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Business Group Director – Community Development
Environmental Science Associates / Los Angeles, CA
Posted on: April 3, 2019
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Job Description
Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is an environmental science, planning, and design consulting firm committed to the principles of sound science, technical excellence, integrity, and the promotion of outstanding decision making and sustainability. As a 100 percent employee-owned company with offices located in California, Washington, Oregon, and Florida, continuing to meet the needs of our clients as well as the strategic aspirations of our employee-owners requires that we add the very best professional talent throughout our practices and offices. Specializing in project planning, environmental analysis and assessment, natural and cultural resources management, environmental restoration and design, and regulatory compliance, ESA’s scientists, historians, planners, designers, and technical specialists provide critical thinking and in-depth analyses to guide successful policy development, project planning, and the creation of enduring multi-objective solutions. Joining ESA means becoming part of a close knit team of environmental professionals for whom every day involves growing your career, learning, creativity, fun, and the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve contributed to outstanding iconic projects, improved environmental stewardship, and advanced a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.
About the Position
ESA is seeking a Business Group Director to lead our thriving Community Development practice in Southern California. ESA’s Community Development group focuses on environmental analysis, community planning, and compliance services for a wide range of public and private clients with the overarching goal of supporting and advancing our communities. A broad and dynamic outlook, vision, and strategic approach is necessary in addressing the needs of our clients and markets in the Southern California region, overseeing the practice across ESA’s Southern California region, which includes six current offices. The Business Group Director is focused on high-level team management and strategic business development with an emphasis toward increasing industry penetration, contract acquisitions, and revenue performance. Group team leaders, project managers, and Principal Associates report to the position. Expectations of the position include a high level of client engagement, leadership, and significant project pursuits. The Business Group Director will also serve as a mentor for project managers and senior technical experts to help them grow in their roles as practitioners and client service managers.
Below are some of the specific duties of the Business Group Director:
Business Development
- Articulates long-range vision and objectives for the Southern California Community Development group
- Develops long-term goals regarding market areas, regional expansion, technical services, and staff development needs
- Has broad external focus on the market across the Southern California region
- Advises the Regional Director on market sector issues and represents the market sector point of view
- Markets the services provided by the region and the firm to clients
- Meets annual acquisition (sales) target for the business group
- Guides teaming and business development decisions for the business group
- Identifies and follows through with opportunities for the group to gain visibility through market activities such as: technical training, awards, committee involvement, presentations, and publications
Project Delivery and Technical Excellence
- Directs key large or complex environmental analysis and/or planning projects
- Provides senior interface with clients to ensure that quality project delivery is occurring (day-to-day client functions should be delegated to a distinct project manager in most cases)
- Guides collaboration between the senior team to determine and implement technical and project delivery best practices
- Mentors the senior team and other staff on client management issues
- Promotes and ensures collaboration across the disciplines and firm
Operations and Human Resources
- Serves as part of the Southern California management group, meeting regularly on regional operational and strategic functions
- Leads the development and implementation of the annual business plan and budget for the business group, drawing upon the senior team within the group as necessary and appropriate
- Provides mentorship and professional development to team members (both direct reports and the larger ESA team)
- Conducts performance reviews of direct reports, supports the development of the team, and ensures team members are feeling fulfilled and are professionally growing through the implementation of appropriate training and other investments in advancement
- Addresses performance issues with direct reports in collaboration with, and with the support of, the Regional Director (e.g., performance plans, corrective actions)
- Builds ESA’s reputation with potential new staff (recruitment) with a focus on senior staff
- Supports the business group through the hiring process for new staff, as necessary, to grow the practice meet revenue goals
Finance and Accounting
- Provides overall project budget oversight on projects in which he/she is Project Director
- Is responsible for overall group financial performance, including net revenue, group utilization and margin performance, project pricing and multiplier, and write-offs
- Addresses financial and performance issues, as needed
The Southern California Community Development group has been active in the region for over 25 years. The group currently includes over 40 team members, has a broad base of public and private clients, many long-term and repeat clients, and has a strong backlog of contracted work. The group accounts for one-third of the region’s staff, providing a net revenue generation of over $9 million. The Business Group Director would ideally see our Los Angeles office as their home office, but Irvine is also a possibility for the right candidate.
Required Experience / Skills / Education
Requirements – Essential Attributes, Skills, and Abilities
This role requires the initiative, confidence, and tenacity to uphold ESA’s strong work ethic, to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team environment, and to manage to our fiduciary responsibility as an employee-owned firm. Qualified candidates will have at least a BA/BS in a related discipline and 20+ years of experience in the environmental consulting industry. A master’s degree and/or registered professional is desired. The position will be calibrated to a candidate’s level of experience.
The ideal candidate will possess the following essential attributes, characteristics, and abilities:
An inspiring leader and team builder – The ESA Community Development group is an established and successful practice within the Southern California region. The Business Group Director will integrate and connect the group, both internally and externally. It is essential that the candidate be a recognized leader in the industry, have an ability to work with and lead a diverse and multidisciplinary group, and be present in all of the ESA offices. Key will be an emphasis on team cohesion, mentoring, and facilitation skills. The ideal candidate will be a natural problem-solver with a deliberate and collaborative style. The candidate must be a dependable team player; must be socially engaging, optimistic, and confident; and shall set a strong example by adhering to current and future rules, procedures, protocol, and standards.
A natural, clear, and direct communicator with good listening skills – The Business Group Director will be required to communicate effectively with clients, the Management Team above their position, and the group that reports up to their position. This trait includes being proactive and anticipating potential challenges but also allowing and encouraging shared dialogue, active listening, and an openness to new ideas. Essential is the ability to put thoughts into words, present well, carry on engaging conversation, and be genuine in a variety of settings and audiences.
Committed to continual growth and advancement – ESA is on a constant growth and development trajectory, working to advance our skills, services, position in the market, and value to our clients – consistent with our long-range strategic plans. It is essential that the Business Group Director embody this value by being a long-range thinker and providing consistent vision for moving forward. Related, it is essential that the candidate be curious and have a desire to learn. A strong awareness of market growth opportunities 2 to 5 years in the future (emerging markets) is essential, as is a related ability to advance ESA’s success in less served sectors. Consistent with this requirement, the Business Group Director should both invest in the current team and have demonstrated experience with and ability to recruit and retain top talent. The Business Group Director will anticipate and navigate the changes in the market.
A full range of experience and expertise in the community development marketplace, including a core competency in the California Environmental Quality Act – The Business Group Director must have knowledge of and access to a variety of industries and types of work in the community development realm and the experience developing business in these markets. The candidate must have a natural ability to support ESA and team members in pursuing work in our existing practice as well as new areas and emerging service areas and market segments. The candidate must have a strong background in CEQA. Expertise and knowledge of housing and related markets is also essential. Experience in other related services and market segments is also desirable, such as: sustainability and resiliency, public participation, ports, NEPA, and environmental compliance, including transitioning projects into construction monitoring. Demonstrable success in serving as a major pursuit leader, developing pursuit drivers, and serving as a client service manager is required. The candidate should have connections to new markets and clients beyond ESA’s current portfolio. Also essential is that the candidate have not only an interest in, but also the passion and drive to develop clients and grow business and contract opportunities.
Strong financial acumen and demonstrated ability to ensure the successful financial performance of a group – The Business Group Director must have strong financial skills and have demonstrated experience delivering the successful financial performance of a business group or unit. As the Business Group Director will be responsible for ensuring the financial success of the Southern California Community Development group, this skill set is essential. Successful experience with overseeing and managing group operational performance, profitability, and growth is fundamental. Creative, supportive, and motivational approaches to ensuring financial success are embodied in this trait.
Application Instructions
How to Apply:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please visit the ESA Careers page at www.esassoc.com or follow the link below:
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=10607&clientkey=0A2A2B3498A92573DA13BE33E8BDD296
