Business Sector Lead - Planning AICP

Business Sector Lead Of Planning

The Business Sector Lead of Planning provides strategic, operational leadership and market growth across several service areas, including Agency Staffing, Community Planning, Environmental Compliance, Housing, and Natural Resources. You will report directly to the Executive Vice President of Planning and Government Solutions.

With a strong understanding of planning services across a range of markets including Transportation, Water, Land Development, and Energy, the Business Sector Lead of Planning ensures excellence in project delivery, client service, talent development, and financial performance. This role is accountable for aligning the Planning business sector with the firm's strategic growth goals, fostering collaboration across disciplines, and driving innovation in service delivery. The SVP Planning will work in close partnership with other market, regional, and functional leaders to elevate the firm's position in the Planning space.

Core Job Responsibilities / Outcomes:

Strategic Leadership & Direction:

• Develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan for the Planning business sector, aligning with BKF's long-term goals and vision.
• Identify and pursue growth opportunities including geographic expansion, new service lines, and major pursuits.
• Identify Merger and Acquisition opportunities that align with the overall market and corporate strategy.
• Develop and execute strategies to successfully integrate acquisitions with the goal of unlocking synergies that drive growth.

Team Building & Development:

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a team of professionals, fostering an environment of growth, collaboration, and integrity. Support the team's professional development and succession planning.
• Lead succession planning and talent acquisition strategies for key roles within the markets.
• Oversee the allocation of resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials, to ensure project success and operational efficiency.

Financial Management:

• Lead annual business plan/budget and long-range forecasting for Planning. Develop and own the P&L for all service areas, ensuring revenue growth, profitability, backlog health, and margin in accordance with the annual operating plan.
• Guide pricing strategies, fee development, and resource allocation in alignment with financial targets.
• Monitor and drive the sector's performance metrics, ensuring that the team consistently meets or exceeds Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Regularly review and assess the performance of the Planning sector, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service delivery.

Market Engagement & Growth:

• Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities, expand relationships with clients and partners, and contribute to the overall growth of the sector.
• Collaborate with Business Development and Marketing teams to shape go-to-market strategies, major pursuit plans, and capture efforts.
• Serve as executive sponsor on key pursuits and client accounts in the Planning sector.
• Represent the firm at industry events, conferences, and with public agencies to enhance market visibility and influence.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key public and private sector clients.

Project Oversight & Execution:

• Provide leadership and oversight of all project delivery ensuring quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction from inception to completion.
• Drive consistency in project delivery, leveraging best practices and standardized tools across teams.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with Planning projects and operations, ensuring the safety and success of all initiatives.
• Conduct technical reviews and provide technical oversight on a wide range of Planning projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with regulatory agencies and stakeholders to obtain necessary permits and approvals for projects.
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative solutions for Planning services.

Client Relations:

• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring a high level of satisfaction and trust in BKF's services.
• Foster new client relationships in alignment with the strategic growth goals of the company.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with other leaders across BKF to share best practices, optimize processes, and contribute to company-wide initiatives. Support other projects and teams as needed.
• Maintain open and effective communication with stakeholders, including clients, team members, and senior leadership, to ensure alignment and transparency.