Wastewater Practice Lead - California

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

Arcadis' Resilience Water team is seeking a dynamic Wastewater Practice Lead to shape the strategic direction, growth, and delivery of our wastewater business across California. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a proven professional who thrives at the intersection of strategy, client development, and technical excellence‑guiding complex programs while building and inspiring high‑performing teams.

As the California Wastewater Practice Lead, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Arcadis' wastewater strategy statewide. This leadership position is focused on expanding market presence, delivering high‑impact wastewater programs, and strengthening trusted relationships with municipal clients, regulators, and industry partners. Working collaboratively across Arcadis' Water Business Line, you will help deliver sustainable, resilient solutions while reinforcing our reputation as a market leader in wastewater infrastructure.

You will also:

• Provide Strategic Direction: Lead the vision and growth strategy for the California Wastewater Practice, identifying opportunities across water reuse, PFAS treatment, decarbonization, and digital water solutions.
• Drive Business Development: Cultivate long‑term client relationships, lead major pursuits, support proposal and interview strategies, and represent Arcadis in key industry forums and conferences.
• Ensure Project Excellence: Oversee the delivery of complex wastewater projects from planning through construction, serving as a senior technical advisor and ensuring quality, risk management, and financial performance.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Partner with cross‑functional leaders and technical experts to deliver integrated, innovative solutions that address California's evolving regulatory, climate, and infrastructure challenges.
• Develop and Inspire Talent: Mentor and grow high‑performing teams, support recruitment and succession planning, and champion a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and professional development.

You are a recognized leader in the wastewater industry, actively engaged in professional organizations such as CWEA, WEF, or Water Reuse California. You bring deep experience partnering with large cities, water districts, and regional agencies to deliver impactful, resilient infrastructure solutions. Your ability to communicate with clarity and confidence‑whether presenting to clients, regulators, or internal teams‑sets you apart. Above all, you are driven by a passion for sustainability, innovation, and developing the next generation of water professionals.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering or a related field
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in California (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
• 15 years of progressive experience in the wastewater or water sector, with consulting and business development experience

• Demonstrated success in leading teams, managing key client accounts, and delivering large‑scale projects.
• Deep knowledge of California's regulatory landscape, funding programs, and municipal utility market.
• Proven track record of business development and strategic growth.

We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It's why we are pioneering a skills‑based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.
You'll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you'll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life…