Client Relationship Manager

We are seeking a dynamic and relationship-driven Client Relationship Manager to lead the growth of our Transportation practice across New Mexico. This role will focus on developing strategic client partnerships, identifying and pursuing transportation opportunities, collaborating with technical teams, and supporting the successful delivery of projects for state, county, municipal, and tribal clients.

The ideal candidate combines strong business development skills with a deep understanding of transportation infrastructure, public agency operations, and the New Mexico transportation market.

Position Summary

The Client Relationship Manager serves as a key representative of KLJ within the New Mexico transportation market. This individual will develop and maintain client relationships, identify strategic growth opportunities, coordinate pursuit efforts, and partner with project teams to deliver exceptional client experiences.

Success in this role will be measured through client satisfaction, market growth, project wins, and the strength of relationships developed throughout the transportation industry.

Essential Responsibilities

Client Development & Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain trusted relationships with transportation clients throughout New Mexico.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for strategic transportation accounts.
• Understand client objectives, funding opportunities, and transportation priorities to identify opportunities for KLJ services.
• Develop and implement account strategies that strengthen client engagement and drive long-term growth.
• Represent KLJ at industry meetings, conferences, and community events.

Business Development

• Identify, qualify, and pursue transportation opportunities with agencies such as NMDOT, counties, municipalities, MPOs, tribal governments, and related organizations.
• Lead and support proposal development, interviews, and contract negotiations.
• Collaborate with transportation leadership to develop market growth strategies and annual business plans.
• Cross-sell KLJ's multidisciplinary services, including planning, surveying, environmental, construction administration, and engineering solutions.
• Track and manage opportunities within KLJ's CRM system.

Project & Client Success

• Partner with project managers and technical teams to ensure successful project execution and exceptional client service.
• Monitor project progress and client satisfaction throughout project lifecycles.
• Participate in scope development, staffing discussions, and project delivery strategies.
• Help resolve client concerns and support proactive communication.

Market Leadership

• Stay informed of transportation funding programs, market trends, and legislative developments impacting infrastructure investments in New Mexico.
• Build and maintain industry relationships with agency leaders, community stakeholders, and teaming partners.
• Support strategic positioning for major transportation pursuits.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Planning, Business, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in transportation consulting, infrastructure development, project management, or business development.
• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining client relationships.
• Proven ability to identify and pursue business opportunities resulting in project awards.
• Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to travel throughout New Mexico to meet with clients and support business development activities.

Preferred

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Existing relationships with NMDOT, municipalities, counties, MPOs, tribal governments, or transportation stakeholders throughout New Mexico.
• Experience working on transportation planning, roadway, highway, bridge, traffic, or multimodal transportation projects.
• Active involvement in professional organizations such as ACEC, WTS, APWA, ASCE, ITE, or similar associations.

What You'll Bring

• A passion for building relationships and creating opportunities.
• Strategic thinking with a growth-oriented mindset.
• A collaborative leadership style that brings teams together.
• Strong business acumen and market awareness.
• Commitment to delivering an exceptional client experience.

Why KLJ?

• Employee-owned company (ESOP)
• Hybrid and flexible work options
• Competitive compensation and bonus opportunities
• Professional development and leadership growth
• Opportunity to shape the future of transportation infrastructure throughout New Mexico
• A culture built on collaboration, innovation, and ownership

The employee is regularly required to:

Sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, twist, crouch, and crawl Use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms Talk or hear and communicate clearly

The employee must:

• Be able to occasionally walk on uneven terrain up to two miles per day
• Frequently lift and move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds and infrequently up to 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Hours and Travel:

This position requires the individual work 40 hours per week with 70% of time spent in the office and 30% out of the office.

At KLJ, we have a vested interest in the personal, financial, and professional goals of our employees. The salary for this position is expected to range between $95,000 - $135,000. Factors that may be used to determine actual salary include education (or applicable experience), training, job location, competencies relevant to the role, and internal equity. We offer a competitive full suite benefit package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, performance bonus, 401k, employee stock ownership program and a flexible work environment that gives you options to support excelling both professionally and personally. The options available for the current year are described at www.kljeng.com/careers/benefits.

This job description is not meant to be all-inclusive or restrictive and other duties may be assigned. It is a description of the job as presently defined and is subject at any time to revision. This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities, as needed.

All applicants must be authorized to work in the US, without employer-sponsorship. KLJ does not offer employment based VISAS.

KLJ will not be partnering with third-party recruiters on this position. Please review our third-party recruiting policy at www.kljeng.com/careers.