Market Lead - Data Centers

Market Lead – Data Centers

BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years.

At BKF, you'll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row.

The Market Lead – Data Centers is responsible for overseeing and growing the firm's service offering within the market. This includes driving a go-to-market strategy, managing client relationships, and developing the team. Reporting directly to the Development Division's Land Development Regional Lead, this role is critical to executing the firm's strategic objectives, including expanding market share, strengthening priority client accounts, and ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery to mission-critical clients.

With a strong understanding of the California Technology ecosystem, delivery models, and permitting/regulatory environment, the Market Lead ensures excellence in project delivery, client service, talent development, and financial performance. This role fosters collaboration across offices and disciplines and serves as the primary connector between local delivery teams and Technology market leadership.

Responsibilities

Market Strategy & Execution:

• Develop and execute the firm's strategic plan for technology-focused markets, including data centers, advanced manufacturing, and emerging industrial submarkets.
• Identify market trends, client needs, and competitive positioning to drive growth and inform firmwide strategy.
• Provide subject matter expertise in mission-critical environments.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing regional teams, with a focus on building market-aligned teams as the sector grows.
• Lead succession planning and talent acquisition in alignment with sector and firmwide goals.

Client Engagement & Market Growth:

• Build and maintain relationships with key clients, developers, contractors, and industry partners.
• Lead major pursuits, proposals, and presentations for high-value projects and programs.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients on facility design, scalability and operational efficiency.
• Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and client forums.

Project Oversight & Delivery:

• Provide executive-level oversight on key projects to ensure quality, profitability, and client satisfaction.
• Support project teams in navigating complex technical and operational challenges.

Operational & Financial Management:

• Lead the development and execution of the firm's Technology market plan and budget.
• Own performance across backlog, revenue, and operating margin for the Technology portfolio.
• Responsible for meeting or exceeding performance KPIs including utilization, project profitability, and bookings.