Transportation Planning Manager

VHB•Charlotte, NC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

VHB’s Charlotte office is seeking a strategic, experienced, and dynamic Transportation Planning Manager to lead and grow our Transportation Planning Group. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of mobility in Charlotte and beyond, within a collaborative and entrepreneurial team environment committed to improving communities through smart, sustainable, and people-centered transportation solutions.

Requirements

Deep knowledge of Charlotte region processes and policies, including CDOT, CRTPO, CATS/MPTA, NCDOT, SCDOT, and other municipal processes.
Advanced proficiency in multimodal transportation planning, safety, traffic impact studies, and transit planning.
Proven leadership in developing and executing business development strategies within the transportation engineering and planning markets.
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage clients, stakeholders, and the public.
Ability to oversee multidisciplinary teams and manage complex project portfolios.
Up-to-date understanding of federal, state, and local regulations.
Strong client relationship management expertise.
Active in regional industry organizations.
Public outreach and community presentations experience.
Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
11-15+ years of progressive experience in transportation planning, transportation/traffic engineering or related field.
AICP or Professional Engineer (PE) license in North Carolina (or ability to obtain within 6 months).
Demonstrated success in business development, including winning work with municipalities, DOTs, and private-sector clients.
Valid driver's license and willingness to travel regionally as needed.
Strong portfolio of projects in transportation planning, corridor studies, safety, transit planning, etc.

Responsibilities

Serve as the strategic leader for the Transportation Planning group in Charlotte, with responsibility for business development, client management, and project execution.
Play a key role in the growth of the VHB transportation planning practice in the Charlotte area and develop new business development initiatives.
Mentor and develop a high-performing team of engineers and planners, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
Cultivate and grow relationships with regional/local governments (e.g., Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT), Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO), Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS)/Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA), NCDOT, SCDOT, and private developers, aligning service offerings with client needs.
Lead complex transportation planning projects, including multi-modal urban transportation projects, transit feasibility studies, neighborhood transportation studies involving transit, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, as well as stakeholder and public participation strategy development and implementation.
Guide technical teams in delivering high-quality work on-time and within budget, providing expert-level QA/QC across a broad portfolio of traffic engineering work.
Manage project finances and contract requirements.
Take an active role in business development, including the identification of pursuits, pre-positioning, lead proposal development, pricing strategies, and other pursuit activities to secure new work and maintain a robust pipeline of opportunities.
Represent VHB at conferences, seminars, and industry organizations and events.