Water Sector Account Executive – Northern California

Arcadis•San Francisco, CA

4d•$176,000 - $264,000

About The Position

Arcadis is seeking a Water Sector Account Executive to support the continued growth and strategic development of its Northern California Water portfolio. This leadership role within the Water Americas Sector supports portfolio performance, execution of the broader Water Sector strategy, and expansion of the company’s clients and projects across Northern California’s water, wastewater, recycled water, and stormwater markets. The role supports Account Managers in strengthening client relationships, expanding services offered to clients, and increasing Net Order Intake (NOI) and Net Revenue (NR). The Account Executive will help develop and drive portfolio strategy aligned with organizational objectives and market opportunities, support annual client business plans, identify growth opportunities, improve client coverage, and strengthen account management practices. The role also serves as a visible market leader through participation in industry organizations, conferences, client workshops, and stakeholder engagements, positioning Arcadis as a thought leader and trusted advisor to municipal utilities and water agencies. Reporting to the Americas Water Sector Executive, the Account Executive works closely with the Commercial Operations Water Sector Director, Account Managers, and technical leadership. The position contributes to portfolio financial performance and works with Sector and Service leadership to monitor results and identify actions to meet growth goals. As a people leader, the Account Executive mentors and coaches Account Managers and emerging client-facing professionals, supports career development, and fosters collaboration. Travel of up to 50% may be required across Northern California for client meetings, project visits, conferences, leadership meetings, and business development activities.

Requirements

At least 15 years of experience in water, wastewater, recycled water, stormwater project management, business operations, account management, or related leadership roles.
Bachelor of Science degree in Civil, Environmental, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
California Professional Engineer (PE) license, or ability to obtain licensure within six months.
Demonstrated leadership supporting client portfolios and driving business growth within the municipal water sector.
Established relationships with municipal water, wastewater, recycled water, and stormwater agencies throughout Northern California.
Extensive leadership experience in the Water Sector, with accountability for sales growth, client portfolio performance, and pricing strategy across strategic client portfolios.
Strong financial acumen in service pricing, margin optimization, and risk management, and experience developing commercial models that balance competitiveness and profitability.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills, especially when engaging with senior client and partner stakeholders.
Strong relationship-building, client engagement, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to inspire teams and foster collaboration.
Strong understanding of the Northern California municipal water market and regulatory environment, and ability to identify market trends, growth opportunities, and emerging client needs and translate them into actionable strategies.

Nice To Haves

Twenty or more years of experience in the water sector.
Experience managing strategic client portfolios or regional growth initiatives.
Active leadership participation in professional organizations such as California Water Reuse, CWEA, CA-NV AWWA, CASQA, or related industry associations.

Responsibilities

Support execution of the Northern California Water Sector strategy and help build and drive portfolio strategy aligned with organizational objectives and market opportunities.
Support Account Managers in developing and implementing portfolio growth strategies aligned with Sector objectives.
Help increase Net Order Intake (NOI), Net Revenue (NR), cash performance, and margin.
Strengthen executive-level client relationships and stakeholder engagement.
Grow and diversify client portfolios by identifying emerging opportunities.
Support development and execution of annual client business plans, improve client coverage, and strengthen account management practices.
Develop accurate pipeline forecasts and support pursuit planning.
Advance innovative commercial and delivery models that improve client outcomes and business performance.
Support pricing, risk management, and commercial strategy decisions across key opportunities.
Collaborate with Sector and Service leadership to monitor portfolio performance and identify actions to achieve growth goals.
Participate in industry organizations, conferences, client workshops, and strategic stakeholder engagements to elevate Arcadis’ market presence.
Mentor and coach Account Managers and emerging client-facing professionals, support career development planning, and foster team collaboration.
Travel across Northern California for client meetings, project visits, conferences, leadership meetings, and business development activities as required.