Transportation Market Leader

Civil / Transportation Engineering

Ready to be the name people think of when they think transportation in Tennessee?

Southern Search is running a confidential search on behalf of a multidisciplinary engineering firm with almost 1000 employees across multiple states. They're investing in Tennessee and need a proven transportation leader to build and grow the practice, own the TDOT and municipal relationships, and grow a team that's already on the rise.

The Opportunity

This isn't a seat-filler role. You'll set the direction for the Tennessee transportation practice: winning the work, leading the delivery, and hiring the people who carry it forward. It's a true market leader seat with the backing of a large, established firm and the room to build something with your name on it. The culture is people-first and collaborative, with a mission centered on strengthening communities, not just billing hours.

What You'll Do

• Serve as principal-in-charge on complex roadway, corridor and multimodal projects
• Own project delivery: design quality, budget, schedule and technical excellence
• Lead client engagement with TDOT and local municipalities, and drive pursuit strategy and proposals
• Be a visible leader in the regional transportation market through industry events and relationships
• Mentor and develop engineering staff, and shape staffing plans as the practice grows
• Work alongside multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions

What You'll Bring

• BS in Civil Engineering or related field
• PE in Tennessee, or the ability to obtain within 6 months
• 15+ years in transportation engineering, including 5+ years in leadership
• Deep working knowledge of TDOT standards, funding programs and project delivery
• A track record of growing client relationships and regional market share
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams on transportation infrastructure projects
• Familiarity with MicroStation, OpenRoads Designer and other transportation design tools

I Would Like To See:

• Existing relationships with TDOT regions and Tennessee municipalities
• Experience standing up or scaling a new office or practice

Competitive compensation plus company profit sharing, 401(k) with employer match, medical, dental and vision, HSA options, 100% employer-paid life insurance, short and long-term disability, tuition and certification reimbursement, paid professional association memberships, and volunteer service leave.