Water Services Lead (50% Growth & 50 % Project Delivery)

Key details about the Role:  ROLE STRUCTURE  Approximately 50% Enterprise-wide strategic growth area leadership (market growth, client development, strategic initiatives) and 50% active local project delivery/project leadership responsibilities REPORTING TO Local Operations Leader (location dependent) and the Market Sector Vice President for Cities and Communities WORK LOCATIONS Any McElhanney office with preference given to proximity to water teams in Victoria, Vancouver/Surrey, Kelowna, Kamloops, Calgary or Edmonton   The Opportunity: At McElhanney, we care about each other, our clients, and our communities. With 110+ years of industry leadership delivered across our 31 offices across Western Canada, we are proud to be employee-owned and values-driven. We are seeking a visionary and strategic growth leader to advance our Water Services across Western Canada and beyond. Our Water Service Lead will shape and accelerate the growth of McElhanney’s Water Services through enterprise-wide leadership focused on market expansion, strategic client positioning, and coordination of internal resources and strategy. Responsibilities will include identifying and enabling strategic growth opportunities, strengthening key client relationships, elevating McElhanney’s market presence and technical bench strength, and championing innovation to expand our Water Services across Western Canada. Acting as a connector across regions, the role will align technical expertise with market opportunities to drive growth and consistent delivery.   Specifically, this leader will be responsible for growing the Water Services across a distributed team of water professionals delivering client solutions from source to discharge, including: drinking water supply and treatment, wastewater collection and treatment, stormwater management, water resource assessments, hydraulics and hydrology, hydrogeology, water governance and planning and advisory services.    As a senior ambassador for McElhanney’s Water Services, this role will position the firm as a trusted advisor, delivering sustainable, technically sound solutions aligned with Strategy 2030, while operating as a seller-doer across both strategic pursuits and project delivery.  The successful candidate will hold a dual role reporting jointly to the Market Sector Vice President, Cities & Communities, and the Local or Regional Leader of their home office location.  Initial estimates of the amount of time to be allocated to each area of focus is 50% on growth and 50% on project work, however, this is only an initial estimate and is subject to changing needs within the company and the strengths of the successful candidate.  These two focus areas are further described as: 1. Water Services Lead (Company-Wide): Provide strategic leadership for the growth of McElhanney’s Water Services across Western Canada and coordinate with various senior water leaders across the company. 2. Division Manager, Project Manager, or Senior Project Advisor (Local/Regional): The scope of this role will align with the needs of the local or regional team and may include leadership and accountability for team performance, including people leadership, project delivery, and financial outcomes (revenue, margin, backlog). Oversee resourcing and quality to ensure project delivery is aligned with client and operational goals. Build and develop team capability, foster an engaged and accountable culture, and support local business development and client relationship growth. As stated above, the position may be based out of any McElhanney office; however, preference will be given to candidates located adjacent existing water teams in one of the following offices: Victoria, Vancouver/Surrey, Kelowna, Kamloops, Calgary or Edmonton.  The successful applicant will need to have the flexibility to travel periodically to other McElhanney office locations as needed.   Deadline to apply: June 29th, 2026 11:59pm PT (same as the deadline displayed above in Eastern Time)   What You’ll Do: Strategic Leadership Lead the development and implementation of McElhanney’s Water Services Growth Strategy, under the direction of the Market Sector Vice President for Cities & Communities in alignment with Strategy 2030. Collaborate with Vice Presidents, Operational Leaders, Division Managers, and technical leaders to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery across all offices. Lead annual services planning, quarterly reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives in partnership with local leadership. Align and coordinate business development efforts across regions and offices to reduce redundancy, improve win efficiency, and identify cross‑market and cross‑discipline synergies. Ensure alignment of Water Services growth initiatives with McElhanney’s priority clients, strategic markets, and near‑ and long‑term opportunities, in collaboration with Market Sector and Regional Leadership. Position McElhanney as the “go-to” consultant for Water Services for clients and top talent in Western Canada. Client & Market Development Act as a senior advisor or additional point of contact to clients on complex and/or strategic water projects.  Identify and support strategic pursuits, partnerships, and key hires that advance the Water Services. Represent McElhanney at industry associations, conferences, and stakeholder forums to raise visibility and strengthen thought leadership. Cultivate and support long-term client relationships, ensuring trusted, proactive, and results-driven engagement. Work with the Market Sector Leaders to identify new opportunities for McElhanney Water Services. Technical & Project Excellence Provide senior technical guidance, and peer level review within water disciplines aligned with their expertise and skill set. Sponsor key projects and pursuits, mentoring project managers and technical staff to ensure positive outcomes. Champion the adoption of innovative methods, digital tools, and sustainability approaches to improve service delivery. Talent Development Attract strategic hires, coach senior water professionals across multiple offices to work with an enterprise mindset and develop our future water leaders Act as a Services -wide resource for knowledge sharing, access to training, and leadership development. Foster a culture of safety, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous learning across the water discipline. Liaise with Technical Service Groups to build discipline-specific organizational capacity by identifying development needs and supporting technical training programs. Services Integration & Advisory Role Act as a connector across the organization to integrate strategy, talent, and technical expertise in support of consistent growth and delivery across the Water Services. Act as a resource and advisor for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnership considerations where Water Services are a factor, providing input to due diligence, market positioning, and integration from a Water Services perspective. Serve as a resource to water‑related Technical Service Groups, supporting alignment of technical standards, service offerings, knowledge sharing, and capability development with market needs. Work closely with Market Sector Leadership and Regional / Operational Leadership to inform financial targets, forecasts, resource allocation, and performance metrics for the Water Services, without direct P&L ownership. What You’ll Bring: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a water resources or water related discipline. A relevant diploma combined with substantial experience may also be considered. Professional designation required (e.g., P.Eng., P.Geo., or equivalent credentials). Minimum 15 years of progressive water consulting experience, ideally in Western Canada, with a strong track record in strategic leadership, business development and client relationship management. Technical proficiency in one or more water disciplines (e.g. drinking water supply and treatment, wastewater collection and treatment, stormwater management, water resource assessments, hydraulics and hydrology, hydrogeology). Proven track record of growing and diversifying consulting services, leading strategic pursuits, and strengthening market presence. Strong business and financial acumen, with experience managing performance (revenue, margin, backlog) and translating strategy into results. Established credibility with clients, regulators, and industry partners, with the ability to influence and build long-term relationships. Demonstrated leadership of high-performing, often distributed teams, with a focus on coaching, capability building, and succession development. Excellent communication and executive presence, with the ability to align and influence stakeholders across the organization and externally.   What We Offer: The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $200,000 per annum along with the opportunity to participate in our generous Performance Bonus Plan and to become a shareholder in our proud employee-owned company. McElhanney offers fair compensation that is commensurate with the individual’s education, experience, skills, and professional qualifications. The posted base salary/wage range is representative of the required level of qualifications and experience for the position as noted in the job posting. The salary offered will be based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate. In addition to a competitive salary, we also offer: Flexible work hours to accommodate your lifestyle Great benefits, including extended health and dental coverage, healthcare spending account, and RRSP matching. Relocation assistance if applicable Maternity leave top-up and parental leave top-up Employee and Family assistance program, which offers 24/7 support for all employees and their families either online or over the phone Continuous support for your professional development and growth    Application Instructions:  Please include the following in your application:  An updated resume that is relevant to the position. A cover letter that includes: Your motivation for applying for this position, highlighting what specifically attracts you to the role. Explain how your unique blend of skills and experiences would enable you to make a significant impact in this role and at McElhanney. Tentative Hiring Timeline: (Note: The schedule is suggested, tentative and subject to change, as McElhanney will be reasonably flexible to accommodate what works best for the short-listed candidates and McElhanney. McElhanney’s priority is to find the right person and so we are willing to be flexible on the schedule to achieve this.) Application Deadline: June 29, 2026, 11:59pm PT   Screening Interviews:  July 6 - July 20, 2026 Final Interviews: July 27 – Aug 7, 2026  Start Date: September 2026 or later (flexible based on candidate transition)    This role is designated as a safety sensitive position.