Vice President, Environmental Planning & Land Use

Rincon Consultants, Inc • Los Angeles, CA

5d • $220,000 - $250,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Vice President of Environmental Planning and Land Use provides strategic leadership for a large environmental consulting practice, overseeing multidisciplinary teams and driving business growth, operational performance, and client service excellence. The role leads complex environmental planning, regulatory compliance, sustainability, and permitting projects while fostering client relationships, expanding market presence, and identifying new business opportunities. It also guides proposal development, risk management, contract oversight, and long-term service line strategy.

As a senior executive leader, the Vice President mentors and develops leaders and staff, optimizes team performance, and ensures successful project delivery. The role calls for experience building a practice, leading large teams, managing organizational risk, and delivering complex environmental programs in California, along with business development ability, executive presence, strategic vision, and the ability to inspire high-performing teams while supporting organizational growth and culture.

The position may offer a hybrid work setup, combining office and remote work as business needs evolve. Candidates within 50 miles of a Rincon office may be prioritized. Eligible office locations are Los Angeles, Carlsbad, San Diego, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Oakland, Palm Springs, Sacramento, San Jose, and Fresno, with a preference for Southern California locations.

Requirements

• Minimum of a BS or BA in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Planning, or a related field.
• 20+ years of progressively responsible experience in environmental and land use planning, including significant leadership experience in environmental consulting, business development, and complex project or program delivery.
• Ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary projects, navigate regulatory frameworks, and deliver strategic solutions for clients.
• Deep expertise in CEQA environmental review and documentation, California land use and environmental planning, and the regulatory and policy environment affecting development and infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated success building and growing a planning practice or major planning program, developing senior leaders, expanding client relationships, and generating sustainable revenue growth.
• Proven track record of building long-term client relationships and securing repeat business.
• Strong business acumen, including expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in digital project management tools.

Nice To Haves

• MS or another advanced degree.

Responsibilities

• Assess and strengthen the practice’s organizational and leadership structure, identifying strengths and capability or succession gaps.
• Develop, coach, and inspire leaders and high-performing staff, supporting growth and retention.
• Recruit, develop, and retain talent for the environmental and land use practice while fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.
• Mentor senior staff on business strategy, technical leadership, and client management.
• Lead succession planning for long-term practice sustainability.
• Shape and lead Rincon’s statewide planning services strategy, identifying growth areas and risks based on policy and market drivers.
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with large and strategically important clients, and influence and train others to do the same.
• Collaborate across service lines to deliver integrated solutions for development and infrastructure projects.
• Lead business development, including identifying opportunities, developing proposal strategies, and representing the company in the industry.
• Develop and execute market strategy for environmental and land use planning services across public- and private-sector development, community and general planning, transportation, infrastructure, and other priority markets.
• Anticipate changes in policy, regulation, and client demand.
• Guide teams and clients through evolving CEQA, land use, housing, development, and environmental planning requirements, translating changes into practical strategies.
• Guide operational strategy and achievement of business metric targets for environmental and land use planning.
• Oversee client program portfolios, ensuring technical excellence, compliance, and on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Ensure the program team provides appropriate QA/QC review for technical studies, environmental documentation, and regulatory filings.
• Streamline operations and improve service delivery through process improvements.
• Monitor and assess environmental laws, regulations, policies, and case law affecting planning services, and communicate implications for clients, projects, and business strategy.
• Collaborate with the Legal Department on regulatory and case law updates and training.
• Ensure integration and collaboration across subgroups, service lines, and regions.
• Integrate business planning, client capture planning, staffing, support, and development of large, long-term, technically diverse, sustainable programs.
• Build systems and best practices, create efficiencies, solve problems, and work with varied aptitude types across the organization.
• Ensure accountability for best practices in utilization, WIP, and AR management, including accurate backlog and revenue projections.
• Facilitate effective communication of key messages to team leadership and team members.
• Ensure adherence to safety, cyber, contracts, and human resources protocols.
• Review contracts for potential liability issues and exercise signatory authority for contracts per company bylaws.
• Work with clients to manage cash flow, avoid payment or billing delays, and minimize WIP and AR exposure.

Benefits

• Generous bonus and benefits program.
• Comprehensive Total Rewards Package supporting employee well-being, growth, and financial security.
• Health coverage options.
• Employer-sponsored insurance.
• Retirement benefits.
• Generous time off.
• Programs supporting learning, growth, and community engagement.

What This Job Offers

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