Business Unit Leader of Water & Natural Resources/Senior Manager

Otak is seeking a strategic Business Unit Leader (BUL) to drive the growth and continued excellence of our Water and Natural Resources practice in Oregon and Southwest Washington. In this high-impact role, you will develop business strategy, lead key initiatives, and develop client relationships across the region. Collaborating with Otak's Water & Natural Resources Director and the Regional Director, you will set strategic goals, mentor high-performing teams, and oversee critical client projects as a Senior Project Manager.

This position may be based out of our Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA office.

To learn more about Otak's Water & Natural Resources team and projects, please watch the following video:

Otak's WNR Team

What you'll do:

Strategic Leadership & Firm Growth

• Collaborate with the Water and Natural Resources Director and Regional Director to develop and execute a strategic plan for the Water and Natural Resources business unit.
• Provide managerial guidance on a regional level, inspiring the team to ensure that the firm's vision and mission are achieved by setting appropriate milestones and benchmarks.
• Identify market trends and new business opportunities to elevate Otak's position in the Water and Natural Resources sector.
• Oversee the business unit's financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, revenue tracking, and profit analysis.

Client & Business Development

• Develop and maintain lasting relationships with key clients, partners, and stakeholders.
• Actively engage in business development efforts, identifying and pursuing new project opportunities.
• Lead the preparation of winning proposals and participate in high-stakes interviews.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Provide technical excellence and guidance in one or more of the areas of basin planning, urban stormwater management, river/stream restoration, hydraulic engineering, fluvial geomorphology, or environmental permitting.
• Manage water resources planning and design projects, including workload planning and overseeing financials, schedule, deliverables, and quality control. Prepare technical approaches/scope, schedule, and budgets for proposals.
• Build a high-performing, motivated team that aligns with Otak's values and long-term vision.

What you bring:

• Bachelor's Degree in Science or Engineering (or equivalency in direct field of experience) or related area.
• 15+ years of experience with the planning, permitting, design, or construction of capital projects.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in the management of personnel, project budgets, and team financials.
• Professional Engineering License preferred, including obtaining an Oregon and Washington State PE License within 6 months of hire.
• Experience in the review and negotiation of agreements and contracts.
  Exceptional relationship-building skills with a track record of client satisfaction and business development success.
• Deep understanding of financial management, project profitability, and strategic planning.
• Ability to navigate complex situations with sound judgment and innovative solutions.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and lead multidisciplinary teams toward shared goals.

The salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications, and work location as well as market and business considerations.

Salary Range: $135,000 - $175,000 per year

Benefits

At our core, we believe that supporting our communities begins with supporting our employees. No matter what stage you're at in your career, we have a comprehensive total rewards program to enhance your quality of life, help support your family, and assist you in achieving your personal and professional goals. Otak employees enjoy competitive salaries; discretionary performance bonuses; no-cost medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, HRA/HSA; a 401(k)-retirement match that is 100% vested immediately; a hybrid work schedule; Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual based on your industry experience rather than your seniority plus 9 paid holidays per year; a commuter allowance (based on your office location); support for your professional registration and/or certification fees; and much more! If you are out of the area and interested in relocating for this opportunity, relocation assistance may be provided.

Why work at Otak?

We're not just looking for skills and experience, having shared values is just as important! When you work at Otak, you aren't just joining a firm - you're joining a community. We believe our best work happens in a culture of collaboration and inclusion, where the expertise of diverse individuals can thrive in a foundation of teamwork. The work environment we create is built on a simple concept: working on interesting projects with interesting people. However, we don't just believe in cultivating our own community; we're also committed to enriching the communities around us with smart, creative solutions. We know our employees make an investment in us, so we're committed to making an investment in them. Seasoned experts and young professionals work together to encourage personal growth and skill development at all experience levels. Plus, we're expanding - and we're dedicated to developing an internal infrastructure with the strength and talent to support that growth.

Equal Opportunity

Otak is proud to be an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. The Equal Opportunity policy at Otak, Inc. provides a fair and equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, nation origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, protected veteran status or disability or any other status(es) protected by law. Otak ensure nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and mandatory supplements to EEO (revisions).

At Otak, we recognize that inclusion is a practice, and we are determined to lead our industry by embedding that practice into our work. Cultivating an inclusive workplace environment is ongoing and consistent work, requiring dedication and commitment from every member of the organization. Otak is building a foundation for a more inclusive future, deepening our engagement with local communities, and cultivating enduring relationships.

Otak's Vision for an Inclusive Environment includes the following:

• We embrace diverse identities, and willingly engage across difference
• All employees can experience the workplace safely and show up as their authentic selves
• Fostering unique perspectives and an open exchange of ideas
• Engaging one another with curiosity rather than judgment
• Relationships are built on mutual trust, dignity, and respect
• If you are a minority, veteran, person with a disability, or a member of the LGBTQA Community, we strongly encourage and welcome you to apply to any open position of interest. If you want to learn more about Otak, this position, or the company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, contact our People Services Department at GRPHumanResources@otak.com.

*Please note, Otak is not accepting resumes from 3rd party recruitment agencies at this time.