What are the responsibilities and job description for the Practice Leader position at WGA Consulting Engineers?

Practice Leader

Job Location : Austin, TX

Type : Full Time

WGA is an award-winning Texas-based professional engineering and consulting firm founded in 2007, and has experienced steady growth in a competitive market. This expansion is a result of our strong commitment to our clients providing them with the highest quality of work and service. We built our practice on the foundational beliefs that creative design drives successful projects, and that collaborative working relationships with municipalities, permitting authorities and local and state agencies yielding tangible results throughout the development process. Our extensive range of experience includes industrial, commercial, large mixed-use, hospitality, healthcare, education, municipal and multi- and single-family residential projects. From large-scale industrial projects to preliminary feasibility studies, our goal is to provide value through creative and cost-effective design solutions. We currently have 4 locations across Texas and growing : Houston, The Woodlands, Austin and San Antonio.

We are seeking a seasoned and visionary Practice Leader to spearhead the growth and success of our practice. In this leadership role, you will guide and expand our team of professionals focused on the planning, design, and delivery of critical public works projects, including transportation systems, water and wastewater infrastructure, stormwater management, and urban infrastructure development. You will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the practice, managing large and complex projects, and ensuring the highest quality service to public sector clients such as municipalities, state agencies, and federal entities.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in public works civil engineering, a track record of successful project delivery, and a passion for mentoring and leading teams. This is a unique opportunity to drive the future of public infrastructure, working with a collaborative team and a growing, innovative firm.

Responsibilities :

Practice Leadership & Strategy :

Lead the development and execution of the public works practice’s strategic plan, identifying growth opportunities, fostering client relationships, and enhancing service offerings.
Drive the continued success and expansion of the practice, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and market needs.
Act as the practice’s primary ambassador, representing the firm in meetings with clients, partners, regulatory bodies, and industry organizations.
Collaborate with senior leadership to develop business strategies that strengthen the firm’s position in the public sector market.
Stay ahead of industry trends, innovations, and regulatory changes to keep the practice at the forefront of the public works sector.

Project Oversight & Delivery :

Oversee the management and successful execution of public works projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest technical standards.

Manage a diverse portfolio of projects, including roads, bridges, water systems, wastewater treatment plants, stormwater infrastructure, and urban redevelopment.

Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, ensuring effective collaboration between engineers, designers, contractors, and stakeholders.

Ensure projects comply with relevant codes, regulations, and permitting requirements while addressing public safety, environmental sustainability, and resiliency.

Manage project risks, quality assurance processes, and resolve issues that may arise during design, construction, or post-construction phases.

Client Management & Business Development :

Build and maintain strong relationships with public sector clients, including local municipalities, state and federal agencies, and utilities.

Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring their needs are met and expectations are exceeded.

Lead business development efforts, including identifying and pursuing new opportunities, responding to RFPs, and preparing winning proposals.

Present technical solutions and project outcomes to clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies, ensuring alignment with client goals and community needs.

Manage contract negotiations, ensuring mutually beneficial agreements and adherence to project scope, budget, and timelines.

Team Leadership & Mentorship :

Lead, develop, and mentor a team of engineers, project managers, and technical staff, fostering a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

Provide guidance and training to team members on project management best practices, technical standards, and industry developments.

Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the team, creating a supportive work environment for all staff.

Ensure proper staffing, resource allocation, and career development opportunities to meet both project and business goals.

Champion a culture of safety, ensuring the team adheres to best practices and safety regulations in the design and execution of public works projects.

Financial Management & Performance :

Oversee the financial health of the public works practice, ensuring profitability and resource efficiency across projects.

Develop and manage practice budgets, including revenue forecasting, project billing, and profitability analysis.

Monitor and report on key performance metrics (KPIs), ensuring the practice meets financial goals and maintains operational efficiency.

Support project managers with budgeting, scheduling, and resource management to ensure projects are delivered within agreed-upon financial parameters.

Regulatory Compliance & Industry Leadership :

Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and industry standards, including environmental regulations, permitting processes, and public safety codes.

Actively participate in industry forums, conferences, and associations, positioning the firm as a leader in public works engineering.

Identify and integrate emerging technologies, innovative design solutions, and sustainability practices into public works projects.

Qualifications

Education : Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Licensing / Certifications : Professional Engineer (PE) license required; Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar certifications preferred.

Experience : At least 12 years of experience in civil engineering, with a focus on public works projects (transportation, water / wastewater, storm water, etc.), including a minimum of 5 years in a leadership or managerial role.

Proven track record in the planning, design, and execution of public infrastructure projects.

Extensive experience with public sector clients and understanding of government contracting processes, including procurement and regulatory compliance.

Strong business development skills and a history of successfully securing public sector projects.

Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and coordinating complex projects with multiple stakeholders.

EEO STATEMENT

WGA LLC is committed to providing equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and its employees. The Company strictly prohibits all discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, color, age, national origin, ethnicity, religious creed or belief, physical or mental disability, marital or familial status, legally protected medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship status, protected activity or any other status or classification protected by applicable federal, state, and / or local laws.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES : Please note that WGA LLC does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, WGA LLC will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, WGA LLC explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of WGA LLC.

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