OTCR Business Sector Leader (Operations Technology, Cybersecurity, & Resilience)

About the role

OTCR Business Sector Leader (Operations Technology, Cybersecurity, & Resilience)

West Yost is a dedicated water resource management and engineering firm established in 1990. We exclusively serve public agencies, including cities, counties, utilities, and water districts. Our mission is to plan, design, and deliver water, wastewater, and stormwater solutions that foster safe, reliable, and resilient communities. Our work is grounded in strong partnerships and practical engineering.

Our team comprises over 260 professionals with expertise in groundwater, water supply, treatment, infrastructure, recycled water, stormwater, construction management, and operations technology. We guide projects from initial planning and permitting through design and construction. Our support extends beyond engineering to include program management and public outreach, ensuring clients can advance work and engage their communities effectively.

We are recognized as a Great Place to Work® and have been named to Fortune's Best Workplaces in Consulting and Professional Services from 2023 to 2025. We also hold a top ranking in the AEC Advisors Diversity Index. Our commitment is to be the water firm of choice for our clients and team, advancing water resources through quality, innovation, and collaboration.

Compensation Range: $181,885 - $240,050, based on our Irvine office location. This role is hybrid, requiring three days in the office and two days remote.

Position: OTCR Business Sector Leader (Operations Technology, Cybersecurity, & Resilience)

Municipal Water

West Yost is pursuing significant growth. We seek an experienced leader for our Operations Technology, Cybersecurity, and Resilience (OTCR) team. This leader must demonstrate a proven ability to grow a practice and develop team members' careers.

The OTCR team is a recognized force in adapting innovative technologies and resilience practices. We assist water and wastewater utilities in meeting evolving challenges through national partnerships with organizations such as Idaho National Laboratory and the American Water Works Association. Our team has pioneered the introduction of Cyber-informed Engineering (CIE) and Consequence-driven, Cyber-informed Engineering (CCE) methodologies within the water sector. We deliver complete Operations Technology (OT) design and implementation, technical program management, and resilience planning across Resilience, Innovation, Electrical/Instrumentation/Controls, and Process Controls & Optimization.

This role aligns with West Yost's Strategic Plan, which guides our path to amplify impact, support teams, and deliver quality services. We will continue focusing on the water needs of public agencies and municipalities while expanding value-added services. Our presence will strengthen in California, Oregon, Arizona, and Washington.

The selected OTCR Business Sector Leader will drive these goals by working directly with clients and team members to advance resilient and secure water infrastructure.

Key Relationships

This role reports to the Operations Director, Design. Collaboration is required with the President/CEO, Business Development Director, Business Sector Leaders, Client Service Managers, and Senior Project Managers. Support is provided by the Leadership Team, Marketing, Finance and Accounting, and Business Services.

Major Responsibilities and Decision-Making Authority

• Developing, leading, and executing a multi-year strategic plan for growth aligned with company values and priorities.
• Managing core business functions: Business Development, PM-QA/QC, Technology/Innovation, People, and Operations/Financial health.
• Providing technical leadership in OTCR practice areas: Resilience, Innovation, Electrical/Instrumentation/Controls, and Process Controls & Optimization.
• Leading nationwide business development and marketing strategies to expand OTCR services.
• Acting as a senior project manager or technical lead on strategic initiatives.
• Attracting, retaining, mentoring, and motivating a high-performing team capable of delivering on current commitments and exploring new service areas.

Key Selection Criteria

• A proven operations leader with a 10-15 year track record in engineering or technology environments.
• Demonstrated success leading complex projects and managing budgets.
• Deep expertise in resilience practices, cybersecurity, and operations technology for water systems.
• The ability to communicate effectively with public agency leaders and technical specialists.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Consequence-driven, Cyber-informed Engineering methodologies in water contexts.

You will architect and own the OTCR sector strategy from intake through product delivery and partner engagement. You will guide a team delivering secure water infrastructure solutions while shaping resilient municipal futures. Your work defines how innovation meets operational reality in public water systems.

Key Facts

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Location: USA

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Engagement: Hybrid with three office days weekly

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Compensation: $181,885 - $240,050 annually

What You'll Do

• Champion a multi-year growth blueprint aligned with company strategy and market demands.
• Cultivate new business pipelines while deepening client relationships across the western region.
• Choreograph cross-functional workflows from assessment through implementation and quality assurance.
• Promote resilient engineering principles within cybersecurity and operations technology frameworks.
• Mentor emerging professionals while maintaining rigorous standards for project outcomes.
• Forge collaborative arrangements with technology vendors and research institutions to accelerate adoption.
• Translate complex operational risks into actionable plans for utility leadership and stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement in service delivery models and technical solution design.

Requirements

• Ten to fifteen years leading operations in engineering or technology environments.
• Expertise in resilience practices, cybersecurity, and operations technology for water systems.
• Mastery in managing teams, budgets, and complex project lifecycles.
• Effective communication skills with public agency leaders and technical specialists.

Practical Notes

• This role operates hybrid with three days onsite and two days remote.
• Travel is occasional, based on project needs within designated regions.
• Visa sponsorship may be considered for eligible candidates.