Principal Consultant / Associate Vice President - Transportation Planning

About Steer

At Steer North America, our vision is a world where the critical services and infrastructure that moves our communities works better for all of us. Our mission is to be the leading consultancy shaping the future of how people live, work, and connect. We are driven by a passion for creating positive impact through our expertise in critical services and infrastructure. We strive to unlock the potential of our clients and their organizations to help people, places, and economies thrive. For a world in motion, complex challenges deserve powerful solutions, global intelligence and local partnership, technical expertise and independent advice. If you are a consultant who is energized by making a difference in your community and across North America, consider joining the Steer team!

Interested in learning more about the work we do? Detailed information about our projects is available on our website Steer | Helping people, places and economies thrive (steergroup.com)

Job Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and driven California-based senior Project Manager with a focus on strategic transportation planning and analysis to join our growing North American planning team. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in project direction, proactive business development, and the management of multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality client solutions. You will play a key role in shaping the future of mobility through innovative and data-driven projects for our growing priority public sector clients in California, including SCAG, LA Metro, SANDAG, LADOT, Caltrans, SACOG, MTC, Metrolink, BART, and more.  The level of hire will depend on the candidate we select; we are considering mid-career and early leadership candidates.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, development, and delivery of strategic transportation projects for California clients, including state and regional plans and policies, equity studies, multimodal corridor studies, programming and prioritization projects, transit and rail plans, tolling programs, new mobility and mobility hub strategies, and/or strategic plans for key public sector clients.
• Oversee work conducted by multidisciplinary project teams to ensure alignment with scope, budget, and quality expectations.
• Manage junior staff and mentor early-career professionals to support their technical and professional growth.
• Coordinate and collaborate effectively with internal teams, clients, and stakeholders.
• Support the production and delivery of competitive, high-quality proposals and bids.
• Foster strong partnerships with clients and teaming partners to develop a pipeline of future opportunities and position for high-priority project wins in collaboration with colleagues.
• Stay informed of industry trends, innovative practices, and emerging technologies to keep our work cutting edge.
• Work both autonomously and collaboratively in a fast-paced, client-oriented environment.

Requirements

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of state, regional, and local planning agencies, transportation policies, evaluation techniques, geospatial analysis, data management and analytics, stakeholder dynamics, and strategic communications.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience with travel market analysis, GIS and spatial analysis, evaluation techniques, and modeling tools and methods.
• Experience crafting project budgets, identifying and mitigating risks, tracking finances, managing subconsultants, and directing project and team resources effectively.

Soft Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and lead teams.
• Highly organized with a keen attention to detail and strong time-management skills.
• Enjoys collaborative problem-solving and thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Civil Engineering, Economics, or a related field.
• Post-graduate qualification preferred.
• 8-12 years of relevant professional experience for a Principal Consultant; 12 – 18 years for AVP
• Proven track record managing technical deliverables and meeting client expectations.
• Experience leading proactive business development initiatives.
• Experience developing successful proposals and managing project budgets.

Working Environment

• Steer has a hybrid working environment; individuals are expected to maintain face to face time with their teams and with local colleagues. Steer provides a high degree of flexibility for personal schedules so long as your responsibilities are managed.
• May require extended screen time and the ability to sit or stand throughout the workday.

Benefits

For our US applicants, we offer a competitive package of benefits including private medical, dental, and vision insurance, commuter benefits, a group Share Incentive Plan, a 3% 401k contribution and a discretionary yearly bonus based on annual compensation (dependent upon individual and company performance).

Additionally, we offer up to 44 paid days off - 20 vacation days, 9 public holidays, 3 floating days, 10 sick days, and 2 volunteering days, as well as 12 weeks of parental leave in addition to state-mandated leave.

Salary will depend on level of experience and location.  For Principal Consultants in California, we typically hire in a salary range of $95000 – 125,000; for AVP roles we typically hire in a range of $135,000 – 190,000. 

Our recruitment evaluation processes are designed around merit and capability. We don’t select people on the prestige of their educational establishments or other background information. Our interviewers are trained in how to manage selection processes fairly and without bias, and to conduct processes which do not selectively appeal more to one or more demographic to the detriment of any others.  If you are missing a few pieces of the criteria on the list but passionate about transportation, please consider applying.

Steer is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all candidates with any legally protected status. Steer will provide accommodation, now or throughout your employment, if needed.

In our commitment to inclusivity in the workplace, Steer has welcomed the creation of various Employee Resource Groups, dedicated to ensuring the support, progression, and well-being of all employees. For more information, check out our social responsibility page Our social responsibility | Steer (steergroup.com).

Part-time applications will not be considered for this role.