Senior Project Manager, Practice Builder - Transit Design

Overview

Kimley-Horn is seeking an entrepreneurial Senior Project Manager, Practice Builder to lead and grow our Transit Design practice in Columbus, OH. This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who thrives at the intersection of client service, business development, technical excellence, and team leadership. 

 

We use the term "Practice Builder" to describe our best client servers – the men and women who exhibit leadership by winning and doing work, managing projects profitably, and mentoring the next generation.  

As a Practice Builder, you will: 

• Craft a bold vision for growth.
• Lead business development efforts to win work from new and existing clients.
• Provide high-quality service in a profitable manner.
• Contribute to the professional development of staff.
• Benefit from comprehensive support in accounting, administrative, marketing, recruiting, IT, and production.
• Have the autonomy to build and grow your business with the full backing of a firm consistently recognized as one of the best in the industry.

This role offers the freedom to lead and grow your business, with the rewards of a performance-based environment (including base salary + bonuses), and the potential to advance to ownership. 

Responsibilities

Leadership Opportunity in Transit Design

We’re looking for a visionary leader with an entrepreneurial mindset to shape and expand our growing Transit Design practice. This role is ideal for a forward-thinking professional who thrives on leading large-scale transit projects and driving strategic growth.

Our Transit Practice focuses on planning, designing, and implementing innovative transit solutions for communities nationwide. We partner with local transit agencies to develop new services, service expansions, and technology enhancements that improve mobility and connectivity.

Key Leadership Responsibilities:

• Define and execute the vision for our regional Transit Practice, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation.
• Supervise and lead large, complex Transit Design projects, providing technical expertise and strategic oversight.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, positioning our firm as a trusted partner in the transit industry.
• Drive business development efforts, leveraging industry connections to secure new opportunities and expand market presence.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented work environment.
• Ensure project profitability, resource allocation, and seamless transitions of work to qualified staff.
• Uphold integrity and sound business principles, driving operational excellence and long-term success.

Why Join Us?

• High-impact role with autonomy to lead, innovate, and shape the future of our Transit Practice.
• Entrepreneurial culture that supports your passion, ideas, and ability to pursue new clients and opportunities.
• Competitive base salary, an impressive bonus structure leading to unbelievablly big payouts, and a pathway to ownership for top performers.

If you're ready to take the lead in Transit Design and make a lasting impact, we’d love to connect.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in growing and leading a transportation practice that focuses on large-scale projects in transit, rail, roadway and/or pedestrian domain. 
• Prior leadership in transit, roadway and/or traffic design roles will be considered for this position. 
• Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in the state for which you are applying.
• Proven ability to win, lead, and successfully deliver complex multi-disciplinary projects, that include transit, rail, pedestrian, or roadway projects. 
• Established relationships with local DOTs, transit agencies, municipalities, and other key stakeholders.
• Strong business acumen, with a history of managing projects profitably and navigating agency requirements.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and technical skills, with the ability to inspire and mentor teams.
• Client-focused problem solver with a passion for delivering high-quality transit solutions.
• Collaborative and adaptable, able to engage at all levels of an organization and drive positive outcomes.
• Effective resource management skills, ensuring teams are aligned, efficient, and motivated.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for Kimley-Horn in the U.S. without employer sponsorship. We do not typically sponsor H1-B or any other work visa petitions. 

Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it— that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!

 

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.