I-64 Operational Manager

ABOUT THE POSITION

I-64 OPERATIONS LEADER

Responsible for leading the high-level operations of multiple regional offices. Reports directly to the Regional Manager, focusing on strategic leadership, growth, and optimal operational performance across a larger geographic area. The role requires advanced knowledge of the proposal, budgeting, and delivery of integrated site/civil engineering, transportation, planning, and environmental services to both public and private sector clients. This senior leadership role emphasizes setting strategic operational direction, driving performance improvements, securing high-value contracts, and ensuring alignment with the company's broader vision. This role is an equal partner to the Managing Director, and they will work together as a cohesive leadership team, given that there may be overlapping responsibilities.

Responsibilities:

Drives and manages operational performance for multiple offices in collaboration with the Managing Director and Regional Manager; monitors, assesses and reports on project metrics and results.
• Leads and manages the work of multiple, large teams across various locations, overseeing planning, assignment, and direction of work; performance evaluation; coaching and mentoring; and resolution of complex staffing issues.
• Ensures the achievement of financial goals across the region through oversight of the office budgets, ensuring that operations are managed within established guidelines and by developing cost saving measures as appropriate.
• Collaborates with the Managing Director and Regional Manager in the development and implementation of the vision and growth strategy for operations across a larger geographic area.
• Participates with senior management in regional leadership meetings, partnering with the Managing Director and Regional Manager on broader regional initiatives, performance, and future direction.
• Collaborates with the Regional Finance Director and other senior leaders on monthly project reviews, driving regional project profitability.
• Oversees project performance and implement high-level performance improvements.
• Guides senior office leadership on client interactions and major project approaches.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with key clients and oversee critical, high-impact project assignments.
• Ensures robust QA/QC processes are in place and consistently applied to all projects.
• Leads go/no-go and partnering decisions on major strategic pursuits.
• Displays expert knowledge of the markets that VHB services, actively promoting integrated thinking and innovative approaches within the organization.
• Oversees and approves proposal fees, ensuring adequacy and completeness.
• Leads business development efforts, coordinating budget allocations to identify and pursue strategic opportunities in multiple markets.
• Actively participates in high-level business community and industry activities to enhance VHB's industry prominence.
• Serves as a VHB ambassador at major industry events and forums, promoting VHB's successes and demonstrating industry leadership.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Comprehensive knowledge of key service lines and an ability to leverage integrated service models across multiple offices.
• Advanced business acumen with the ability to analyze financial reports and business metrics to drive decision-making and set strategic priorities.
• Ability to clearly articulate vision and goals.
• Excellent strategic planning skills: can engage in high-level decision making and critical thinking to navigate complex business problems and implement effective solutions.
• Exceptional project management skills.
• Proven ability to cultivate and maintain strong client relationships.
• Highly motivated leader capable of inspiring teams and driving regional success.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with proven experience in developing and mentoring senior staff.
• Demonstrated track record of managing multiple teams of industry professionals and delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
• Superior knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to applicable discipline.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 15+ years of relevant operational experience in a multi-disciplinary AEC firm.
• Significant prior experience in senior management and leadership positions.
• Bachelor's degree in civil or transportation engineering, environmental or transportation planning, environmental sciences, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
• Deep knowledge and expertise in a diverse range of engineering, transportation, planning, and environmental topics in both the public and private sectors.

We are VHB! We're an inspired and innovative team of engineers, scientists, planners, and designers who partner with clients in the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy industries, as well as federal, state, and local governments. Our work helps improve mobility, enhance communities, and contribute to economic vitality. We do this while balancing development and infrastructure needs with stewardship of our environment.

Our people make us great! VHB provides a differentiating employee experience, which includes:

• Diverse and inclusive culture of collaboration and innovation
• Opportunity to work on complex, transformational projects
• Community and social responsibility as sustainable stewards
• Focus on learning, development, and career growth
• Best-in-class benefits, including flexible, hybrid workplace

We are consistently rated one of the top AEC firms to work for across our 30+ offices on the East Coast. We're growing, and we hope you'll join us!

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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