Strategic Regional Transportation Growth Lead

GFT; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Wellness programs

Parental leave

Pet insurance

Medical, dental, vision, disability, &

Life insurance

401(k) savings plan

PTO accrual

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Job summary

GFT seeks a Regional Transportation Growth Leader to drive growth, client development, and market expansion across the Central/West region. You will partner with operations, client service, and marketing to identify opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and support annual sales, revenue, and backlog objectives.

You will represent GFT with transportation clients, industry organizations, and partners, developing regional growth strategies and pursuing major transportation projects across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Planning, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience within the transportation, infrastructure, or AEC industry.
• Demonstrated success in business development, client relationship management, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Experience working with DOTs, municipalities, transit agencies, airport authorities, and other transportation clients.
• Experience leading complex pursuits and capture efforts for transportation projects.
• Strong understanding of transportation funding programs, infrastructure planning, and market trends.
• Knowledge of transportation design, engineering, planning, and program delivery services.
• Established network of transportation industry contacts, clients, and teaming partners.
• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across diverse teams and organizational levels.
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, sales pipeline management, and business development processes.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Professional license preferred.
• Active participation in professional organizations such as ACEC, ASHE, WTS, APWA, APTA, or similar industry associations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement transportation growth strategies aligned with GFT’s business objectives.
• Identify emerging transportation markets, funding programs, and investment opportunities.
• Evaluate market trends, competitive activity, and client priorities to support strategic decision-making.
• Support expansion into new transportation clients, geographic markets, and service offerings.
• Develop and maintain relationships with transportation agencies, municipalities, transit agencies, airport authorities, and other key clients.
• Collaborate with Client Service Leaders and project teams to strengthen client relationships and increase repeat business.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans for targeted transportation clients.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and key point of contact for strategic transportation clients.
• Identify, qualify, and prioritize transportation opportunities to support growth objectives.
• Lead or support pursuit and capture strategies for major transportation projects.
• Participate in opportunity evaluations and Go/No-Go decisions.
• Coordinate with technical, marketing, and proposal teams to develop pursuit strategies.
• Promote capture planning and client engagement throughout the business development lifecycle.
• Support the development of teaming strategies and partnerships for strategic pursuits.
• Partner with Transportation Operations Leaders to align growth initiatives with business goals.
• Foster collaboration across business units, regions, and technical disciplines to deliver integrated solutions.
• Mentor Project Managers and emerging client managers in business development and client relationship management.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and client service excellence.
• Represent GFT at transportation industry conferences, professional organizations, and networking events.
• Maintain awareness of transportation legislation, funding initiatives, policy changes, and infrastructure investment programs.
• Develop relationships with industry partners, contractors, consultants, and professional associations.
• Enhance GFT’s visibility and reputation within the transportation market.
• Support achievement of annual transportation sales, revenue, and backlog growth objectives.
• Support growth of key client accounts, new client opportunities, client retention, and satisfaction.
• Support improvements in win rates on targeted and strategic pursuits.

Skills

Business development

Client relationships

Strategic growth

CRM systems

Sales pipeline

Communication skills

Negotiation

Relationship building

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Transportation Engineering, Planning, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Professional license preferred

Tools

CRM software

Sales pipeline management

Job description

GFT seeks a Regional Transportation Growth Leader to drive growth, client development, and market expansion across the Central/West region. You will partner with operations, client service, and marketing to identify opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and support annual sales, revenue, and backlog objectives.

You will represent GFT with transportation clients, industry organizations, and partners, developing regional growth strategies and pursuing major transportation projects across