Bridge Practice Lead / Manager
Location: Iowa Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Role
We are looking for a highly skilled Bridge Practice Lead / Manager to oversee and grow our bridge and structural engineering practice. This leadership role combines technical excellence with strategic vision—guiding complex infrastructure projects, managing client relationships, and mentoring a talented team of engineers. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future of our bridge practice and delivering projects that strengthen communities.
Key Responsibilities
Provide leadership and direction for the bridge and structural engineering team, fostering technical excellence and professional growth.
Lead the design and analysis of transportation structures including bridges, retaining walls, foundations, and box culverts.
Manage projects of varying size and complexity—from small drainage structures to large multi-span bridges—ensuring successful delivery on schedule and within budget.
Oversee preparation of design documents, reports, and specifications while maintaining compliance with AASHTO standards and client requirements.
Serve as the primary client liaison: attend meetings, present solutions, and strengthen long-term partnerships.
Collaborate with transportation, planning, and environmental teams on multi-disciplinary projects.
Drive practice development, including business development efforts, proposal preparation, and pursuit of new opportunities.
Support revenue growth by identifying and securing new clients, expanding services with existing clients, and contributing to strategic market initiatives.
Lead proposal development and presentations, positioning the firm for successful project wins.
Mentor, coach, and develop junior and mid-level engineers to support succession planning and team growth.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (Master’s preferred).
10+ years of bridge and structural engineering experience (5–15 considered with strong leadership skills).
Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Iowa.
Expertise in bridge, retaining wall, foundation, and culvert design.
In-depth knowledge of AASHTO standards and procedures.
Direct experience designing bridges in Iowa strongly preferred.
Demonstrated success in project management and client relations.
Proven ability to lead and inspire a team while balancing technical, client, and business responsibilities.
Track record of contributing to business development, market growth, or practice leadership.
Passion for delivering infrastructure solutions that improve communities.
What We Offer
Leadership role with influence over practice strategy and growth.
Professional and career development opportunities.
Tuition reimbursement program.
401(k) with employer match.
Profit-sharing and annual discretionary bonus plan.
Generous vacation program.
Competitive compensation package.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to send confidential resumes to melissa.rich@gogpac.com for consideration. Please feel free to contact Melissa Rich at 816.394.9449 with any questions.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
