Planning Local Business Line Leader

WSP•Pittsburgh, PA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

WSP USA, Inc. is hiring a Vice President in Transportation Planning to lead its Central and Western Pennsylvania Planning Practice from the Pittsburgh office. The role organizes, plans, and grows Advisory & Planning services in the region and serves as a client advisor, staff manager, and pursuit and project manager for Pennsylvania and regional projects and programs. The leader collaborates with planning, environmental, civil, and transit/rail staff across WSP to research, analyze, document, and present information on transportation projects. The position provides strategic leadership for the planning discipline, manages multidisciplinary teams and complex transportation planning projects, and supports business growth, client development, and delivery of high-quality work. It includes oversight of project budgets, schedules, expenses, profitability, subcontractors, and staff; development of proposals and scopes; regulatory coordination; and representation of WSP to agencies, clients, and community and industry organizations. The role also develops staff and discipline capabilities, supports long-term business strategy, and maintains current transportation planning expertise and practices.

Requirements

At least 12 years of progressively responsible experience in transportation planning, environmental planning, or policy-related services.
Experience leading projects similar to those described and successfully overseeing others and/or managing staff.
Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Civil Engineering, Public Policy, or a related field.
Ability to develop business and technical strategies and manage high-quality technical and professional deliverables for projects and proposals.
Experience with key clients such as PennDOT, the Bureau of Public Transportation, Pittsburgh Regional Transit, local municipalities, MPOs, and RPOs.
Experience with transportation-sector project administration and project management.
Strong communication skills, energy, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude.
Proficiency with the transportation project development cycle, from planning through implementation.
Computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to present and communicate ideas effectively orally and in writing; excellent writing skills. Prior work samples may be requested.
Ability to work in the United States and possession of a valid driver’s license.
Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and ability to comply with WSP health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience with MicroStation and/or GIS programs is highly desirable.
Master’s degree.
Relevant professional licensure or certification, such as AICP certification, PMP, or PE license.

Responsibilities

Provide proactive strategic leadership, direction, expertise, and support for the planning discipline and its project deliverables.
Manage multidisciplinary teams and project phases involving siting, impact assessment, approvals, permitting, transportation planning, and management.
Lead complex transportation planning projects, including coordinating roles and schedules, overseeing budgets, monitoring hours and expenses, ensuring profitability and performance, and supervising subcontractors and employees.
Develop client relationships and business opportunities, including cross-selling WSP services and growing the transportation planning client base.
Oversee the use of topographic maps, aerial photographs, GPS data, and visualization tools to assess project locations and potential physical, urban, population, economic, political, and other impacts.
Promote compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, policies, and regulatory requirements.
Support long-term transportation planning strategy, growth, and pipeline development across planning, design, strategic consulting, and program management.
Lead technical aspects of contract negotiations, presentations, and meetings.
Assist with annual updates to business tactical action plans for the assigned area.
Develop and continually improve planning discipline certifications, accreditations, and value proposition.
Conduct needs analyses and client value surveys; identify and address skill gaps and operational risks.
Schedule planning discipline meetings and provide updates and recommendations that promote expertise and innovation in project work.
Represent and liaise for the planning discipline with agencies, clients, subcontractors, industry groups, and government and community entities.
Develop and inform proposal and project scopes, timelines, pricing, and budget metrics.
Interpret and summarize data, reports, and documents to support sound planning and regulatory conclusions and minimize community, population, local economy, and environmental impacts.
Manage assigned staff and provide performance guidance and leadership.
Remain current on transportation planning subject matter, practices, regulations, and techniques.
Collaborate across disciplines to provide trusted-advisor services and future-ready client solutions.
Make responsible and ethical decisions regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and follow WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.