Client Sector Leader

Client Sector Leader - Municipal Transportation

Help Shape the Future of Transportation in the Heart of NWA

CEI is looking for a Municipal Transportation Client Sector Leader - a forward-thinking, relationship-driven strategist who's ready to lead growth in one of the most dynamic regions in the country.

As a national civil engineering firm with deep roots in Northwest Arkansas, CEI has built a reputation for delivering creative, community-focused transportation solutions that move people and shape cities. Now, we're ready to expand that impact - and we're looking for the right leader to help us get there.

In this role, you'll lead the charge to grow CEI's municipal transportation sector. You'll define the strategy, define the services needed to serve and grow our communities, build relationships with city leaders and agencies, and position CEI as the trusted partner for innovative, efficient, and people-centered transportation infrastructure.

If you're the kind of professional who thrives on connecting vision to execution - who loves both the "big picture" of smart regional mobility and the details of how a plan becomes pavement - we'd like to talk to you.

Join a firm where your ideas can shape how communities move.

About Us

CEI Engineering Associates, Inc. is a nationally recognized firm offering full-service Civil Engineering, Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Land Surveying consulting services. Established in 1973, we've grown into a dynamic team of more than 190 professionals operating across the U.S. Our success is rooted in our commitment to people-hiring, developing, and empowering talented professionals who share our passion for innovation and community impact.

About the Role

CEI is seeking a seasoned transportation professional who understands the challenges and opportunities facing municipal clients today. As the Client Sector Leader, you will leverage your expertise in transportation planning, public engagement, and project delivery to drive business development, elevate client experience, and position CEI as a top partner in creating sustainable, connected transportation networks. You'll cultivate relationships with city, county, and regional transportation agencies, identify growth opportunities, and strategically lead our municipal transportation initiatives.

If you're ready to advance your career by guiding the evolution of transportation infrastructure in communities nationwide, CEI could be the right fit for you.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a Municipal Transportation Business Development Plan, setting goals, targets, and strategies aligned with CEI's overall strategic direction. Continuously refine your plan based on client feedback, funding opportunities, and evolving transportation priorities.
• Manage the budget for sector-related business development efforts, ensuring alignment with CEI's financial and growth objectives.
• Pursue new opportunities within city, county, and regional transportation agencies, while expanding CEI's service offerings to existing clients through cross-discipline collaboration.
• Oversee market research to identify funding trends, transportation initiatives, and policy shifts that influence municipal transportation planning.
• Build a robust network of municipal and agency contacts, advocacy groups, and transportation associations to expand CEI's visibility and partnerships.
• Support proposal development and contract negotiation in collaboration with project managers, ensuring alignment with client expectations and agency requirements.
• Track and report sector performance metrics-including revenue growth, market share, client retention, and project delivery excellence.
• Develop client relationship strategies, incorporating stakeholder mapping, competitive intelligence, and value positioning.
• Work with departments to ensure high client satisfaction and long-term partnerships.
• Represent CEI at industry conferences, professional associations, and client meetings, promoting CEI's expertise in roadway design, traffic engineering, and multimodal planning.
• Collaborate with leadership to recruit and mentor staff, developing transportation-specific expertise across the firm.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support CEI's continued success and innovation in transportation infrastructure.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in municipal or transportation project management, with strong understanding of roadway design, multimodal planning, or traffic operations.
• Deep familiarity with public agency processes, funding programs (e.g., MPO, DOT, ARPA, or IIJA/BIL-funded projects), and stakeholder coordination.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; ability to lead and build trust with municipal clients.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and budgeting capabilities.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel periodically for client meetings, conferences, and industry events.
• Ability to occasionally work extended hours, with flexibility and support for work-life balance.