Senior Vice President, Civil Engineering Group Lead

WSP in the U.S.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 323,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement savings

Paid vacation and sick leave

Job summary

WSP in the U.S. is looking for a Senior Vice President to lead the Civil Engineering Group in California. This pivotal role involves overseeing transportation infrastructure projects, including highways and rail. The ideal candidate will drive technical excellence, manage projects, and foster growth across the team.

Responsibilities include optimizing client experiences, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with standards, and leading talent development within the southern California region.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant post-education experience in engineering, transportation, infrastructure, or project management.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required.
• Advanced proficiency with civil engineering principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the California Transportation Business Line and drive technical excellence.
• Optimize client and employee experience and implement process improvements.
• Provide leadership for project delivery and technical solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Strategic thinking

Technical expertise in civil engineering

Client engagement

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Master's Degree in Engineering

Tools

MicroStation

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

ArcGIS

Job description

Senior Vice President, Civil Engineering Group Lead – California Region

Lead the California Transportation Business Line, driving technical excellence and business growth across the southern California region. This senior leadership role focuses on transportation infrastructure projects, including highways, bridges, transit, rail, tolling, mobility solutions, aviation, and multi‑modal opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Optimize client and employee experience, implement process improvements, and lead the delivery of technical practices that meet or exceed industry standards.
• Provide leadership of project delivery and technical solutions for plans, designs, and reports for infrastructure projects.
• Support implementation of alternative delivery principles and manage cross‑discipline transportation and infrastructure projects.
• Develop and inform proposal scopes, timelines, pricing, and budgets; ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and engineering practices.
• Perform engineering reviews of permit applications, design plans, specifications, and construction inspections to ensure regulatory compliance and sound engineering practice.
• Act as project manager and technical lead for PA&E/PS&E projects; maintain subject‑matter expertise and administer compliance with technical and corporate standards.
• Collaborate with regional and national leaders to establish quality, technical, and sustainable standards.
• Drive local growth strategy, forecast, and business development in partnership with Regional and National Business Line Leaders.
• Resolve conflicts and internal/external issues on projects and in the office.
• Drive business growth, manage project performance, oversee overhead expenditures, and meet operational and financial metrics.
• Lead talent development, workforce forecasting, and recruitment/hiring for the southern California Civil TEC team.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds and resources, adhering to WSP’s Code of Conduct.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

People & Culture

• Organize business focus on vision, culture, talent development, client engagement, and performance strategy.
• Lead recruitment, mentoring, and development of high‑performing teams.
• Foster an inclusive work environment that attracts top industry talent and promotes broad, creative thinking.
• Lead process and people initiatives across engineering and technical disciplines.
• Emphasize employee training and development to create a unique work experience.
• Promote WSP Guiding Principles, including Quality, Safety, Sustainability, Ethics & Compliance, and Inclusion & Diversity.

Clients

• Leverage full suite of offerings across end markets to address complex challenges.
• Foster new client delivery through extended reach across regions and businesses.
• Deploy expertise to create new value for clients and lead civic and industry initiatives.
• Strategically grow market share within the preferred provider framework.
• Support client engagement and lead Client Engagement Teams (CET).
• Coordinate local client relations and cross‑selling with regional and national teams.

Expertise

• Enhance current and new service offerings focusing on transportation and infrastructure opportunities.
• Collaborate with business leaders on emerging innovations to remain trusted thought leaders.
• Advance strategic direction and sustained growth within the region.
• Promote technical and professional development of local staff.
• Lead technical excellence practices and support performance metrics such as EBITDA, organic growth, and backlog.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or closely related discipline.
• 15+ years of relevant post‑education experience in engineering, transportation, infrastructure, and/or project management.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required.
• Advanced proficiency with civil engineering principles, practices, and permitting.
• Advanced knowledge of alternative delivery methods (e.g., CM/CG, Design Build).
• In‑depth knowledge of civil construction laws, codes, regulations, and compliance practices.
• Strong business acumen and process improvement aptitude.
• Strategic thinking, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience managing large‑scale discipline‑related programs and projects.
• Strong client relationships and industry contacts.
• Commitment to client service and internal teams.
• Ability to collaborate beyond formal hierarchical relationships.
• Proficiency with engineering design software (e.g., MicroStation, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, etc.).
• Proven workplace safety record and adherence to WSP’s safety and harassment policies.
• Adaptability to changing schedules and business needs.
• Occasional travel may be required based on project needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Engineering.
• California Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
• Extensive experience in reviewing and approving multi‑project deliverables.

Compensation

Expected salary range: $200,000 – $323,000 (all locations). Additional benefits and compensation may vary by experience and location.

Benefits

WSP provides comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation; parental leave; and paid bereavement, voting, and naturalization leave.

Equal Opportunity Employer

WSP USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.