Wastewater Practice Lead - California

Arcadis•San Diego, CA

32d

About The Position

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver more impact together. Role Description: Arcadis' Resilience Water team is seeking a dynamic Wastewater Practice Lead to shape the strategic direction, growth, and delivery of our wastewater business across California. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a proven professional who thrives at the intersection of strategy, client development, and technical excellence—guiding complex programs while building and inspiring high-performing teams. Role Accountabilities: As the California Wastewater Practice Lead, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Arcadis' wastewater strategy statewide. This leadership position is focused on expanding market presence, delivering high-impact wastewater programs, and strengthening trusted relationships with municipal clients, regulators, and industry partners. Working collaboratively across Arcadis' Water Business Line, you will help deliver sustainable, resilient solutions while reinforcing our reputation as a market leader in wastewater infrastructure. You will also: Provide Strategic Direction: Lead the vision and growth strategy for the California Wastewater Practice, identifying opportunities across water reuse, PFAS treatment, decarbonization, and digital water solutions. Drive Business Development: Cultivate long-term client relationships, lead major pursuits, support proposal and interview strategies, and represent Arcadis in key industry forums and conferences. Ensure Project Excellence: Oversee the delivery of complex wastewater projects from planning through construction, serving as a senior technical advisor and ensuring quality, risk management, and financial performance. Collaborate Across Disciplines: Partner with cross-functional leaders and technical experts to deliver integrated, innovative solutions that address California's evolving regulatory, climate, and infrastructure challenges. Develop and Inspire Talent: Mentor and grow high-performing teams, support recruitment and succession planning, and champion a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and professional development. What Sets You Apart? You are a recognized leader in the wastewater industry, actively engaged in professional organizations such as CWEA, WEF, or WaterReuse California. You bring deep experience partnering with large cities, water districts, and regional agencies to deliver impactful, resilient infrastructure solutions. Your ability to communicate with clarity and confidence—whether presenting to clients, regulators, or internal teams—sets you apart. Above all, you are driven by a passion for sustainability, innovation, and developing the next generation of water professionals.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering or a related field
Professional Engineer (PE) license in California (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
15 years of progressive experience in the wastewater or water sector, with consulting and business development experience

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated success in leading teams, managing key client accounts, and delivering large-scale projects.
Deep knowledge of California's regulatory landscape, funding programs, and municipal utility market.
Proven track record of business development and strategic growth.

Responsibilities

Lead the vision and growth strategy for the California Wastewater Practice, identifying opportunities across water reuse, PFAS treatment, decarbonization, and digital water solutions.
Cultivate long-term client relationships, lead major pursuits, support proposal and interview strategies, and represent Arcadis in key industry forums and conferences.
Oversee the delivery of complex wastewater projects from planning through construction, serving as a senior technical advisor and ensuring quality, risk management, and financial performance.
Partner with cross-functional leaders and technical experts to deliver integrated, innovative solutions that address California's evolving regulatory, climate, and infrastructure challenges.
Mentor and grow high-performing teams, support recruitment and succession planning, and champion a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and professional development.