Owner's Advisory Practice Area Lead

About the role

You will own the strategic direction and day-to-day execution of the Owner's Advisory practice area, translating West Yost's water expertise into compelling, client-centered solutions. You will lead a high-performing team, setting a clear vision and fostering an environment where professional growth, collaboration, and innovation thrive. You will act as a trusted advisor to municipal clients, guiding them through complex program and procurement decisions with integrity and insight. You will champion the expansion of our services across Southern California, identifying new markets and forging partnerships that align with our firm's values. You will balance client expectations with team capacity, ensuring sustainable growth and high levels of satisfaction for both. You will model operational excellence and quality control, embedding best practices into every deliverable. You will represent West Yost in the marketplace, building a pipeline of business that reinforces our reputation as a leader in water resource consulting.

Key facts

What you'll do

Define and execute the annual business plan for the Owner's Advisory practice area, establishing measurable goals for growth, client value, and team development.

Lead, recruit, and develop a multidisciplinary team of owner advisory professionals, focusing on attraction, retention, coaching, and succession planning.

Champion a culture of quality, ensuring all deliverables reflect the highest standards of clarity, accuracy, and alignment with client objectives.

Build and maintain strong client relationships by serving as a primary point of contact and trusted advisor on program management and alternative delivery methods.

Identify and pursue new business opportunities in Southern California, expanding West Yost's footprint in municipal water advisory services.

Collaborate with the business development team to create targeted proposals, ensuring alignment between client needs and our service capabilities.

Optimize workload distribution across the team, using data and foresight to balance assignments and plan for future staffing needs.

Develop and implement strategies to enhance geographic reach and service offerings within the owner advisory space.

Serve as a senior project manager on select strategic programs, providing hands-on leadership and oversight from planning through delivery.

Model and reinforce a culture of inclusivity, curiosity, and continuous learning within the practice area and across the firm.

Provide mentorship and career guidance to team members, supporting professional growth and job satisfaction.

Leverage industry trends and best practices to innovate our owner advisory services and maintain a competitive edge.

Coordinate closely with other practice leaders to ensure integrated solutions and consistent delivery across all service lines.

Demonstrate operational discipline through rigorous documentation, status reporting, and performance tracking.

Requirements

You hold a bachelor's degree in engineering, water resources, public administration, or a closely related field.

You possess a minimum of ten years of progressive experience in water utility planning, engineering, or consulting.

You have at least five years of leadership experience managing professional teams in a consulting or advisory capacity.

You are licensed to practice engineering in the state of California, or actively pursuing licensure with a clear plan to obtain certification.

You have direct experience with municipal water planning, alternative delivery methods, and owner advisory services.

You are proficient in program management tools and techniques, including procurement processes, risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement.

You have a proven track record of developing and executing successful business development strategies in the water sector.

You demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences.

Nice to have

Experience working with public agencies on water supply, infrastructure, or stormwater projects.

Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS) and data visualization tools relevant to water resources.

Understanding of regulatory frameworks impacting municipal water services in California.

Practical notes

This is a full-time, exempt position based in Davis, California.

The role follows a hybrid schedule with three days in the office and two days remote.

Travel is primarily local within the Davis and Southern California regions, with occasional client visits as needed.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship at this time.