Transportation Engineering Department Director

Job Description

Job Description

Summary/Objective

Responsible for overall department growth and performance. Ensures the Transportation department maintains coordination with other departments and alignment with Company protocols and procedures. Accountable for overall client satisfaction of the department, financial forecasting and performance, and Quality Control/Quality Assurance. Conducts strategic marketing and business development activities for the department and contributes to firm-wide strategic planning. Directs staff planning, recruiting efforts, department and staff performance and development, and conflict resolution processes.

Essential Functions

• Oversee the department’s proposal development and interviews for a range of project sizes and types
• Lead and direct the department’s business development and other strategic growth initiatives; actively participate in industry, networking, and professional organizations events and activities
• Review and execute project agreements.
• Responsible for ensuring projects and teams are equipped with appropriate resources necessary to meet contractual obligations
• Ensure that the process for initiating projects with the accounting department is adhering to established guidelines and standards 
• Monitor the management and engineering of projects to ensure the highest quality of documentation and professionalism, with a focus on client communication and satisfaction; proactively address deficiencies 
• Ensure that all department personnel are properly trained and supervised
• Provide leadership and direction to the department on client and stakeholder presentations with an emphasis on client advocacy, identifying and balancing client expectations with contractual obligations, project goals, and client satisfaction
• Ensure projects meet Quality Control/Quality Assurance requirements
• Monitor project financial performance and proactively coordinate with managers to ensure achievement of goals and address areas of concern
• Oversee monthly invoicing of projects and tracking accounts’ receivables; ensure the department is responsive to all requests and direction 
• Provide leadership and direction to the department on strategizing successful project delivery, financial performance, and risk mitigation
• Guide and support the department in resolving issues, disputes, and disagreements affecting projects and/or internal collaboration
• Ensure staff complete internal and external close-out processes
• Maintain highly effective working relationships with team members and clients
• Oversee staff performance, development, and conflicts; proactively consult with HR on situations of concern, or potential concern, or are more complex in nature 
• Monitor and enforce compliance with all TERRA standards, guidelines, and policies 
• Provide operating policies and procedures unique to the department to ensure activities are accomplished within scope, schedule, and budget
• Oversee staff and resource planning, recruiting efforts, candidate selection, and onboarding
• Create and advance the growth strategy of the department, defining goals and objectives
• Ensure consistent thought process within the department and alignment with company values and procedures
• Monitor and address noncompliance issues pertaining to administrative policies and procedures such as timesheet recording and submission, expense reports, purchase orders, and client coordination
• Coordinate with other Discipline Department Directors to ensure Disciplines are coordinated
• Perform other duties as required

Education/Experience  

• B.S. in civil engineering or related field strongly preferred
• 15+ years of applicable engineering experience
• 10+ years in leadership/management role
• Strong background with IDOT and Illinois Tollway projects
• Professional Engineer Licensure required
• Additional credentials preferred (e.g., CFM, CPESC, ENV SP, LEED AP, etc.)
• PMP certification a plus
• Valid driver's license required for field work

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Highly skilled in leading and guiding teams across multiple disciplines to achieve department and firm goals 
• Expert in motivating and influencing teams to produce excellent results 
• Adept in developing and maintaining strong and dependable client relationships 
• Strong ability to conduct business development and project pursuit activities
• Highly proficient in verbal and written communication
• Working proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, and other Windows-based and engineering software 
• Highly proficient in general documentation software such as Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Bluebeam 
• Advanced knowledge of project management software and tools for financial management, reporting, and resource utilization
• Strong understanding of business and operations analytics and reporting
• Accomplished public speaker, presenter, and leader 
• Strong understanding of industry and construction practices, methodologies, and best engineering practices and leverages that understanding to effectively lead the department
• Excellent understanding of the differences in how individuals are motivated and can effectively adjust management and leadership style to develop and maintain a highly effective and functioning department
• Able to conduct site visits as needed, may require a valid driver's license
• Effectively maintains office and field health & safety requirements and protocols
• Maintains a work schedule conducive to team collaboration and project-specific requirements

Physical Requirements

• Involves sitting a considerable amount of the time, but requires the ability to inspect work and supervise project teams on a construction site or other field location
• May exert up to 30 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force to move objects
• Occasionally lifts and carries up to 30 pounds
• Considerable time may be spent at a workstation using a computer and using various forms of communication (telephone, email, messaging, etc.)
• Field work includes exposure to outside weather conditions and various environmental conditions depending on the site
• Physical activities include walking and occasional stooping and crouching

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties and/or responsibilities required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time.

Please note that sponsorship is not available now or in the future for this position.

About TERRA Engineering

TERRA Engineering, Ltd. was founded by Karen Steingraber and Jamil Bou-Saab in 1992, beginning their journey building strong relationships with clients. In 2000, Senior Vice President George Ghareeb joined the team and began overseeing operations in a then-newly opened office in Peoria, Illinois. Since then, TERRA has continued expanding our reach to broaden our markets and serve additional communities, adding offices in St. Louis (2011), Milwaukee (2013), and Bolingbrook, Illinois (2025).

We are proud of our 115+ employees who contribute their talent and skills to TERRA’s success. As we continue to grow, we maintain a strong focus on the development of our team members through mentorship, collaboration, and the continual refining of our collective body of knowledge. At TERRA Engineering, our mission of enhancing communities starts from within.

TERRA Provides:

• Competitive compensation packages including bonus program, paid holidays and paid time off
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Retirement plan options with safe harbor match and profit sharing
• Hybrid/Flexible work arrangements for most positions
• A warm culture that is conducive to growth and professional development
• And more!

In accordance with local law, the estimated salary range is applicable to the position and location associated with this posting. Compensation will vary based upon experience, education, skill level, geographical location, and other compensable factors.

The employment policy of TERRA Engineering, Ltd.  is to provide equal opportunity to all persons. Our company, therefore, has made a commitment to equal employment opportunity through a positive and continuing affirmative action program. No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, military and/or veteran status, or any other Federal or State legally protected classes.

TERRA Engineering, Ltd. will recruit, hire, train and promote qualified individuals in all job titles, and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, military and/or veteran status, or disability in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, which require affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. TERRA Engineering, Ltd.  does not discriminate on the basis of national origin or citizenship status as provided under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Notice to Third Party Agencies

TERRA does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to TERRA in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where TERRA has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of TERRA and TERRA will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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