Area Manager, Transportation

Overview GFT is seeking an experienced, growth-oriented Houston Area Manager to join our Transportation Infrastructure Practice in Houston, Texas. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Houston office. Working on the transportation team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether supporting highways, bridges, transit, rail, or multimodal infrastructure, our team delivers innovative, resilient, and sustainable solutions that improve mobility and strengthen the communities we serve. Key Responsibilities This is an excellent career opportunity for an experienced, motivated leader who thrives in a collaborative team environment and brings a strong blend of business development, client management, strategic growth, and operational leadership. The primary focus of this role is to drive business development, expand client relationships, grow the area’s project portfolio, and support the Texas Operations Leader in executing the Texas area business plan and day‑to‑day operational performance. Business Development, Growth & Client Management Develop and execute the Area business development and growth strategy in alignment with business line, region, and enterprise goals. Identify, position for, and pursue new business opportunities with public‑ and private‑sector clients in the assigned geography and market. Build, strengthen, and maintain key client relationships to support repeat business and long‑term account growth. Support go/no‑go recommendations, teaming decisions, and pursuit strategies for major opportunities. Collaborate across the enterprise to identify and advance cross‑selling opportunities among practices, business lines, and geographies. Represent GFT in client meetings, interviews, conferences, and industry events to promote the firm’s services and brand. Monitor market conditions, competitor activity, client capital programs, and emerging opportunities to inform growth strategy. Operations & Leadership Assist the Texas Operations Leader with execution of the Texas Area business plan, including staffing, resource planning, operational coordination, and implementation of strategic priorities. Support achievement of Area goals related to net revenue, profitability, sales, utilization, and overall operational performance. Serve in project leadership roles, as needed, including Project Principal, Senior Project Manager on key assignments. Help ensure a high level of client satisfaction across projects and accounts within the Area. Foster a culture of employee engagement, collaboration, innovation, learning, and positive employee relations. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field. 15+ years of progressive experience demonstrating leadership, sound business judgment, and the ability to drive growth and operational performance in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry is REQUIRED. Strong understanding of the local and regional business environment, key clients, and market opportunities. Proven success in business development, client relationship management, and strategic pursuit leadership, in the Houston Area transportation market. Professional Engineer (PE) license would be preferred. Compensation & Benefits Salary range: $240,000 – $280,000, dependent upon experience and geographic location. Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment. Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan. Competitive paid‑time‑off (PTO) accrual. Tuition reimbursement for continued education. Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations. Incentive compensation for eligible positions. Company Overview & Equal Opportunity Statement At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives. GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law. Unsolicited resumes from third‑party agencies will be considered the property of GFT. GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions. Location: Houston, TX Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Employment Status: Full‑Time Applicants in the County of Los Angeles – Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Applicants in the City of San Francisco – Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Applicants in the State of California – Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act. #J-18808-Ljbffr GFT