Atlanta Water Operations Lead

Industry

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

We are excited to announce a career opportunity for which we are seeking expressions of interest from qualified candidates who wish to be considered for the Operations Leader (OL) role for the Water in the Atlanta Geography within the South Atlantic of the People & Places Solutions (PPS) Southeast Region. The Operations Leader role will be based in Atlanta.

As the Operations Leader for the Water , you will be responsible for leading the Atlanta water team and providing direct leadership to Group Leaders (GLs) and Managers of Projects (MoPs).

As OL, your critical partnerships will include the Functional Support Team, fellow Operations Leaders across the Southeast Region, Managers of Projects (MoPs), Client Account Managers (CAMs), Client Service Leaders (CSLs), Regional Solutions Leaders (RMSLs), and operational leadership across the business.

Business Metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The Operations Leader will be accountable for achieving key business and people metrics, including:

• Driving portfolio growth by leveraging staff capabilities within the Water and South Atlantic geography.
• Meeting annual net staff growth targets established by the geography and region.
• Maintaining annual voluntary turnover below 6% (rolling 12-month period).
• Achieving 100% annual e3 completion for aligned staff.
• Expanding Global Integrated Delivery (GID) engagement and achieving regional utilization targets.
• Supporting intern and graduate hiring programs.
• Supporting strong Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) performance across the team.
• Advancing inclusion, retention, career development, and succession planning objectives.

Roles and Responsibilities

Leadership and Talent Development

• Supervise and provide leadership to a aligned team of Group Leaders (GLs) and Managers of Projects (MOPs).
• Serve as representative of Jacobs in the place and with our clients
• Manage and coach GLs on leadership skills and capabilities while providing professional development and business acumen growth opportunities.
• Coach, develop, and mentor staff to deliver superior results both collectively and individually.
• Drive performance expectations and accountability related to quality and delivery excellence.
• Steward career development through skill development, growth opportunities, and succession planning.
• Manage staff performance and career development through the e3 process.
• Build and sustain a strong team culture aligned with goals and regional priorities.
• Conduct regular staff communications, including team meetings and one-on-one discussions.

Resource Management and Operations

• Optimize utilization of aligned resources and balance workloads across experience levels to support profitability, business forecasts, and career growth.
• Coordinate across the , geography, region, and global teams to optimize staffing and workload planning while creating opportunities for staff growth.
• Partner with the Director of Operations and other leaders to achieve business performance goals, including Gross Margin (GM) and General & Administrative (G&A) targets.
• Coordinate with GLs, PMs, and MoPs to maximize GID engagement across the portfolio.
• Support development and execution of a rolling three-year staffing and succession strategy.

Growth and Leadership

• Partner with Solutions Leaders, Growth Directors, CAMs, and other leaders to advance growth strategies and support strategic pursuits.
• Help develop staffing strategies for pursuits and proposals.
• Identify appropriate technical resources for projects and client opportunities.
• Support delivery of differentiated solutions to clients while creating growth and development opportunities for staff.
• Achieve annual staff growth and retention goals established by the South Atlantic and Southeast Region.

Recruiting and Inclusion

• Serve as the hiring manager for key positions as appropriate.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition (TA) and Human Resources (HR) to attract, hire, onboard, and retain top talent.
• Support TogetherBeyond objectives and inclusion initiatives.
• Foster a culture that reflects Jacobs' values and Culture of Caring.

Operational Excellence

• Promote operational discipline through consistent implementation of processes, procedures, and business practices.
• Collect, communicate, and escalate staff feedback and concerns to leadership as appropriate.
• Ensure alignment with organizational priorities and operational objectives.
• Promote BeyondZero, quality, safety, well being, and mental health initiatives to create an incident free workplace culture.
• Approve timesheets, leave requests, expense reports, and other administrative requirements for aligned staff.
• Coordinate and approve expenditures such as conferences, training, committee participation, and designated business expenses.

Here's what you'll need

• Demonstrated emotional intelligence with a proven ability to inspire, motivate, and build high performing teams.
• Strong leadership presence and team building capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to lead diverse and inclusive teams.
• Innovative, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Leadership and project delivery experience within the water .
• Ability to articulate a clear vision and direction for the organization.
• Strong networking and relationship building skills, both internally and externally.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of operational performance metrics.
• Proven track record of successful leadership within the business.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and retain top talent.
• Strong planning, organizational, and communication skills.
• Understanding of the relationships and responsibilities between Directors of Operations, Group Leaders, Managers of Projects, Client Account Managers, and Solutions Leaders.
• Ability to lead through inclusion, inspiration, accountability, and innovation.
• Experience supporting growth initiatives within the Atlanta and broader South Atlantic Water .

#LI-DL1

Posted Salary Range: Minimum

180,000.00

Posted Salary Range: Upper

275,000.00

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 $180,000.00 to $275,000.00. 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 February 27, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.

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