Real Estate Market Leader

About the Position VHB is seeking a growth-focused, entrepreneurial professional for the role of Real Estate Market Leader in the I-64 Corridor, spanning from Richmond to Hampton Roads. The successful candidate will drive the growth and prominence of the real estate market within the I-64 footprint. Reporting to the Managing Director, the role involves collaborating with senior market-focused staff, regional leaders, and corporate leaders to develop and implement strategies that enhance VHB's brand and expand its business opportunities. The location of this position is flexible along the I-64 corridor and can be in VHB’s Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, or Richmond offices. The work environment will involve frequent travel along the I-64 corridor, off‑site meetings, clients, and VHB offices. Business Development Responsibilities Vision and Strategy Development: Develop and maintain a vision for the real estate growth sector along the I-64 corridor. This involves creating innovative and forward-thinking plans to drive growth and new business development opportunities. Relationship Building: Develop and maintain strong relationships and trust with staff, clients and key stakeholders to foster collaboration and alignment. Program Clients and Initiative Growth: Lead the growth of one or more program clients and initiatives by identifying business development opportunities and creating plans to capitalize on them. Business Development: Identify and secure new business opportunities, as well as maintain relationships with existing clients within the real estate market. Cross-Market Initiatives: Partner with other I-64 Growth Leaders (Local Government, Transportation, Energy, Institutional, Federal, Coastal Engineering, and Water Resource) on initiatives that span multiple markets. Promotional Activities: Develop and implement promotional campaigns, attend conferences, and participate in networking and industry events to strengthen VHB's brand presence along I-64. Market Differentiation: Identify unique VHB differentiators in the marketplace and create strategic communication campaigns to enhance and reinforce the company's brand. Strategic Planning: Develop and communicate a long-term (3-5 year) strategic growth plan that aligns with VHB's overall Strategic Plan. Team Building and Recruitment: Support I-64 Operational Manager, I-64 Development Manager, and Service Directors in senior staff recruitment and retention efforts. Key Initiatives: Lead and drive key initiatives outlined in the Regional and Local Strategic Plan. Marketing Initiatives: Direct and implement strategic and tactical marketing initiatives to promote the real estate market along I-64. Project Engagement: Participate as a Project Executive or Project Manager on high-visibility projects with key existing and new targeted clients. Professional Development: Engage in professional and personal development activities that align with your career goals. Compliance: Ensure that all job functions are conducted in compliance with relevant regulations and company policies. Engage in professional and local organizations: Be highly externally visible at conferences and industry forums, including involvement in professional associations, conferences and boards to strengthen VHB’s design reputation. Implement change management strategies: Related to shifts towards innovative technologies and processes, leveraging data, and the integration of sustainability into all projects. Foster innovation and a culture of intellectual curiosity: Recognize innovative ideas and find ways to implement them. Technical Responsibilities As a project executive or project manager: Direct the design of high visibility projects with a comprehensive understanding of design objectives, details, and construction drawing preparation, including site layout, grading, drainage, and utilities. Oversee development of site/civil engineering plans and specifications: For high-visibility industrial, institutional, healthcare, and residential developments. Ensure consistent standards: (e.g., design details, plan formats, specifications, project documentation procedures) and VHB’s best practices (e.g., project initiation, kick-off meetings, procedures, templates) are followed. Promote continuous quality monitoring and improvement: Monitor quality standards and practices. Ensure team awareness of regulatory changes, best practices, and lessons learned. Attend meetings with clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders: To establish their needs and discuss design/permitting issues. Skills and Attributes Excellent communication, listening, presentation, and facilitation skills. Lead with courage, energy, optimism, and drive, demonstrating a strong work ethic and dedication to VHB, our clients, and employees. Exhibit open-mindedness, innovation, and flexibility, with a need for continuous learning, improvement, and professional growth. Must demonstrate superior ability in collaborative problem solving with stakeholders, clients, and teammates. Knowledge of preparation and review of Engineering Plans and Specifications to ensure all aspects of project implementation are clearly conveyed. Possess strong professional judgment with a strive for quality and financial excellence. Desire to mentor and train design staff in evaluating project risks, client expectations and overall successful project delivery. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering/science/planning discipline; Master’s degree preferred 11+ years of postgraduate experience in a related engineering/science/planning field, and a strong external reputation within the market. PE License or equivalent licensing in designated field Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposal writing and presentation skills, public speaking ability, and problem-solving skills are required. Technical proficiency and ability to understand and navigate complex projects. Ability to maintain a high-level view of project and client goals while providing strategic guidance. Solid business management skills, including planning, budgeting, and risk management. Objective mindset to identify project and staff challenges and develop appropriate solutions. Knowledge of the regulatory processes in Virginia. Understanding of local, state, and federal permitting. When You Join VHB, You’ll Find Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success Support to grow your skills and lead through change Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment Our People and Culture Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, people‑driven, future‑ready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr VHB