Ports Group Lead (FL)

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we challenge today to reinvent tomorrow by designing and delivering world-class infrastructure solutions. As we continue expanding our Ports & Maritime practice in the Southeast, we are seeking a Ports Group Leader to drive technical excellence, client engagement, business development, and team leadership.

In this role, you will oversee a team of 10-15 engineers and technical professionals, managing the delivery of ports, maritime, and coastal infrastructure projects across the region. You will lead strategic growth initiatives, collaborating closely with clients to develop and deliver innovative solutions for port authorities, terminal operators, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and private sector entities.

As the key leader for Jacobs’ Ports & Maritime team in the Southeast, you will

People Leadership & Team Development

• Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and career development opportunities for staff.
• Foster a high-performance, collaborative team environment.
• Oversee resource planning and staffing to ensure successful project execution.
  
  
  

Business Development & Growth Strategy

• Lead strategic initiatives to expand Jacobs’ market share in the Southeast ports sector.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships with port authorities, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders.
• Lead proposal development, contract negotiations, and pursuit strategies for new projects.
  
  
  

Technical Leadership & Project Delivery

• Provide expertise in the design, engineering, and delivery of marine infrastructure, coastal resilience, and port facilities.
• Ensure the successful execution of projects, maintaining schedule, budget, and quality standards.
• Support multi-disciplinary teams on complex planning, design, and construction projects.
• Drive innovation and sustainability in port and maritime engineering solutions.
  
  
  

This is a hybrid role. Ideally, you will work from a local Florida Jacobs office on average 2 days per week. Travel for this role is less than 10% per year. This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Here's what you'll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, or Coastal Engineering
• Holds (or is eligible for) a Professional Engineer license in select states (i.e., Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, etc.) across the southeast preferable (or ability to obtain via reciprocity).
• Minimum 10 years of design, program delivery, and/or project experience in ports, maritime, or coastal infrastructure projects.
• Solid knowledge and application of industry codes and standards (e.g., ASCE, PIANC, UFC, AASHTO).
• Experience with project management, budgeting, and contract negotiation for large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams of engineers and technical staff.
• Track record of business development success, including client relationship management and winning new work.
• Strong inspirational leadership skills
• Demonstrated experience in coaching and mentoring
• Demonstrated aptitude, ability, and capacity to build a team
• Strong social, communication, planning, and organizational skills
• Ability to develop other front-line leaders as part of succession planning
  
  
  

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Master’s degree in Civil, Structural, or Coastal Engineering
• Experience working with key Southeast clients such as, Florida Ports Council, Port Authorities across Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, North and South Carolina, U.S. Navy, and the Army Corps of Engineers
• Background in coastal resilience, climate adaptation, or marine terminal operations.
• Strong communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
  
  
  

#PortsFL

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, one floating holiday, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $135,000.00 to $235,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on July 23, 2025. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.