Transportation Director

GAI Consultants Inc; Florence, Canton (KY, OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with company match

Generous paid time off and holidays

Support for professional development

Job summary

A leading engineering consulting firm is seeking a Transportation Engineering Director to lead growth in Ohio's Transportation practice. The role requires over 20 years of project management experience in roadway design and strong client relationships, particularly with the Ohio Department of Transportation. The ideal candidate will oversee multidisciplinary teams, ensure compliance with standards, and drive business development efforts. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered, along with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of progressive project management experience.
• PE Registration in Ohio is preferred.
• Experience with Design-Build projects is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow Ohio Transportation practice.
• Oversee multiple large multidisciplinary project teams.
• Build client relationships with ODOT and local governments.

Skills

Knowledge of Ohio Department of Transportation

Project management

Client engagement

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Engineering

Job description

Transportation Engineering Director

GAI Consultants is seeking an accomplished Transportation Engineering Director to lead and grow our Ohio Transportation practice and/or Structural practice, providing strategic direction, multidisciplinary oversight, and executive‑level client engagement. This strategic leadership role is ideal for an industry professional with a strong record of delivering complex roadway, corridor, and structures projects and cultivating long‑term client relationships.

The ideal candidate brings 20+ years of progressive project‑management experience on major roadway and corridor design projects for ODOT, OTIC, and municipal clients across Ohio. Success in this role requires demonstrated expertise managing multidisciplinary teams, overseeing technical quality, guiding projects from planning through final design, and engaging agency leadership to position GAI for future work.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience with the Ohio Department of Transportation, Ohio Turnpike, LPA’s, and Design‑Build expertise (plus).
• PE Registration in Ohio (reciprocity in multiple states accepted).
• B.S. or M.S. in Engineering (master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred).
• 20+ years of progressive project‑management experience on major roadway and corridor design projects.

Responsibilities

Technical Responsibilities

• Perform advisory or consulting work across broad project areas or within a specialized area with innovative/complex aspects.
• Assess practices and requirements to achieve sustainable performance of complex engineering projects from a systems perspective.
• Oversee multiple large or multidisciplinary project teams.
• Provide executive oversight for planning, roadway design, structures, traffic, and construction services projects.
• Ensure adherence to ODOT processes, standards, and quality requirements.
• Evaluate multidisciplinary engineering solutions, economic analyses, and system‑level impacts.
• Assess risks and guide teams in developing effective mitigation strategies.
• Review scopes, schedules, and budgets for alignment with ODOT expectations.
• Resolve complex engineering challenges involving multiple specialty areas.
• Perform advisory and consulting work on innovative or complex assignments.
• Evaluate effectiveness of leaders and teams.

Management Responsibility

• Develop organizational strategy for staff development through mentored experience, continuing education, and self‑development.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong, trust‑based relationships with ODOT Central Office, Districts, and local governments.
• Serve as the firm’s senior representative to ODOT leadership, addressing critical and occasionally controversial issues.
• Lead pre‑marketing, strategic positioning, and pursuit planning for OODT advertisements.
• Represent the firm at key industry events (ASHE, ACEC, WTS, conferences, etc.).
• Cultivate long‑term client relationships that support sustainable growth.

Strategic Growth & Business Development

• Lead business development strategy for Ohio operations in coordination with regional leadership.
• Identify opportunities within ODOT, OTIC, and LPA programs.
• Direct go/no‑go decisions, teaming strategies, and proposal development.
• Position the firm for future work through targeted outreach and strategic marketing.
• Mentor staff in business development, client service, and ODOT relationship management.

Team Development & Organizational Leadership

• Make strategic decisions that support practice growth and staff development.
• Implement mentoring, training pathways, and succession planning.
• Evaluate performance of project leaders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, ethical decision‑making, and continuous improvement.
• Support recruitment and strategic hiring to meet workload and growth needs.

Operational & Financial Excellence

• Monitor project performance, ensuring quality, schedule, and financial health.
• Strengthen QA/QC processes to ensure compliance with ODOT manuals and specifications.
• Provide insight on workload forecasting, resource allocation, and financial planning.
• Assess engineering economic analyses and risks associated with complex solutions.
• Develop and oversee risk mitigation plans for major transportation projects.

Communication Skills

• Negotiate critical and controversial issues with leadership.
• Represent the organization at important functions and conferences.

Benefits to Working at GAI

• Market‑based competitive compensation.
• Performance‑driven recognition and development bonuses.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability.
• Company‑paid life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources.
• Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays.
• Additional floating holiday—use it for what matters to you.
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

GAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.