Sr. Transportation Client Service Leader

CDM Smith; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 153,000 - 284,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith in the Bay Area is seeking a dynamic Client Service Leader to help grow our West Transportation Group. This high-impact role focuses on building client relationships, shaping growth strategies, and connecting teams to transportation projects that improve mobility and quality of life in Northern California.

As our Bay Area CSL, you will lead business development across the market, cultivate relationships with agencies and partners, guide proposals, and represent the firm in industry

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 15 years of related experience may substitute.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required; travel frequency depends on duties.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development and sales efforts across the Bay Area transportation market.
• Build relationships with transportation agencies, municipalities, and industry partners.
• Create client-specific growth strategies that turn market insight into opportunity.
• Lead capture plans, proposals, and presentations with project managers and technical teams.
• Represent CDM Smith in transportation organizations and client-facing forums.
• Champion exceptional client service and successful project delivery.

Skills

Relationship building

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Company Overview

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!

Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Description

Build what’s next for Bay Area transportation with CDM Smith.

CDM Smith is looking for a dynamic Client Service Leader (CSL) to help grow our West Transportation Group in the Bay Area. This high-impact role is ideal for someone who thrives on building client relationships, shaping growth strategies, and connecting teams to meaningful transportation work.

You will help lead our Bay Area growth strategy by strengthening agency relationships, identifying new opportunities, leading strategic pursuits, and supporting projects that improve mobility, safety, sustainability, and quality of life across the region.

As Our Bay Area CSL, You Will

• Lead business development and sales efforts across the Bay Area transportation market
• Build relationships with transportation agencies, municipalities, and industry partners
• Create client-specific growth strategies that turn market insight into opportunity
• Lead capture plans, proposals, and presentations with project managers and technical teams
• Represent CDM Smith in transportation organizations and client-facing forums
• Champion exceptional client service and successful project delivery

This is a chance to help define CDM Smith’s next chapter in Northern California transportation alongside a collaborative team focused on strategic growth, local relationships, and long‑term market presence.

We are looking for a relationship-focused leader ready to inspire teams, grow trusted partnerships, and help communities move better.

Skills & Abilities

• Expert knowledge of corporate governance practices, organization design principles, accounting principles, finance, supply chain management, and organization management.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to understand highly complex technical, professional and business materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree. 15 years of related experience.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong technical and business development experience in civil transportation engineering, including existing relationships with local public transportation entities such as MTC, City of Alameda, BART, SamTrans, VTA or Caltrans
• PE strongly preferred

Amount Of Travel Required

20% - 40%

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Massachusetts Applicants

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Additional Pay Range Information

CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate’s salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.

Additional Compensation

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Visa Sponsorship Available

No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position

Pay Range Max

USD $283,878.00

Pay Range Min

USD $153,462.00