transit organizations, and key transportation stakeholders.
• Support WSP initiatives through engagement with AASHTO, TRB, and other strategic organizations that support the transportation industry.
• Establish and execute strategic growth initiatives that expand WSP's transportation market presence across the Central Region.
• Expand market penetration by aligning WSP’s full suite of services to meet client needs.
• Shape major pursuit strategies and position WSP to secure transformational transportation programs and projects.
• Collaborate with clients to identify and develop opportunities involving digital transformation, intelligent infrastructure, data analytics, and emerging transportation technologies.

Client Development & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with agency leaders, decision-makers, and industry partners.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients by understanding their strategic priorities and infrastructure needs.
• Represent WSP at industry events, conferences, and professional organizations across the region.

Internal Collaboration (ONE WSP)

• Champion the ONE WSP approach by bringing together expertise across transportation, infrastructure, construction management, earth and environment, property and buildings, power and energy, and advisory services to deliver integrated client solutions.
• Work closely with regional and national leaders to align expertise and resources.
• Lead and influence multidisciplinary pursuit teams to deliver compelling proposals and solutions.

Opportunity Development

• Collaborate with technical and operational teams to position WSP for future projects.
• Drive early-stage engagement and opportunity with clients and partners.
• Support capture planning, proposal development, and interview strategies.

Leadership & Influence

• Lead teams by influence across WSP’s matrixed organization.
• Mentor and support staff in client engagement best practices.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

Success in This Role

• Expand and strengthen executive-level client relationships across the Central Region.
• Increase transportation market share and strategic positioning.
• Advance cross-business collaboration through the ONE WSP model.
• Develop and influence pursuit strategies for major transportation programs
• Strengthen WSP's visibility and leadership within key industry organizations.

Qualifications

Required

• 20+ years of experience in transportation, infrastructure, engineering, or consulting organizations serving public and private sector clients.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, planning, environmental science, business, or related field.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or relevant professional certification.
• Demonstrated success developing strategic client relationships and contributing to market growth initiatives.
• Strong network within Midwest transportation and infrastructure communities.
• Proven ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization.

Preferred

• Experience working with both public agencies and private sector partners.
• Advanced degree (MBA or related) is a plus.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong market insight
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
• Collaborative, team-oriented leadership style
• Results-driven with a strong track record of business success
• Ability to navigate complex organizations and client environments