Program Director - National Water Programs (Kansas City)
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Before you apply
LocationUS-MO-Kansas City
Typefull-time
SeniorityDirector
Experience13+ yrs
Company size10,000+ people
First seenOct 18, 2026 · 3w ago
Verified live1d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Bachelor's degree in engineering, business or related degree from an accredited program and 13 years (15+ preferred) relevant consulting experience
13 years relevant consulting experience
Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) strongly preferred
Experience leading large, multifaceted teams
Demonstrated history of managing major capital programs ($500M+)
Expert experience in client and business development
Expert experience in managing projects, which includes proposal development, contract negotiations, project planning, design team coordination and communication, budgeting, schedule management, and client coordination
Expert facilitation, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated success as to budget, savings and/or profit margins in completed projects
Ability to thoughtfully and positively influence, lead and manage
Excellent planning and analytical skills
Must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills; and the ability to clearly and effectively present complex information
Expert knowledge of project management methodologies and tools including the use of Microsoft Project or equivalent
Direct experience with, and a deep understanding of, green infrastructure, advanced treatment processes, and digital water solutions (e.g., digital twins, sensor networks, data analytics, predictive modeling)
EEO/Disabled/Veterans - Equal Opportunity Employer
Skills
green infrastructure
advanced high-rate treatment systems
digital water frameworks
digital twins
sensor networks
data analytics
predictive modeling
Microsoft Project
Benefits
Employee ownership
About the role
Lead a New Generation of Water Infrastructure
Burns & McDonnell is seeking a visionary leader for multi-billion-dollar water programs that are redefining the future of urban water management. This is a career-defining opportunity to direct complex capital programs that serve as a national model for innovation, resilience, and operational efficiency.
For 125 years, our 100% employee-owned firm has pioneered solutions to the world’s most complex engineering challenges. We are now seeking a senior leader to guide a cornerstone program for our national water practice. This role is centered on the strategic integration of green infrastructure, the deployment of advanced high-rate treatment systems, and the implementation of a sophisticated digital water framework. We are looking for a leader to guide programs that serve as a national proving ground for the future of sustainable water infrastructure.
From our world headquarters in Kansas City, you will be empowered to set new industry standards and solidify your reputation as a national leader in advanced water solutions. This role is for a strategic builder who is driven to solve legacy challenges with next-generation technology.
Responsibilities
As Program Director, you will be responsible for the successful delivery and long-term vision of a landmark capital program, with a mandate to drive innovation. You will assume ultimate oversight for all facets of program execution—including capital planning, financial performance, and risk management—to deliver world-class results on time and on budget. You will be empowered to:
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Shape the Strategic Vision: Drive the long-term strategy for a multi-billion-dollar program, ensuring it leads the industry in sustainability, technological advancement, and efficiency.
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Pioneer Advanced Solutions: Champion the integration of a multi-faceted technology portfolio, from nature-based green infrastructure to advanced high-rate treatment and predictive digital water platforms to enhance system-wide resilience and optimize operations.
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Lead and Inspire High-Performing Teams: Provide senior leadership to a large, multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and technical excellence in these advanced practice areas.
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Command Key Stakeholder Relationships: Serve as the principal liaison with clients and regulatory agencies, articulating a clear vision for how technology can meet and exceed compliance goals while delivering greater community value.
Requirements
We are seeking a leader with a proven track record of delivering large-scale capital programs and a demonstrated passion for leveraging technology to redefine what’s possible in the water sector. The ideal candidate is:
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A Technology Visionary: You have direct experience with, and a deep understanding of, green infrastructure, advanced treatment processes, and digital water solutions (e.g., digital twins, sensor networks, data analytics, predictive modeling).
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A Proven Program Leader: You have successfully delivered complex, multi-year infrastructure programs and are known for your strategic and financial acumen.
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An Exceptional Communicator: You can command a room and articulate a compelling vision for how innovative technologies drive both compliance and long-term asset value.
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A Natural Leader: You inspire confidence and are skilled at developing talent, empowering teams, and driving a culture of forward-thinking innovation.
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Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business or related degree from an accredited program and 13 years (15+ preferred) relevant consulting experience, preferably in the engineering or construction industry or project management required.
•
Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) strongly preferred.
•
Experience leading large, multifaceted teams strongly preferred.
•
Demonstrated history of managing major capital programs ($500M+), preferably within the water, wastewater, or wet-weather sectors strongly preferred.
•
Expert experience in client and business development.
•
Expert experience in managing projects, which includes proposal development, contract negotiations, project planning, design team coordination and communication, budgeting, schedule management, and client coordination.
•
Expert facilitation, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills.
•
Demonstrated success as to budget, savings and/or profit margins in completed projects.
•
Ability to thoughtfully and positively influence, lead and manage.
•
Excellent planning and analytical skills.
•
Must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills; and the ability to clearly and effectively present complex information to all levels of employees, management, and clients.
•
Expert knowledge of project management methodologies and tools including the use of Microsoft Project or equivalent.
Legal
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
About the company
Burns & McDonnell is making the world a better place every day. When we take on some of the world’s toughest challenges, we’re putting the industry’s best thinking to work, striving to create amazing success for our clients and amazing careers for our employee-owners. Our staff of more than 7,000 engineers, architects, construction professionals, scientists, consultants and business professionals is constantly growing.
We have offices and projects across the U.S. and around the globe. We are proud to rank among FORTUNE magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. Our culture, powered by 100% employee ownership, plays a major role in getting us there. Each employee brings a high level of commitment to every project. Clients have shown their appreciation of this dedication, rewarding us with a 90% repeat business rate and decades-long partnerships. That’s pretty cool for a firm that started as a small engineering consulting shop back in 1898.
At Burns & McDonnell, you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference while fulfilling your personal and professional ambitions. Our entrepreneurial culture lets you guide your destiny and shape the path your career travels. And with hundreds of service specialties, your career and development options are endless.
Are you ready to create amazing?
Burns & McDonnell is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans
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