Client Service Manager - Business Development (Tampa)

Founded in 1919, KJ has always looked to the future. With a talented team of professionals and a culture of continuous improvement, we deliver exceptional engineering, environmental consulting, and construction management services, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Using advanced analytics, technology, and tools, KJ improves designs, reduces risk, and finds better ways to deliver projects from planning through construction. KJ is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for clients, including green infrastructure design, strategies to reduce energy use and environmental impacts, award-winning water reuse projects, and efficient construction management practices that ensure quality, safety, and on-time delivery. We are known for our dedication to industry-leading client service and tailored solutions.

Kennedy Jenks is seeking an engaged and experienced Client Service Manager with strong client relationships across Tampa Bay and Central Florida. Candidates will possess the capability to identify project opportunities, develop win strategies, secure those projects, properly develop scope, schedule and fee estimates for the work, lead the delivery of those projects through direct technical leadership or oversight of multi-disciplinary project teams to assure successful budget and schedule performance that leads to continued high-levels of client satisfaction.

The right candidate will have an established resume and reputation, be a proven team builder with leadership capabilities, and possess business leadership skills to further grow our water and wastewater practice throughout the state. This senior role is an essential part of our strategic plan in Florida and is key to our future growth as we continue to provide quality solutions to our existing trusted clients, as well as new clients we target. You will be part of a dynamic and successful engineering, scientific, and consulting practice that is involved in exciting and meaningful project work throughout our footprint.

As a Client Service Manager, you will help grow client relationships, guide project delivery, and align teams around client and business goals.

• Expand markets and pursue opportunities: Engage the marketplace to identify new clients and projects and collaborate with our established team to pursue and win opportunities. Utilize relationships, personal resume, and strategic planning skills to pursue and win work. Lead strategic project positioning, including development of key teaming partnerships, proposal development oversight, and interview preparation.
• Manage and grow client accounts: Engage our existing client and project delivery teams to understand our current client base and improve strategies for business growth. Lead and further develop client account strategies while building team capabilities. Leverage existing relationships and Kennedy Jenks' local and national project experience to expand and maximize service offerings within the state. Lead client service and professional engagement efforts to enhance personal and corporate brand awareness and identify new opportunities and partnerships.
• Build industry presence: Participate in state and regional water and wastewater professional organizations. Lead the development and execution of professional engagement plans, including committee involvement, meeting attendance, client engagement, recruiting activities, and conference participation. Oversee conference management activities, including abstract submissions, staff engagement, event planning, and follow-up efforts.
• Drive business performance: Serve as a key contributor to strategic planning by utilizing market knowledge and established client and teaming relationships to define the vision and strategy for the practice in alignment with company goals. Participate in the development and implementation of the team's annual business plan, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting to achieve profitability and client satisfaction goals. Collaborate with internal leaders on strategic hiring initiatives and staff development.
• Lead project delivery and client success: Oversee service delivery to ensure quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction. Provide hands-on oversight of key and strategic projects from planning through construction. Contribute to project delivery goals through managing projects, serving as a senior advisor, or participating as a project team member. Oversee project development activities, including scope, schedule, fee preparation, negotiation, staffing, and coordination of planning, design, and construction efforts.
• Build, develop, and inspire high-performing teams: Build, lead, and motivate high-performing teams to deliver exceptional client service. Develop team capabilities through mentorship, strategic staffing, and professional growth opportunities. Collaborate with leadership to recruit, retain, and develop talent aligned with business objectives.

• Established foundation: Build on existing relationships, market traction, and KJ's strong reputation.
• Entrepreneurial opportunities: Shape strategy, pursue opportunities, introduce services, and grow client service capabilities.
• Visible impact: Influence client growth, team development, and long-term business success.

• Client and market insight: Thorough understanding of the consulting business and the Florida regional and statewide market; established industry relationships, and technical knowledge of the water, wastewater, pipeline, stormwater, environmental, management consulting businesses.
• Client service mindset: An entrepreneurial spirit, proven experience with business development, relationship building, negotiation, and client service management delivered with the highest degree of integrity.
• Research and communication: Strong writing, organizational, editing, research, and communication skills.
• Tools, systems, or methods: Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and familiarity with Client Relationship Management (CRM) tools.
• Leadership approach: Enthusiasm for team building, staff development, and collaborative inclusive leadership.

• Education: BS or MS in Civil, Chemical, Environmental, or similar engineering field.
• Experience: 12 -15 years of proven experience in managing and growing a professional services practice with a track record of achieving business targets, including 5 years in client service and business development. Design-Build experience preferred.
• Knowledge: Project delivery, financial performance, proposal development, and water/wastewater consulting practices.
• Certifications or licenses: Professional Engineer (PE) license in Florida required or ability to immediately obtain license. DBIA certification is a plus.
• Travel: Ability to travel to project sites, client meetings, and Kennedy Jenks offices as needed.

Kennedy Jenks supports work-life balance through a hybrid model with a minimum of two days per week in the office.

Salary range is anticipated to be $140,000 to $185,000 and may vary based on education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications, and geographic location.

Benefits summary: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k); bonus programs; tuition reimbursement; employee ownership opportunity; professional registration support; business travel assistance; competitive paid time off and holidays; an employee assistance program; and additional programs that support your wellbeing and professional growth.

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