Transportation Planning and Traffic Department Manager

HNTB Corporation

Nashville (TN)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 120,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Nashville, TN is looking for a Transportation Planning and Traffic Department Manager to oversee a talented team. The successful candidate will manage operations, lead project delivery, and mentor staff in a dynamic environment. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and extensive experience in transportation planning and engineering with strong leadership capabilities.

Qualifications

10 years relevant experience including 2 years supervisory experience.
Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex projects.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of planners and engineers delivering innovative solutions.
Oversee department operations including staffing and budgeting.
Ensure quality project delivery and client satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Traffic Analysis Tools

Communication Skills

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning or related field

Master's degree in Urban Planning or related field

Tools

GIS

Synchro

VISSIM

Job description

What We're Looking For

As Transportation Planning and Traffic Department Manager, you will lead a high‑performing team of planners and engineers delivering innovative, multimodal solutions across a diverse portfolio of transportation projects. This role requires a technically accomplished leader with deep expertise in transportation planning and traffic engineering, capable of guiding complex project delivery while mentoring staff and advancing strategic initiatives. You will oversee department operations, including staffing, budgeting, and quality assurance, while collaborating across disciplines to support business development, client engagement, and cross‑functional integration. With direct impact on project performance, team culture, and regional growth, this is a pivotal leadership opportunity for a results‑driven professional ready to shape the future of mobility.

At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee‑owners.

What You’ll Do:

Responsible for the development, monitoring, and management of the department's operating budget in support of the group or office operating budget and forecast updates.
Responsible for the management, growth, and professional development of discipline‑specific planning department. Coordinates department activities, establishes priorities, and assigns staff to projects. Ensures staff development, mentoring, and training needs are being met. Collaborates with other departments or groups within the office on work‑sharing needs and opportunities.
Supports the implementation of the firm's strategic plan and SSA process on project pursuits in the department and office, including development of department‑level strategic planning strategies.
Supports the implementation of the firm's contracting (SCA) process through project delivery and contracting activities including scope, work plan, and fee reviews for all contracting activities impacting the department.
Supports the implementation of the firm's project delivery (SDA) process including Work Planning, Monthly Project Reviews and other project performance methods to ensure quality work, on time, on schedule, to the client's satisfaction.
Assists in marketing responsibilities, including client discovery, proposal generation, interviews, and win‑to‑work activities.
Maintains client contacts to ensure client satisfaction. Leads and assists in sales and marketing efforts for department's growth.
Responsible for the recruitment, hiring, development, and retention of department staff, including development of plan for staff reporting, performance and compensation reviews, and succession.
Project Delivery – Actively manages assigned project management activities (project scope, schedule, budget and quality management) and performs technical discipline tasks including research, reports, design, specifications, and plan preparation.
Leads multiple teams including the direct and indirect supervision of at least 15 but typically 17‑20 or more employees.
Performs other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Need:

Bachelor's degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Engineering, Geology, Biology, Environmental Science, Anthropology, Archaeology, or related field and 10 years relevant experience including 2 years supervisory experience.

What We Prefer:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a related field.
10+ years of progressive experience in transportation planning and traffic engineering, including 3+ years in a leadership or management role.
Professional licensure (PE, AICP, or PTOE) preferred.
Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and deliver high‑quality work on time and within budget.
Strong knowledge of traffic analysis tools (e.g., Synchro, VISSIM), GIS, and transportation planning software.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to synthesize technical information for diverse audiences.
Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, public involvement, and inter‑agency collaboration.
Experience working with MPOs, DOTs, and local governments.
Familiarity with NEPA, Complete Streets, Vision Zero, and equity‑focused planning frameworks.
Strategic thinker with a proactive, solution‑oriented mindset.
Commitment to mentorship, team culture, and continuous improvement.