Regional Wastewater Lead - Midwest

Arcadis • Chicago, IL

5d • $95,000 - $161,000

About The Position

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together. Role Description: We are seeking a dynamic, results-driven Regional Wastewater Lead to lead the strategic direction, drive growth, and deliver our wastewater business across the Midwest with a direct focus on Illinois. This individual will be responsible for driving business development, guiding regional strategies, delivering complex projects, and mentoring a high-performing team of engineers, scientists, and consultants. As a technical leader in the organization, you will work closely with national practice leaders and regional leadership, market sector leads, and client account managers to shape the future of wastewater services in the Midwest, particularly with municipal and utility clients navigating evolving regulatory, climate, and infrastructure challenges. Success in this role will be measured by sustained, profitable growth, diversified services tailored to client needs, strengthening our position with existing clients and markets, expanding into new markets and with new clients, delivering exceptional client experiences, and fostering coordination, career growth, and operational excellence for our team. What Sets You Apart? You’re a recognized leader in the wastewater industry, actively engaged in professional organizations like IWEA, WEF, WateReuse Illinois, and IWA. You bring deep experience partnering with large cities, water districts, and regional agencies to deliver impactful solutions. Your ability to communicate with clarity and confidence—whether presenting to clients, stakeholders, or internal teams—sets you apart. Above all, you’re driven by a passion for sustainability, innovation, and mentoring the next generation of water professionals.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering or a related field
• 12 years of progressive experience in the wastewater industry, with consulting and business development experience
• Travel (up to 30%) is anticipated across the Midwest, with occasional national travel. Travel will be conducted for client and project meetings, engagement with staff, general planning purposes, and attendance at conferences and other industry-related events.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Illinois (or ability to obtain within 12 months)
• Demonstrated success in leading teams, managing key client accounts, and delivering large-scale projects.
• Deep knowledge of the Midwest’s regulatory landscape, funding programs, and municipal utility market.
• Proven track record of business development and strategic growth.

Responsibilities

• Provide Strategic Direction: Lead the vision and growth strategy for the Midwest Wastewater Practice in collaboration with the National Wastewater Practice Leads and identify opportunities in wastewater process optimization and selection, biosolids, water reuse, PFAS, decarbonization, and digital solutions.
• Drive Business Development: Work closely with Area Managers and Account Leaders across the Midwest to develop an engagement strategy for our clients. Cultivate client relationships, identify and lead major pursuits, and represent the firm in key industry forums and conferences.
• Professional Association Participation: Be an active member of state and local professional associations to enhance the Arcadis brand and expand our client network. Participate in technical committees, as practical.
• Ensure Project Excellence: Oversee complex project delivery from planning through construction, serving as a senior technical advisor and ensuring quality, risk, and financial performance.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Partner with cross-functional leaders to deliver integrated, innovative solutions that address Illinois' evolving wastewater infrastructure needs.
• Develop and Inspire Talent: Mentor and grow skilled wastewater professionals within the region, support recruitment efforts, and champion a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and professional growth.
• Drive Technical Thought Leadership: Engage with national practice leadership on research, innovation, and emerging wastewater process technologies, including process intensification, densification, low DO processes, optimization, modeling, and advanced treatment concepts, with the potential to shape future regional and national practice direction.

Benefits

• Arcadis offers benefits for full-time and part-time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP, 401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance, and tuition reimbursement.
• We offer nine paid holidays and 20 days of PTO that accrue per year.
• The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $161,000. Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project, and location.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees