Senior Advisor- Water- US West
Employer not yet confirmed · Irvine, California, United States · hybrid
AT GHD, our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in office, three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.
Who are we looking for?
GHD’s water practice in the US West is on a strong growth path. We have doubled our business over the past four years, and our goal is to double it again over the next four. To help us get there, our Water group is looking to bring onboard an experienced Senior Advisor – Water who will deepen our relationships with major public and private water clients across the region, with a focus on key clients where we are ready to build or strengthen our presence.
This is a senior, practice-building role for a recognized water industry leader. You will lead relationships with key clients, contribute to client engagement teams on others, open new doors with private-sector water clients, and have a genuine voice in how we shape our US West water strategy.
The western United States faces some of the most complex water challenges in the country: drought and supply reliability, aging infrastructure, water reuse and desalination, large-scale conveyance and storage, and growing regulatory and climate pressures. The region’s state, regional and municipal water agencies are investing at historic levels to meet these challenges, and they need trusted advisors who understand both their mission and their constraints.
In an ever-changing world, it requires creativity and innovation to stay ahead.
We’re seeking the curious, those who are stimulated by fresh thinking and a desire to shape our communities in new, positive ways. As part of a truly global team, working on complex and rewarding projects, you'll be at the forefront of driving change.
See what the power of commitment can do for you.
Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of duties and will see you involved in:
Client Relationship Leadership- Serve as Relationship Manager for a portfolio of key public water clients, owning the client relationship and acting as the voice of the client within GHD.
- Identify and shape pursuits, and make Go/No-Go decisions in collaboration with Business Group Leads.
- Develop and maintain client engagement plans that connect decision-makers and influencers with GHD’s leaders and technical experts.
Client Engagement Team Contribution- Serve as a member of Client Engagement Teams for additional major water clients, helping shape engagement strategy and pursuits alongside the Relationship Manager and team.
- Bring senior-level insight, industry relationships and market intelligence to strengthen GHD’s positioning with these clients.
Private-Sector Water Market Development- Explore and develop opportunities with private-sector water clients to diversify the US West water practice, in alignment with regional strategy.
- Build and maintain an initial private-client target list and convert targeted relationships into pursuits.
Business Development and Pursuit Strategy- Develop and maintain an active, factored pipeline of new opportunities, positioning GHD before procurement release through strong relationships, strategic teaming and early capture planning.
- Collaborate with technical leaders and project managers to bring the right team to the client and align proposals with client priorities.
- Monitor trends in water policy, funding, regulation and infrastructure investment to identify emerging opportunities.
Regional Water Strategy- Take part in regional water strategy discussions and provide input on the priority client list, Relationship Manager and Client Engagement Team coverage, market positioning and pursuit priorities.
- planning and Salesforce data integrity.
- Mentor emerging seller-doers and relationship managers across the water practice.
- Advocacy and Representation
- Represent GHD at industry associations, conferences, client events and regional forums.
- Promote GHD’s brand and water capabilities to senior stakeholders across public agencies and private industry.
What you will bring to the team:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Water Resources or a related field; an advanced degree (Master’s, PhD or MBA) is highly regarded.
- Professional Engineer license is preferred
- 15+ years of experience in the water industry, including significant senior-level client relationship, business development or executive leadership responsibility.
- A strong network and proven track record of trusted relationships with major public water agencies in the western United States, including state, regional and municipal agencies.
- Demonstrated success growing a client base, building pipeline and winning major pursuits.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at the most senior levels.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency in CRM tools
Key Attributes
- Deep experience across water sectors such as water supply, conveyance and storage, water and wastewater treatment, desalination and water reuse.
- Familiarity with public-agency funding, procurement and regulatory frameworks, and with private-sector water needs.
- Strategic thinker with a client-centric mindset and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and build consensus.
- A collaborative leader who enjoys building the next chapter of a growing practice.
As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex (including same sex); sexual orientation; gender identity; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability or handicap; citizenship status; service member status; or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
Salary Range: $165,000-$280,000