Practice Leader - Drainage & Public Infrastructure

Job Description

Job Description

WHAT WE DO:

Founded in 1956, Dunaway is a multidisciplinary professional services firm offering Survey, Civil and Structural Engineering, Planning + Landscape Architecture, and Construction Inspection Services (CIS), in addition to Environmental and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering), and ROW (Right-of-Way) services.

For over seventy years, Dunaway has been a trusted client advisor, committed to improving lives in the communities we serve. Supported by a team of 370+ professionals with eight offices across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Farmersville, Houston, and Midland

WHO WE ARE:

The Dunaway Difference is our three foundational components (represented by the waves in our logo): Core Values, One Heart and Profitable Growth. The combination of these three pillars creates a feeling and experience that is uniquely Dunaway.

One heart, all rowing in the same direction in unison together, while continuously seeking to exemplify our core values of Integrity, Respect, Honesty, Technical Excellence, Attitude of Service, Sense of Urgency and Responsiveness in everything we do.

Just like a crew race, we always look forward with the finish line in mind. Because when we win, our employees do too. Through our profitable growth, we provide opportunities, such as Profit-sharing, career advancement, and stability – just to name a few. These are just some of the reasons we were named a Top Firm to Work for by Zweig!

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

As the Practice Leader, you will lead the growth, performance, and strategic direction of Dunaway's Drainage & Public Works practice within our Gulf Coast Civil Business Unit. This role is ideal for a market-facing leader who combines technical expertise, business development experience, and operational leadership to grow municipal relationships, develop teams, expand market presence, and establish Dunaway as a trusted advisor for drainage, flood mitigation, resiliency, and public infrastructure projects throughout the Houston and Gulf Coast region. The Director is responsible for driving operational excellence, supporting business growth, mentoring future leaders, and ensuring exceptional client service while maintaining alignment with Dunaway's strategic objectives.

Once selected to join our team, you will:

• Lead the operations, growth, and overall performance of the Drainage & Public Works practice within Gulf Coast Civil.
• Develop and execute business development strategies that support revenue growth, backlog growth, and market expansion objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with municipalities, counties, drainage districts, public works departments, MUDs, special districts, and agency partners throughout the Gulf Coast region.
• Identify and pursue opportunities related to drainage, stormwater, flood mitigation, resiliency, roadway, utility, and municipal infrastructure projects.
• Provide strategic direction, technical oversight, and quality assurance for complex drainage and public infrastructure projects.
• Collaborate with Vice Presidents and senior leadership to implement growth strategies, staffing plans, and operational initiatives.
• Support and mentor Project Managers, technical staff, and future leaders while fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture.
• Lead high-profile pursuits, interviews, proposal strategies, and client presentations.
• Monitor financial performance, operational metrics, budgets, and key performance indicators to support business objectives.
• Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence throughout the practice.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE:

• Expert knowledge of drainage, hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater management, floodplain management, and municipal infrastructure delivery.
• Strong familiarity with Houston-area municipalities, counties, drainage authorities, public works organizations, MUDs, and related public-sector stakeholders.
• Knowledge of FEMA regulations, HCFCD criteria, City of Houston criteria, county drainage requirements, TxDOT standards, and local public works regulations.
• Strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, forecasting, performance metrics, and operational leadership.
• Understanding of strategic planning, business development, organizational leadership, and market growth initiatives.

SKILLS:.

• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong leadership and team-development capabilities.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that support growth and operational excellence.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and business acumen.
• Ability to influence stakeholders, build trust, and cultivate long-term client relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional client service and team performance.

EXPERIENCE:

• 12 years of progressive experience in civil engineering, leadership, management, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated success leading teams, managing projects, and driving business results.
• Significant experience managing drainage, flood mitigation, public works, stormwater, municipal infrastructure, or related civil engineering projects.
• Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing high-performing professionals and future leaders.
• Demonstrated success in business development, client relationship management, and repeat-client growth.
• Experience building or growing a municipal infrastructure, drainage, water resources, or public works practice is preferred.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Texas required

BENEFITS SNAPSHOT

Dunaway offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support flexibility, wellbeing, and long‑term success, including:

• Hybrid work environment with flexible work schedules and remote work options (role dependent)
• Friday afternoons off
• Competitive base compensation
• Semi‑annual, company‑wide profit‑sharing bonus program tied to firm performance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options, including company HSA contributions
• Paid parental leave for eligible employees
• Paid time off starting at three weeks per year, plus paid holidays and floating holidays
• PTO exchange option
• Wellness and mental health resources, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Company‑paid life insurance and short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Paid military leave
• Employee referral bonus program
• Employee‑owned company culture with a shared‑success mindset

Work arrangements and schedules may vary based on role, team, and business needs.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for Dunaway in the U.S. without employer sponsorship. We do not typically sponsor H1-B or any other work visa petitions.