Area Manager, Transportation

GFT • Houston, TX

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking an experienced, growth-oriented Houston Area Manager to join our Transportation Infrastructure Practice in Houston, Texas. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Houston office. Working on the transportation team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether supporting highways, bridges, transit and rail, or multimodal infrastructure, our team delivers innovative, resilient, and sustainable solutions that improve mobility and strengthen the communities we serve.

This is an excellent career opportunity for an experienced, motivated leader who thrives in a collaborative team environment and brings a strong blend of business development, client management, strategic growth, and operational leadership. The primary focus of this role is to drive business development, expand client relationships, grow the area’s project portfolio, and support the Texas Operations Leader in executing the Texas area business plan and day-to-day operational performance. In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

Business Development, Growth & Client Management
Develop and execute the Area business development and growth strategy in alignment with business line, region, and enterprise goals.
Identify, position for, and pursue new business opportunities with public- and private-sector clients in the assigned geography and market.
Build, strengthen, and maintain key client relationships to support repeat business and long-term account growth.
Support go/no-go recommendations, teaming decisions, and pursuit strategies for major opportunities.
Collaborate across the enterprise to identify and advance cross-selling opportunities among practices, business lines, and geographies.
Represent GFT in client meetings, interviews, conferences, and industry events to promote the firm’s services and brand.
Monitor market conditions, competitor activity, client capital programs, and emerging opportunities to inform growth strategy.

Operations & Leadership
Assist the Texas Operations Leader with execution of the Texas Area business plan, including staffing, resource planning, operational coordination, and implementation of strategic priorities.
Support achievement of Area goals related to net revenue, profitability, sales, utilization, and overall operational performance.
Serve in project leadership roles, as needed, including Project Principal, Senior Project Manager on key assignments.
Help ensure a high level of client satisfaction across projects and accounts within the Area.
Foster a culture of employee engagement, collaboration, innovation, learning, and positive employee relations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive experience demonstrating leadership, sound business judgment, and the ability to drive growth and operational performance in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry is REQUIRED.
• Strong understanding of the local and regional business environment, key clients, and market opportunities.
• Proven success in business development, client relationship management, and strategic pursuit leadership, in the Houston Area transportation market.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) license would be preferred

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Area business development and growth strategy in alignment with business line, region, and enterprise goals.
• Identify, position for, and pursue new business opportunities with public- and private-sector clients in the assigned geography and market.
• Build, strengthen, and maintain key client relationships to support repeat business and long-term account growth.
• Support go/no-go recommendations, teaming decisions, and pursuit strategies for major opportunities.
• Collaborate across the enterprise to identify and advance cross-selling opportunities among practices, business lines, and geographies.
• Represent GFT in client meetings, interviews, conferences, and industry events to promote the firm’s services and brand.
• Monitor market conditions, competitor activity, client capital programs, and emerging opportunities to inform growth strategy.
• Assist the Texas Operations Leader with execution of the Texas Area business plan, including staffing, resource planning, operational coordination, and implementation of strategic priorities.
• Support achievement of Area goals related to net revenue, profitability, sales, utilization, and overall operational performance.
• Serve in project leadership roles, as needed, including Project Principal, Senior Project Manager on key assignments.
• Help ensure a high level of client satisfaction across projects and accounts within the Area.
• Foster a culture of employee engagement, collaboration, innovation, learning, and positive employee relations.

Benefits

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager