Oregon Group Leader - Water/Wastewater Operations

Kennedy/Jenks Consulting is seeking an Oregon Group Leader for Water/Wastewater Operations in Portland, OR. This leadership role involves overseeing daily operations, resource management, and staff engagement within local teams. The Group Leader will work closely with various stakeholders to drive financial performance and project execution while fostering a client-focused culture. The position requires a presence in the local office at least 3 days a week.
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.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Group Leader to provide exceptional leadership to our municipal operations team in Oregon. This role is pivotal in driving the development and growth of our company's performance at the organizational level. As a Group Leader, you will play a key role in overseeing day-to-day operational activities, resource management, and staff engagement within local operational groups or teams.

The Group Leader reports to the Regional Manager and works closely with the Client Service Director, project managers, local staff, and People partners to achieve strong financial performance, project execution, effective resource management, and positive employee and client experience. It is expected that the Group Leader will reside within the Portland metropolitan area and will be in the local office a minimum of 3 days per week.

Key Responsibilities:
• Oversee the daily operational activities of defined groups or teams, assuring resource utilization and staff engagement.
• Identify operational, financial, or delivery risks and proactively escalate concerns to the Regional Manager.
• Work with local and regional leaders to develop and implement strategic goals that align with the firm’s strategic plan.
• Engage project delivery and client service teams to maintain visibility into current and forecasted performance for the Oregon municipal team.
• Support local business development efforts through client engagement, proposal support, and pursuit execution. Participate in proposal development, project scope definition, staffing plans, and pricing discussions as appropriate for local pursuits.
• Champion a client-focused culture, emphasizing quality delivery, responsiveness, and proactive problem-solving. Foster collaboration across disciplines and functional teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Accountable for meeting financial and operational performance targets for the assigned geographic area, in coordination with regional performance.
• Proactively monitor and address project performance, utilization, backlog, and staffing metrics.
• Responsible for hiring, onboarding, engagement, and retention of staff within the geographic area. Set performance goals, provide coaching and feedback, support career development, and conduct performance reviews for direct reports.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, safety requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Contribute to succession planning by identifying high-potential talent and supporting leadership development.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, or related engineering discipline required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in water and/or wastewater engineering consulting, demonstrating experience in project delivery, people leadership and client engagement
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to manage staff and effectively interact with employees at all levels of the company
• Ability to adapt to change and demonstrate flexibility
• Ability to collaborate with regional leadership, peers and business support service partners

If you are an experienced leader with a passion for driving operational excellence and want to be part of a dynamic team, we encourage you to apply.
Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work-life balance and utilizes a hybrid model of home and office work, with a minimum of three days per week in the office. This approach empowers our people to thrive, collaborate, and achieve their full potential.

Salary range for this position is expected to be between $150,000 and $200,000, and may vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications, and geographic location.

This position is eligible for performance and incentive compensation.

Benefits Summary: Kennedy Jenks offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401k, bonus opportunities, tuition reimbursement, professional registration support, a competitive PTO and holiday plan, and other benefits and programs.

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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.