Director of Transportation Engineering

Reports To: 
Department Manager, Public Works

Summary:

We’re looking for a sharp, solutions-driven, experienced, and dynamic Director of Transportation to lead operational excellence across our transportation practice in Arizona. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for personally managing key projects, driving business development, deepening client relationships, ensuring financial performance, and promoting a culture of collaboration and accountability across teams.

This is not a role for someone who waits to be told what to do. We're looking for someone who sees problems as puzzles, not roadblocks, and who thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments where not everything is perfectly resourced, but understands the work still needs to get done. This role requires a hands-on leader who steps in to provide direct support, mobilize resources, and drive solutions when challenges arise.

Core Responsibilities

Project & Operational Leadership

Serve as the Project Director or Manager on a concentrated portfolio of larger, strategic transportation projects, ensuring efficiency, quality, and profitability from conception to completion.

Direct and manage public agency clients and project teams.

Monitor project performance metrics, drive accountability, and ensure timely delivery of work within scope and budget.

Collaborate with project managers to forecast staffing needs and allocate resources effectively.

Business Development & Growth

Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities with public agency clients in partnership with Business Development.

Expand existing client accounts and maintain a strong market presence through active networking and industry involvement.

Client Retention & Relationship Management

Build long-term relationships with key clients, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business.

Serve as a trusted advisor, understanding client needs and aligning our services to meet them effectively.

Be the touchpoint for clients, before, during, and after projects to ensure strong client satisfaction, repeat work, and lasting relationships.

Financial & Strategic Oversight

Set and manage public works department budgets and performance targets.

Analyze financial reports and project data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

Cross-Team Collaboration

Work closely with leadership across teams to deliver integrated solutions.

Foster a culture of problem-solving, mentorship, and high performance under pressure.

Promote knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across teams.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field

Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred

DOT experience is strongly preferred

Minimum 15 years of progressive civil engineering experience with at least 5 years in a leadership or director-level role

Proven experience successfully managing large-scale transportation projects for public agencies.

Proven ability to win work, retain clients, and lead teams through complex projects

Ability to win work through proposals as well as interviews with agencies

Strong financial acumen and operational oversight experience

Skilled communicator with a track record of leading diverse teams and delivering results in a fast-paced environment

A natural ability to anticipate needs, connect dots, and get ahead of challenges

The confidence to lean in without waiting for perfect direction or full resources

A "figure it out" mindset, you’re scrappy, resourceful, and always looking for a way forward

Valid driver's license and automobile insurance.

Physical Requirements

Required to stand, walk, and sit.

The position may require a visit to project sites occasionally.

The position requires a normal range of hearing.

The employee must be able to lift 40 lbs. occasionally.

Requires prolonged sitting with 15% of the time spent bending and reaching.

Must have manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.

Noise levels are consistent with a standard office environment.

Perks & Benefits

Health, life, 401(k), dental and vision insurance

Short-term, long-term disability insurance and leave

Paid holidays

Paid Time Off

Bereavement leave

Discretionary bonuses, if applicable

EPS Group is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  We offer a competitive salary and bonus program, a wide range of benefits including 401(k) with employer match, advancement potential, and the opportunity to become an integral part of a highly respected firm.