Regional Business Leader

Job ID: 12052Req ID: 587Location: Portland, OR, USAPosted: 2026-10-09Job Family: People Leaders - People LeadershipPay Type: SalaryEducation Level: Bachelor’s DegreeTravel Required: true Founded in 1919, KJ has always looked to the future. With a talented team of professionals and a culture of continuous improvement, we deliver exceptional engineering, environmental consulting, and construction management services, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Using advanced analytics, technology, and tools, KJ improves designs, reduces risk, and finds better ways to deliver projects from planning through construction. KJ is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for clients, including green infrastructure design, strategies to reduce energy use and environmental impacts, award-winning water reuse projects, and efficient construction management practices that ensure quality, safety, and on-time delivery. We are known for our dedication to industry-leading client service and tailored solutions. Regional Business Leader Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Regional Business Leader to guide the sales, project delivery, financial, operational, client, and people performance of an assigned region. This leader sets regional priorities, builds high-performing teams, strengthens client relationships, and helps the company grow. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Regional Business Leader works closely with Area Managers, Client Service Directors, project and technical leaders, and company leadership to keep regional priorities connected to company goals. What You’ll Do Performance Oversight and Risk Management Engage project delivery and client service teams to maintain a coordinated and comprehensive understanding of current and future performance. Identify and communicate performance risks to the COO and CRO, build strong teams, and develop plans to address new risks and trends. Follow and support company policies, procedures, risk management, and governance processes. Business Development and Execution Lead the overall strategy and growth of a region in alignment with the company’s strategic plan. Develop and lead teams in the pursuit and development of business opportunities and the successful delivery of work within the region. Manage regional business development budgets. Provide guidance for pursuits, proposals, project scopes, pricing, budget, and performance metrics for the region. Develop key business contacts, serve strategic clients, identify additional business opportunities, and promote cross-selling of other company services and capabilities. Project and Financial Performance Be accountable for the profitable performance of the region, as defined by annual performance goals. Achieve compliance with laws, codes, and regulatory requirements as well as company policies, standards, and processes. Client Excellence Lead collaboration across disciplines, functional areas, and regions to provide strong client service and practical solutions. Model externally facing behavior by regularly developing clients, as well as reaching out to current clients for feedback on our performance. Talent Management Be accountable for recruiting and regional staffing plans, support Area Managers in achieving hiring and retention goals, and partner with the People team to develop internal talent and recruit key external talent. Be responsible for succession planning within the region, including identifying high-potential employees, preparing future leaders, and maintaining the leadership and critical skills the region and company will need in the future. Set performance goals, write and conduct performance reviews, and proactively address employee relations matters through engagement with the People team and General Counsel. Resource Integration and Workforce Planning Oversee strategic workforce planning so that teams are resourced to meet performance and delivery targets. Engage proactively with team members to remove barriers, support workload balance, and improve project and financial performance. Facilitate work sharing and resource management within the region and across other regions to support company priorities. Strategic Growth and Planning Be responsible for strategic planning for the region or market in alignment with the company’s strategic plan. Approve hiring, retention, and staff development initiatives to fulfill regional strategies. Support and facilitate collaboration with Client Service Directors and Area Managers to identify resource requirements for current and projected future needs. What We’re Looking For Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related discipline. At least 15 years of industry experience, including leadership responsibility for people, financial performance, sales, client service, and project delivery. Demonstrated ability to lead teams, set priorities, and create accountability for business and operational results. Strong understanding of business development, project delivery, workforce planning, and financial management. Ability to build relationships, influence decisions, and collaborate with senior leaders, clients, and employees, including those outside a direct reporting relationship. Strong communication, interpersonal, coaching, and decision-making skills. Ability to adapt to change, navigate complex situations, and raise concerns early through open dialogue. Commitment to Kennedy Jenks’ values of trust, service, integrity, diversity, and inclusion. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in engineering. Professional Engineer license. Why Consider This Role This leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the direction and performance of a Kennedy Jenks region, strengthen client and team outcomes, and influence company-wide growth, collaboration, and leadership development. It is well suited for an experienced business leader who wants to improve regional performance and help shape the firm’s future. Location and Leadership Presence The Regional Business Leader is expected to reside within the region being led and maintain a strong presence with regional teams, clients, offices, and company leadership. The role requires regular engagement across the region, with travel based on business, client, and leadership needs. Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work-life balance and utilizes a hybrid model of home and office work, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. This approach empowers our people to thrive, collaborate, and do their best work. Salary range for this position is anticipated to be $180,000 - $250,000, and may vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications, and geographic location. Benefits summary: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k); bonus programs; tuition reimbursement; employee ownership opportunity; professional registration support; business travel assistance; competitive paid time off and holidays; an employee assistance program; and additional programs that support your wellbeing and professional growth. #LI-Hybrid Kennedy Jenks is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.