Transit Market Sector Leader

Transit Market Sector Leader—GFT GFT is seeking a Transit Market Sector Leader to join our Transit and Rail Team across several U.S. locations including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, and Salt Lake City. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance in the office.

Working with the public transit team at GFT means shaping the future of transportation by delivering projects that improve mobility, safety, and accessibility for millions of passengers nationwide.

What You'll Be Challenged To Do In this leadership role you will define and execute the strategic vision for GFT's Transit Market Sector—expanding our footprint in Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT), Arterial Rapid Transit (ART), Transit Centers, and emerging mobility technologies—while supporting collaboration across regions, clients, and disciplines.

Responsibilities Develop and execute a comprehensive market growth strategy for the Transit Sector aligned with GFT's annual and long-range business goals.

Identify and pursue strategic pursuits in key growth markets including Seattle, Northern and Southern California, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Mid-Atlantic and Canada.

Lead go / no-go decisions, win strategies, and teaming approaches for major pursuits.

Partner with marketing and operations leaders to ensure consistent messaging, branding, and market positioning.

Cultivate and maintain executive-level relationships with key agency and consultant partners.

Drive pipeline development through targeted outreach, networking, and industry involvement (APTA, Mpact, AREMA, etc.).

Support proposal development, interviews, and presentations for high-value pursuits.

Provide senior oversight and thought leadership for planning, NEPA, design, and systems integration efforts.

Mentor project managers in delivery excellence, quality assurance, and FTA compliance.

Contribute to the development of innovative tools, templates, and best practices for transit project delivery.

Serve as a subject-matter expert for multimodal corridor planning, design-build programs, and federal funding programs (Small Starts, CIG, etc.).

Collaborate with regional leadership to build and strengthen the Transit team, supporting hiring, mentoring, and professional development.

Promote an inclusive, innovative, and high-performance culture across GFT's national network.

Foster cross-sector collaboration with Rail, Systems, Planning, and Civil Infrastructure teams.

Education / Experience Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Urban Planning, Architecture, or related discipline (Master's preferred).

15+ years of experience in transit planning, design, or program management; consulting experience strongly preferred.

Proven record of business development and client relationship management within the U.S. transit industry.

Knowledge of FTA processes, NEPA, and capital project delivery (including design-build, CM / GC, and Small Starts).

Exceptional leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.

Professional Engineer (PE) or AICP certification preferred.

Compensation The salary range for this role is $250,000 – $350,000, depending on experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.

Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.

Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.

Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.

Tuition reimbursement for continued education.

Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.

Incentive compensation is offered for this role.

Company Overview At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life and measure our success by the strength of our relationships – making us the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

GFT : Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Location : Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, Salt Lake City (multiple locations)

Core Business Hours : 8 : 00 AM – 5 : 00 PM

Employment Status : Full-Time

Salary Range : $250,000 – $350,000 (dependent upon experience and geographic location)

GFT requires the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

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