Transportation Planning Lead

NW Recruiting Partners; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO & holidays

401k + match

Employee stock ownership plan

Annual discretionary bonus

Job summary

NW Recruiting Partners is seeking a Transportation Planning Lead in California to oversee complex planning assignments, mentor professionals, and coordinate with clients, agencies, and stakeholders. The role focuses on leading multi-workstream projects and delivering actionable transportation planning recommendations.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in transportation planning, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Degree in Planning, Civil Engineering, or related discipline.
• At least 10 years of transportation planning experience.
• Experience leading projects and coordinating multiple workstreams.
• Experience with clients, public agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and leadership abilities.
• Familiarity with industry-standard planning and mapping tools.
• Willingness to travel as needed.
• Professional certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee transportation planning assignments and guide projects through key phases.
• Set project priorities, timelines, resources, and expected outcomes.
• Collaborate with clients, agencies, and internal teams to move projects forward.
• Prepare and review planning documents, reports, and recommendations.
• Facilitate discussions with stakeholders and community representatives.
• Contribute to proposals, client development, and new opportunities.
• Provide direction and mentorship to planning professionals.
• Attend meetings, site visits, and other project activities.

Skills

Project leadership

Client coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical abilities

Education

Degree in Planning, Civil Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

GIS

Mapping tools

Job description

Our client, an established engineering and consulting firm, is looking for a Transportation Planning Lead to help shape complex, high-impact transportation and infrastructure projects.

This is an opportunity to take a leading role in projects that improve mobility, connectivity, and the communities they serve. The right person will bring strong transportation planning expertise, project leadership experience, and the ability to build trusted relationships with clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.

You’ll also have the opportunity to mentor developing professionals and contribute to the continued growth of a respected firm with strong technical capabilities and a collaborative culture. The company is looking for a thoughtful, forward-looking leader who is excited to make a meaningful impact on both its projects and its transportation planning practice.

• Oversee transportation planning assignments and guide projects through key phases.


• Set project priorities, timelines, resources, and expected outcomes.


• Work with clients, agencies, and internal teams to keep projects moving effectively.


• Prepare and review planning documents, reports, presentations, and recommendations.


• Facilitate discussions with stakeholders and community representatives.


• Contribute to proposals, client development, and new project opportunities.


• Provide direction and mentorship to other planning professionals.


• Participate in meetings, site visits, and other project activities as needed.

Transportation Planning Lead Qualifications

• Degree in Planning, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.


• At least 10 years of experience in transportation planning or a related field.


• Previous experience leading projects and coordinating multiple workstreams.


• Background working with clients, public agencies, and community stakeholders.


• Strong analytical, communication, organizational, and leadership abilities.


• Familiarity with industry-standard planning and mapping tools.


• Willingness to travel as needed.


• Relevant professional certification is a plus.

Benefits & Appreciation

• PTO, holidays, and sick time


• 401k + match


• Employee stock ownership plan


• Annual discretionary bonus

Compensation: $110,000 - $150,000 per year