Geographic Senior Director of Operations (GSDO) - South

Water 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 don’t settle – always looking beyond to raise the bar and deliver with excellence. We apply our expertise and knowledge as we look into the future with great optimism and focus. We don’t settle until we give our best and know that we’re making a difference.

Jacobs is looking for a Geographic Senior Director of Operations (GSDO)/East Region - South to lead our team in the South of the East Region . As the GSDO, you’ll be part of our Operations Management & Facilities Services (OMFS) group and provide leadership in the South of Eastern Region for multiple water and wastewater projects. Our Geographic Director of Operations (GDO's), Managers of Operations (GMO’s) and/or Area Managers (AM’s) within geography will report directly to this GSDO position. You'll be responsible, ultimately, for the safety of our projects and our people along with the profitable and sustainable financial performance, compliance programs, and contractual and technical management along with client management. Leading project teams, you’ll work with GDO's, GMO’s and/or AM’s to provide primary client relationships with client management either directly or as otherwise coordinated with the GDO's, GMO’s and/or AM’s and technical personnel and report regularly as to client confidence, satisfaction, and/or problems; review monthly contract service reports for each project site as needed, advise management as to project status, regulatory agency permit compliance and technical/plant management status; maintain established project cost levels to ensure profitability ratios and work to actively increase margins; and develop new work and/or expand existing work and report on all competitive contract services sales efforts, advise business development personnel of these efforts, and prepare reports and presentations as required. You'll lead and/or organize start-up efforts for new projects and actively engage in strategies for renewing existing contracts. You’ll also bring thorough knowledge of industry trends, lead recruiting, mentoring, development and retention of talent, including leading human resources regional succession planning, development and training of future leaders.

*The location for this position is open within the East Region with preference in the South.

*Candidate must live near a major airport.

*Travel requirements depend on location but targeted at approximately 50% or as required to manage the portfolio.

Bring your team-focus, adaptability, and commitment to excellence, and we’ll help you grow what drives you – and deliver the world’s most challenging Operations Management projects, together.

#omfs #ourjacobs #bia #challengeaccepted

Here's what you'll need

• Bachelor’s degree and Fifteen (15) plus years of proven water, wastewater and/or advanced water treatment experience; Or equivalent years of water, wastewater or advanced water treatment experience in lieu of degree

• Ten (10) plus years of experience in a leadership role with five (5) plus years preferably in a regional or senior leadership position

• Experience with industry contracting mechanisms and contract negotiation activities

• Ability to negotiate, plan, and organize work cooperatively with internal and 3rd party engineers

• Experience in project management for multiple locations with responsibility for technical support and financial accountability

• Ability to write and assist proposals, prepare and make presentations to clients, both present and future.

• Experience conducting due diligence project site visits in preparation for proposal or qualifications submittal

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite

• Profit and Loss financial experience is a must

• Ability to travel approximately 50% of the time, or as required

• Valid driver’s license with no major infractions

Ideally, You’ll Also Have

• Experience in starting up new projects/facilities

• Extensive knowledge of methods to reduce operating costs of a treatment plant through efficiency in energy consumption, chemical addition, staffing strategies and solids disposal

• Experience in developing options leading to the early renewals of existing contracts

• Strong leadership skills including the knowledge of personnel selection, mentoring, succession planning and development and training in all aspects of plant operations

• Previous successful experience providing staff leadership, communication, staff assignments, and developing staff capabilities and recruiting abilities

• Experience working with business development in pursuing new opportunities

• Excellent self-motivation, team-oriented work practices, and strong technical problem-solving skills

• Experience working with Unions and negotiating collective bargaining agreements

Working Conditions

Safety is a core value at Jacobs. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. This position will spend a substantial amount of time performing safety sensitive labor or services.

Posted Salary Range: Minimum

250,000.00

Posted Salary Range: Upper

280,000.00

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, 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 $250,000.00 to $280,000.00. 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 January 20, 2026. 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 .

Locations

City State Country
Atlanta	Georgia	United States