Managing Director

GFT is seeking a Managing Director to support a variety of projects in the West Region. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Long Beach office.

Working on theTransportation team atGFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient, sustainable design and construction, delivering innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern, multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all.Explore some of our signature Transportation projects here.

What you'll be challenged to do:

The Managing Director is responsible for driving the success and growth of right-of-way services, ensuring alignment with TranSystems overall strategic plan. This role oversees multiple disciplines, develops, and executes business plans, manages financial performance, builds client relationships, and provides leadership to foster a high-performing team.

This is an excellent career opportunity for an experienced, motivatedManaging Director who thrives in a collaborative team environment. The role highlights a customer-focused mindset and a passion for delivering exceptional quality and results on every project.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Serve as a senior leader and subject matter expert for right-of-way services, representing the company to clients, partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Manage and support local leaders/project managers/team leaders to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery of right-of-way services across acquisition, relocation, appraisal, utility coordination, and related areas.
• Develop and implement business plans that align with company strategy, focusing on key markets, clients, and service offerings.
• Monitor and optimize financial performance of operations, including revenue, profitability, utilization, budgeting, forecasting, and expense management.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through effective account management, business development, and service delivery.
• Drive growth by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, leading proposals, and securing contracts.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing work environment that attracts, develops, and retains top right-of-way talent.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and performance management to team members, promoting their professional growth and development.
• Ensure teams have the necessary resources, tools, and support to successfully execute projects and meet client expectations.
• Collaborate with regional leaders and corporate leaders (e.g., HR, finance, marketing, IT) to share best practices, optimize resource utilization, and drive overall company performance.
• Keep senior management informed of performance, opportunities, risks, and issues, providing timely and effective communication and reporting.
• Stay current on industry trends, regulations, and best practices related to right-of-way, incorporating insights into strategy and operations.
• Lead by example and uphold TranSystems’ core values: All-In Always, Passionate Problem Solvers, Driven to Server.

What you bring to our firm:

• Expertise in all aspects of right-of-way services, including:
  • Property acquisition and negotiation strategies for various project types (e.g., transportation, utilities, public works).
  • Relocation assistance programs and compliance with state and federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Act).
  • Appraisal methodologies, standards (e.g., USPAP), and valuation considerations for different property types.
  • Utility coordination and conflict resolution for projects involving utility relocations.
  • Right-of-way engineering, surveying, and mapping.
  • Eminent domain processes and procedures.
  • Project planning, budgeting, and scheduling for right-of-way activities.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards (e.g., Uniform Act, FHWA, FTA, state DOTs).
• Experience managing complex, high-profile right-of-way projects for public and private sector clients.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective right-of-way strategies that minimize project risks, delays, and costs.
• Strong understanding of real estate principles, valuation, and market dynamics.
• Familiarity with right-of-way project management software, databases, and tools.
• Actively engages multiple perspectives when solving problems, seeks to learn from peers, and encourages reciprocal learning among team members.
• Actively advocates for full inclusion in the workplace, fostering an environment that welcomes diversity and values equity for all employees, partners, clients, and the communities that TranSystems serves.
  

What we’d prefer you bring:

• Bachelor's degree in real estate, business, engineering, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in the right-of-way industry, including 10+ years in leadership roles.
• Right-of-way certification (e.g., SR/WA, R/W-RAC, R/W-NAC) strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and growing right-of-way services.
• Excellent financial acumen, business development skills, and operational management abilities.
• Strong leadership and talent development experience, with the ability to coach and mentor teams.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Willingness to travel as needed to meet with clients, teams, and stakeholders.

Compensation:

The Salary range for this position is $200,000-$260,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits:

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives. GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property of Gannett Fleming TranSystems.

Location: Remote

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time

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