Director of Land Development at J.A. Watts Incorporated in Lisle, Illinois

Job Description:

J. A. Watts, Inc. (JWI) is a woman-owned professional services firm that believes in treating its clients and employees like family at every level of our company. Our family culture is what we're known for, and we work to stay true to who we are. That's how we manage our projects and how we recruit THE Best People in our industry. Our clients come from all walks of life, and so do we, making us stronger together.

The Director of Land Development is responsible for managing, assisting, and overseeing design, reporting, and planning for a variety of industries, including residential, commercial, and pubic development projects. The Director of Land Development is responsible for the overall operational, budgetary, financial, and all activities of the assigned project team(s) or department. The Director of Land Development oversees and leads all activities of the designated project(s) to ensure goals and objectives are fully executed within the required timeframe and budget while exceeding client expectations and optimizing team performance. The Director of Land Development shall lead by example and personify the Company's Mission, Vision, and Values, taking ownership of their assigned project(s) or program. The Director of Land Development has direct involvement with senior leadership and manages project work as the primary client interface while assisting in directing the work of technical staff. The Director of Land Development must have a track record of demonstrating strong leadership, management, and mentorship of junior engineers and must be able to develop and initiate new business development opportunities, forming excellent connections with existing clients and developing plans to boost market share and increase profitability with new clients and projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Secure new business by gathering client intel, identifying opportunities to submit on RFPs/RFQs, developing and negotiating contracts, and integrating contract requirements with business operations
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships to support and cultivate business opportunities by effectively communicating the business's value to prospective clients and partners through presentations, meetings, and proposals
• Oversee project budgets, create, and manage project forecasts, schedules and expenses; anticipate potential changes to budget, schedule, and expenses and provide guidance and analysis of changes
• Partner with internal teams including Marketing, Human Resources, Accounting/Finance, Contracts Administration, and Safety, in order to augment and facilitate business development and operational practices to effectively lead, staff, and execute project(s) successfully
• Coach, mentor, and develop employees by providing oversight, training, direction, and performance feedback in accordance with organizational policies and procedures
• Contribute to a workplace culture that is consistent with the company's mission, vision, and core values in every internal and external interaction
• Identify and acquire necessary project resources internally and externally
• Oversee projects that may include site grading, road design, storm water conveyance, quantity and quality modeling, sewer conveyance system design, water conveyance system design, erosion and Sediment Control system design, land entitlement and site layout
• Review and approve technical documents, design plans, cost estimates, and proposals
• Communicate project details, including plans, progress, issues, and concerns to the executive leadership team on a regular basis
• Attend events and participate in various industry, professional, and networking associations

• BS Degree in Civil Engineering required. An advanced degree or certification, ideally and MS or MBA preferred. A minimum of 15 years of related engineering, and design experience considered,
• 10+ years civil/planning project management experience
• Private project experience required
• Illinois State Civil PE License highly preferred. Multi-state licensure is beneficial.
• Active member in industry associations is preferred
• Valid driver license and ability to pass MVR
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective solutions addressing process efficiency, project costs, budget parameters, team development, and client needs, to achieve desired results
• Ability to work with engineering staff on all levels and interact and meet with clients, and technical staff
• Proven ability to develop and initiate new business development opportunities
• Solution-oriented problem-solving abilities
• Possess ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High-level proficiency in computer software program related activities, including MS Office and AutoCAD
• High-level proficiency in Civil 3D and Bluebeam software for civil engineering design
• Self-motivated, hardworking, highly ethical, and dependable

Company Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance options for employees and family
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account options available
• Company-provided group life, short and long-term disability, and voluntary life options
• Matching 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible work schedules
• Student debt repayment resources available
• Professional development and tuition assistance
• ID Theft protection
• Company-sponsored social events

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

PI240938946