Client Sector Leader - Sports Field Engineering

CEI Engineering Associates • ,

3d • Remote

About The Position

CEI Engineering is seeking a strategic and client-focused Client Service Leader (CSL) to lead and expand our national Sports Field Engineering practice. This role is responsible for driving business growth, strengthening client relationships, and positioning CEI as a premier partner for sports field and athletic facility development across the country. The CSL will serve as both a strategic leader and trusted advisor to clients, overseeing market expansion, business development, project collaboration, and long-term account management. This individual will work closely with CEI's engineering, landscape architecture, planning, and construction administration teams to deliver innovative, high-quality sports field and athletic facility solutions. The ideal candidate combines strong technical understanding of civil/site engineering with exceptional relationship management, leadership, and growth-oriented business development skills.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field required.
• 10+ years of experience in civil engineering, sports facility development, or related market sectors.
• Demonstrated success in business development and client relationship management.
• Strong understanding of sports field infrastructure, grading, drainage, utilities, site development, and athletic facility design.
• Proven experience leading strategic growth initiatives and managing key accounts.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to travel nationally as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• Experience with synthetic turf and natural grass athletic facilities.
• Existing relationships within sports, recreation, municipal, education, or athletic development markets.
• Participation in industry organizations related to sports construction or athletic facilities.
• Multi-office or national practice leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the national growth strategy for CEI's Sports Field Engineering practice.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in K-12, collegiate, municipal, professional, and private athletic markets.
• Develop and execute strategic plans to expand CEI's presence in sports facility engineering nationwide.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, funding opportunities, and market demands related to sports complexes and athletic facilities.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to establish revenue goals, market priorities, and growth initiatives.
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for key sports facility clients and strategic accounts.
• Build and maintain long-term partnerships with owners, architects, athletic directors, developers, municipalities, and contractors.
• Lead client engagement efforts from pursuit through project delivery.
• Conduct regular client meetings and business development travel nationwide.
• Identify opportunities for repeat work and cross-selling CEI services across multiple disciplines.
• Lead proposal strategy, presentations, interviews, and contract negotiations for sports field and athletic facility projects.
• Develop teaming relationships with architects, sports consultants, and industry partners.
• Represent CEI at national conferences, industry organizations, and networking events.
• Maintain a strong pipeline of opportunities and actively manage project pursuits through CRM systems and forecasting tools.
• Collaborate with internal engineering and design teams to ensure successful project execution and client satisfaction.
• Provide strategic guidance during planning, design, and construction phases of athletic facility projects.
• Support project managers with scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and client communication.
• Ensure projects align with CEI quality standards, profitability goals, and client expectations.
• Mentor and support engineering and business development staff within the sports field practice.
• Foster collaboration across CEI offices and disciplines.
• Help recruit and retain top talent to support national practice growth.
• Promote a culture of innovation, responsiveness, and client service excellence.

Benefits

• opportunity to shape nationally recognized sports and athletic facility projects
• working within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
• platform to lead strategic growth
• build lasting client partnerships
• contribute to impactful projects across the country

What This Job Offers

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