Water Infrastructure Business Leader (California)

Joining Arup

Arup's purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world. At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective - in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning - to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

We are seeking a strategic client focused Water Infrastructure Business Leader to join our West Geography team in either the Los Angeles or San Francisco market. This strategic role blends technical excellence, project leadership, and business development across civil and water domains. This is an opportunity to build and lead a team in a high-priority growth area for Arup, with support from global and regional leadership.

The Opportunity

• Lead multidisciplinary teams, shape market strategy, and deliver transformative infrastructure projects across California, Oregon, and Washington.
• The candidate will identify major project opportunities, position their team to secure the work and direct the execution of the work to meet and exceed the targeted project outcomes.
• The leader will identify sufficient continuity of work to support the growth and diversification of the West geography for long term and strategic growth delivering key water-related civil infrastructure required in the US western states.

This is a career-defining opportunity for a strategic leader with a growth mindset, ready to shape the future of infrastructure in the western United States. Join us in delivering resilient, sustainable, and community-focused solutions.

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Direct large-scale, complex design-build and progressive design-build projects across civil and water sectors
• Oversee commercial, contractual, and technical aspects of major infrastructure initiatives. Build client relationships with water utilities, public agencies, and municipal owners
• Serve as Project Director and senior technical reviewer, ensuring quality and innovation while keeping a strong focus on winning work

Team Development & Mentorship

• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of engineers and consultants
• Identify strategic hires and develop internal talent to support long-term growth.
• Cultivate relationships with water utilities, public agencies, and municipal owners and contractors
• Lead proposals, major pursuits, and marketing efforts aligned with Arup's strategic goals
• Secure impactful work and repeat business through trusted client and collaborator partnerships

Strategic Planning & Market Growth

• Shape and refine the Water and Civil market strategy across the West
• Identify high-impact engineering services opportunities in flood resilience, water resource management, green infrastructure, and urban development
• Represent Arup in industry forums, promoting thought leadership and innovation

The Skills

• Bachelor's degree in civil, chemical, environmental, or water resources engineering or similar
• Professional Engineering license (required; California registration strongly preferred)
• 15+ years of experience in civil and/or water infrastructure, including engineering service delivery for above and below-ground design-build projects
• Proven success in client-facing roles and business development across public, private and construction sectors, especially in the San Francisco and/or Los Angeles markets
• Insights into market trends, funding programs, partnership opportunities, and emerging technologies
• A working technical knowledge in hydrology, hydraulics, civils, utilities, water/wastewater systems and underground construction, and sustainable engineering design practices
• Sound understanding of commercial and financial issues related to the professional engineering service delivery of major projects
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across multidisciplinary teams

What we offer you

Benefits that Work - At Arup, we have a comprehensive and valuable benefits program that works for our employees and their families while keeping costs low. These benefits provide health and welfare security for you as well as paid time off for rest and renewal. As a member of Arup, everyone shares our success through a global profit share scheme (payments are dependent on the firm's financial performance). Our Global Profit Share Plan (paid bi-annually) provides an opportunity for you to share in the success of the Firm. As a valued employee of Arup, you can also choose to participate in our 401(k) plan with up to 10% company match to help you save for your future

• Flexible Working - We believe that flexible arrangements create a more inclusive way of working that supports our diversity and the wellbeing of our people. Options for alternative schedules and the ability to work outside of the office for a portion of your workweek are available
• Hiring Range - The good faith base salary hiring range for this job if performed in San Francisco is $185,000 to $240,000 per year. This range is commensurate with experience, educational background, and skill level. Benefits are not included in the base salary. Please note hiring ranges for candidates performing work outside of San Francisco will differ.

Arup is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, spouse of protected veteran, or disability.

EOE-Protected Veterans/Disability