Description
Michael Baker International is seeking a visionary Vice President, California Transportation Practice Lead to drive strategic growth, client engagement, and project excellence across our transportation practice throughout California. This is a high-impact leadership role offering the opportunity to shape major statewide and regional transportation initiatives while collaborating with senior leaders and top-tier professionals across Michael Baker’s Western Region.
As a key leader within the Western Region, the Vice President will work across geographies and disciplines to expand our transportation market presence, strengthen technical and delivery capabilities, and ensure the successful execution of complex transportation programs. This role requires a strategic, client-focused leader with deep industry expertise, strong relationships across California, and a proven record of driving growth and delivering large-scale transportation projects..
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Growth
- Lead business development and client engagement strategies to expand Michael Baker’s transportation portfolio across California, including highways, corridors, transit, and multimodal programs.
- Identify, pursue, and secure new opportunities
- Partner with regional and local leadership to align technical expertise, staffing strategies, and resources with market demand and client expectations.
- Contribute to long-term transportation strategy and investment planning for the Western Region.
Project Delivery & Technical Excellence
- Serve as Program Manager, Project Principal, or Executive Advisor on key transportation projects and programs.
- Provide executive-level oversight to ensure quality, innovation, schedule adherence, and compliance with industry and regulatory standards.
- Support pursuit strategies and proposal development for major regional and national transportation opportunities.
Collaboration & Integration
- Coordinate closely with Office Executives, Department Managers, and Regional Practice Leads to ensure seamless project delivery and effective resource utilization.
- Foster cross-discipline collaboration to deliver integrated transportation solutions and leverage firmwide capabilities.
- Promote consistency and best practices across California transportation operations.
Client & Industry Engagement
- Build and sustain trusted relationships with public-sector clients, partners, and key industry stakeholders across California.
- Represent Michael Baker at industry conferences, professional organizations, and client forums to enhance brand visibility and thought leadership.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to clients on transportation planning, delivery, and innovation.
Operational Excellence
- Oversee project performance, quality assurance, risk management, and financial results to ensure successful outcomes.
- Champion a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement across the transportation practice.
Talent Development
- Mentor and develop emerging leaders and senior technical professionals.
- Support recruiting and succession planning efforts to build and sustain a high-performing California transportation team.
- Promote professional growth, engagement, and retention across the practice.
PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related discipline
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required
- 20 years of progressive experience in transportation infrastructure, with significant experience in California
- Recognized transportation industry leader with an established professional network statewide
- Demonstrated success in strategic growth, business development, client management, and complex project delivery
- Experience with multiple project delivery methods, including alternative delivery
- Exceptional leadership, communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills
COMPENSATION
The compensation range for this position is up to $300,000 and will depend on the incoming candidates experience and skill set.
BENEFITS
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- 401k Retirement Plan
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
- Professional and personal development
- Generous paid time off
- Commuter and wellness benefits
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