Department Leader- Land Development

Michael Baker International•Santa Ana, CA

13d•$185,000 - $255,000

About The Position

Michael Baker International is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Land Development Civil Engineering Department Lead to lead and grow its Land Development practice in Santa Ana, California. The role involves shaping the practice’s future by developing a high-performing team, strengthening client relationships, expanding the company’s Southern California presence, and delivering complex projects from concept through construction. The Department Lead combines technical expertise, people leadership, client relationship management, and business development. They will help define the practice’s long-term vision and market strategy while building an environment where engineers can develop and thrive. The position also oversees multidisciplinary project teams and project scope, schedule, budget, quality, and technical delivery. Compensation is approximately $185,000–$255,000 per year, with eligibility for a discretionary bonus based on corporate and individual performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
15 or more years of Civil Engineering and Land Development experience with progressive leadership responsibility.
California Professional Engineer (P.E.) license, or ability to obtain one within one year.
Strong knowledge of the Southern California land development market, regulatory environment, municipalities, and agencies.
Established industry and client relationships and a proven ability to develop new business.
Broad technical experience in site development, grading, drainage/stormwater, utilities, water/sewer systems, WQMP, LID, and NPDES requirements.
Proven success leading complex projects and multidisciplinary teams from planning and entitlement through design, permitting, and construction.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop engineering professionals and build collaborative, high-performing teams.
Strong client leadership, communication, business development, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

Lead and grow the Santa Ana Land Development team, providing technical direction, mentorship, and leadership.
Develop and execute strategies to expand Michael Baker’s Land Development presence throughout Southern California.
Identify and pursue new clients, markets, and business opportunities, while strengthening existing client relationships.
Lead complex land development projects from planning and feasibility through design, permitting, and construction.
Advise clients by understanding their objectives, anticipating challenges, and delivering high-quality project outcomes.
Lead and support business development activities, including client engagement, proposal development, interviews, presentations, and pursuit strategies.
Oversee multidisciplinary project teams and collaborate with professionals across Michael Baker to provide integrated solutions.
Coordinate with municipalities, agencies, developers, architects, and other project partners through entitlement and permitting.
Oversee project scope, schedule, budget, quality, and technical delivery.
Mentor and develop emerging professionals, project managers, and future technical leaders.
Represent Michael Baker in the Southern California development and professional community.
Help define the long-term vision, market strategy, and growth of the Land Development practice.