Otak is seeking a strategic Business Unit Leader (BUL) to drive the growth and continued excellence of our Puget Sound-area Water and Natural Resources practice. 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 Redmond, WA or Everett, WA office.

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

Otak's WNR Team

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 a Washington and Oregon 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.

Please note that 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.

$134,000-$185,000 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 equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace. We value diverse perspectives and believe they drive innovation and success.

We are committed to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, where every individual is valued, included, and treated with dignity and respect. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. Our hiring, promotion, compensation, and employment practices are rooted in qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Our Vision for an Inclusive Workplace

We are committed to creating an environment where:

• Diverse identities are embraced, and differences are valued as a source of strength.
• Every employee feels safe to be their authentic self and contribute meaningfully.
• Unique perspectives are encouraged, and open dialogue is welcomed to foster innovation.
• Curiosity replaces judgment, and respectful engagement is prioritized in all interactions.
• Relationships are built on mutual trust, dignity, and respect, forming the foundation of our workplace culture.

We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including pregnant employees, to ensure an accessible and supportive work environment. If you require assistance or accommodations during the application process or in the workplace, please contact Otak’s People Services Department at GRPHumanResources@Otak.com.

Join us in shaping a more inclusive future!