Regional Transportation Growth Leader

GFT • Tampa, FL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking a Regional Transportation Growth Leader for its Transportation Group in the Southeast. The position follows a hybrid work model and requires regular attendance at a Southeast office. The role leads the growth and delivery of the transportation business group across an assigned region, combining market-facing business development and client engagement with collaboration across operations, project management, technical, and marketing teams.

The leader develops and executes regional growth strategies, expands the firm’s presence with state DOTs, local agencies, transit authorities, airports, and private-sector transportation clients, and pursues annual sales, revenue, and backlog objectives. Responsibilities include identifying opportunities and markets, developing strategic client accounts, leading or supporting major pursuits and capture planning, and representing GFT with clients, industry organizations, partners, and other stakeholders. The role also promotes collaboration and mentors project managers and emerging client managers in business development and client relationship management.

The position’s success is evaluated through transportation sales, revenue and backlog growth; pursuit win rates; growth and retention of key client accounts; new opportunities secured; client satisfaction; and participation and leadership in industry organizations and market initiatives. GFT is a privately held AEC firm with more than 5,000 employees. The stated salary range is $200,000–$320,000, dependent on experience and geographic location.

Requirements

• 15 or more years of experience in 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.
• Proven ability to lead 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.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across diverse teams and organizational levels.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, sales pipeline management, and business development processes.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Planning, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement transportation growth strategies aligned with the firm’s business objectives.
• Identify emerging transportation markets, funding programs, and investment opportunities; evaluate market trends, competition, and client priorities.
• 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 relationships and increase repeat business.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans and act as a trusted advisor and key contact for strategic transportation clients.
• Identify, qualify, and prioritize 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, and coordinate pursuit strategies with technical, marketing, and proposal teams.
• Support effective capture planning and client engagement throughout the business development lifecycle, including development of teaming strategies and partnerships.
• Partner with Transportation Operations Leaders and foster collaboration across business units, regions, and technical disciplines.
• Mentor project managers and emerging client managers in business development and client relationship management; promote accountability, teamwork, and client service excellence.
• Represent the firm at transportation industry conferences, professional organizations, and networking events.
• Monitor transportation legislation, funding initiatives, policy changes, and infrastructure investment programs.
• Develop relationships with industry partners, contractors, consultants, and professional associations, and enhance the firm’s visibility and reputation in the transportation market.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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