Water Sector Account Executive – Northern California

Arcadis•San Francisco, CA

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 the Americas Water Sector Leadership in driving portfolio performance, executing sector strategy, and expanding the company’s clients and projects across water, wastewater, recycled water, and stormwater markets. The Account Executive supports Account Managers in strengthening client relationships, broadening services offered, and increasing Net Order Intake and Net Revenue. Working with the Americas Water Sector Executive, the Commercial Operations Water Sector Director, Account Managers, and technical leaders, this position helps develop and execute portfolio strategy aligned with organizational goals and market opportunities. The role also involves supporting client business plans, identifying growth opportunities, improving client coverage and account management, and representing Arcadis in industry and stakeholder settings. The position contributes to portfolio financial performance and commercial decisions, including pricing, risk management, pipeline forecasting, and pursuit planning. As a people leader, the Account Executive mentors and coaches Account Managers and emerging client-facing professionals, supports career development, and promotes collaboration. Travel of up to 50% may be required for client meetings, project visits, conferences, leadership meetings, and business development activities across Northern California.

Requirements

At least 15 years of experience in water, wastewater, recycled water, or stormwater project management, business operations, account management, or related leadership roles.
Bachelor of Science degree in Civil, Environmental, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
California Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain licensure within six months.
Demonstrated leadership experience 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.
Leadership experience and accountability for sales growth, client portfolio performance, and pricing strategy across strategic client portfolios.
Financial acumen in pricing services, margin optimization, and risk management.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills, particularly with senior client and partner stakeholders.
Strong relationship-building, client engagement, stakeholder management, team leadership, and collaboration skills.
Understanding of the Northern California municipal water market and regulatory environment.
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

Build and drive the Northern California Water portfolio strategy in alignment with sector objectives and market opportunities.
Support Account Managers in developing and implementing portfolio growth strategies and annual client business plans.
Help increase Net Order Intake, Net Revenue, cash performance, and margin.
Strengthen executive-level client relationships and stakeholder engagement.
Identify emerging opportunities to grow and diversify client portfolios and improve client coverage.
Develop accurate pipeline forecasts and support pursuit planning.
Support pricing, risk management, and commercial strategy decisions for key opportunities.
Advance innovative commercial and delivery models that improve client outcomes and business performance.
Monitor portfolio performance with Sector and Service leadership and identify actions to achieve growth goals.
Represent Arcadis in industry organizations, conferences, client workshops, and strategic stakeholder engagements.
Mentor and coach Account Managers and emerging client-facing professionals, strengthen account management capabilities, and support career development.
Foster collaboration across teams working toward shared client and business objectives.