Central/West Regional Growth Leader-Transportation

GFT • Chicago, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking a Regional Transportation Growth Leader to drive business growth, client development, strategic sales, and market expansion across an assigned region within its Transportation Business Group. The leader will develop and execute regional growth strategies, lead or support strategic pursuits and capture planning, and expand GFT’s presence among state DOTs, local agencies, transit authorities, airports, and private-sector transportation clients. The role works closely with Transportation Operations Leaders, Client Service Leaders, Project Managers, marketing professionals, and technical teams to identify and capture opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and support annual sales, revenue, and backlog objectives.

As a senior market-facing leader, this position represents GFT with clients, industry organizations, teaming partners, and stakeholders. It involves assessing market trends and funding opportunities; developing strategic account plans; qualifying opportunities and contributing to Go/No-Go decisions; coordinating pursuit strategies; and building partnerships for major projects. The leader also supports client retention and satisfaction, mentors project managers and emerging client managers, and promotes collaboration and client service excellence across the organization.

The position is based at any Central/West office location and operates in a hybrid in-person and remote work environment. Working hours are 8 AM–5 PM. The salary range is $200,000–$320,000, depending on experience and geographic location.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Planning, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience within the transportation, infrastructure, or AEC industry.
• Demonstrated success in business development, client relationship management, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Experience working with DOTs, municipalities, transit agencies, airport authorities, and other transportation clients.
• Experience leading complex pursuits and capture efforts for transportation projects.
• Strong understanding of transportation funding programs, infrastructure planning, and market trends.
• Knowledge of transportation design, engineering, planning, and program delivery services.
• Established network of transportation industry contacts, clients, and teaming partners.
• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across diverse teams and organizational levels.
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, sales pipeline management, and business development processes.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.
• Professional license.
• Active participation in professional organizations such as ACEC, ASHE, WTS, APWA, APTA, or similar industry associations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement transportation growth strategies aligned with GFT’s business objectives.
• Identify emerging transportation markets, funding programs, and investment opportunities.
• Evaluate market trends, competitive activity, and client priorities to inform strategic decisions.
• Support expansion into new transportation clients, geographic markets, and service offerings.
• Develop and maintain relationships with transportation agencies, municipalities, transit agencies, airport authorities, and other key clients.
• Collaborate with Client Service Leaders and project teams to strengthen client relationships and increase repeat business.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans for targeted transportation clients.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and key point of contact for strategic transportation clients.
• Identify, qualify, and prioritize transportation opportunities to support growth objectives.
• Lead or support pursuit and capture strategies for major transportation projects.
• Participate in opportunity evaluations and Go/No-Go decisions.
• Coordinate with technical, marketing, and proposal teams to develop pursuit strategies.
• Promote capture planning and client engagement throughout the business development lifecycle.
• Support the development of teaming strategies and partnerships for strategic pursuits.
• Partner with Transportation Operations Leaders to align growth initiatives with business goals.
• Foster collaboration across business units, regions, and technical disciplines to deliver integrated solutions.
• Mentor Project Managers and emerging client managers in business development and client relationship management.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and client service excellence.
• Represent GFT at transportation industry conferences, professional organizations, and networking events.
• Maintain awareness of transportation legislation, funding initiatives, policy changes, and infrastructure investment programs.
• Develop relationships with industry partners, contractors, consultants, and professional associations.
• Enhance GFT’s visibility and reputation within the transportation market.
• Support achievement of annual transportation sales, revenue, and backlog growth objectives.
• Support growth of key client accounts, new client opportunities, client retention, and satisfaction.
• Support improvements in win rates on targeted and strategic pursuits.

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: Senior