If you’d like, I can also prepare a high-visibility SEO version optimized for terms lCDM Smith, a global leader in water, wastewater, and environmental infrastructure solutions, is seeking an experienced Client Service Leader to lead client engagement and business development efforts for municipal clients in southern Ontario. With over 75 years of delivering innovative water and wastewater solutions across North America, CDM Smith is committed to expanding its presence in the Ontario market. This role offers a unique opportunity to serve as a local leader while implementing the firm’s long-term investment strategy in the region.
About the Company – Part 1
CDM Smith is an employee-owned engineering and construction firm recognized for its expertise in water, wastewater, environmental, transportation, and energy projects. The company delivers high-quality solutions that balance technical excellence, environmental stewardship, and economic responsibility.
About the Company – Part 2
With a strong reputation for innovation and client service, CDM Smith has partnered with municipalities, utilities, and agencies to deliver some of the largest water and wastewater infrastructure projects in North America. The Ontario office is poised for growth, making this a strategic and high-impact position for the right candidate.
Job Summary – Part 1
The Client Service Leader will be responsible for driving business development and client engagement strategies across the Ontario municipal water and wastewater market. This position involves building and maintaining strong client relationships, developing pursuit plans, managing proposals, and ensuring the successful delivery of projects within a client portfolio.
Job Summary – Part 2
In addition to client-facing responsibilities, the Client Service Leader will manage financial performance for assigned projects, lead proposal and presentation efforts, mentor team members, and collaborate with internal business units to align local strategies with company-wide objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute client engagement strategies and pursuit plans for new water, wastewater, and environmental business opportunities in Ontario.
- Align local business development activities with CDM Smith’s national and global strategies.
- Manage overall financial performance for projects within assigned client portfolios.
- Act as a visible advocate for CDM Smith through active participation in professional and industry organizations.
- Lead client and project teams to meet client needs and project requirements.
- Manage proposals, including technical approaches and presentation delivery.
- Implement CDM Smith’s Sales Delivery Process and utilize sales tools proactively.
- Negotiate with clients, teaming partners, and subconsultants on critical project issues.
- Provide technical leadership or act as a senior lead on projects, meeting billable hour targets.
- Manage business development budgets and monitor related costs.
- Support recruiting and hiring efforts for local office staff.
- Coordinate with other area client service leaders and business units to achieve objectives.
- Follow standardized business practices and complete company training to meet certification requirements within six months of onboarding.
- Uphold CDM Smith’s Core Values.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering (or related discipline).
- Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- Minimum of 15 years of related experience.
- Proven track record in winning and managing municipal water/wastewater projects.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Exceptional listening and communication abilities.
- Willingness to travel domestically (approx. 5%).
Preferred Qualifications
- 15 years of post-degree experience with municipal water or wastewater projects.
- Established client relationships in the Ontario water market.
- Experience managing high-value infrastructure projects in the greater Ontario region.
Work Environment & Culture
CDM Smith fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and innovation-driven work culture. As an employee-owned firm, it encourages leadership, accountability, and professional growth. Team members have the opportunity to work alongside top industry professionals and contribute to impactful, community-serving infrastructure projects.
Salary & Benefits
- Competitive salary range: $142,667 – $249,683.
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- Employee ownership program.
Job Type & Contract Details
- Category: Fulltime-Regular.
- Business Unit: NAU.
- Group: HQG.
- Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada at the time of hire (no visa sponsorship available).
Additional Requirements
- Background check (criminal, employment, education, licensure, credit, motor vehicle as applicable).
- Drug testing may be required for designated positions.
- Compliance with CDM Smith’s ethical and professional standards.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply directly via CDM Smith’s careers portal. Ensure your application demonstrates your leadership experience, water/wastewater market expertise, and client relationship management skills.
Why Join CDM Smith?
Joining CDM Smith means becoming part of a respected, employee-owned firm with a rich legacy in municipal water infrastructure. This role offers the chance to lead business growth in Ontario, shape client strategies, and contribute to projects that have lasting community impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the travel requirement?
Approximately 5%, depending on project needs.
2. Is municipal water/wastewater experience required?
Yes, it is strongly preferred.
3. Will this role involve project management?
Yes, the Client Service Leader will oversee project delivery and client satisfaction.
4. Can candidates outside Ontario apply?
Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada and familiar with the Ontario market.
5. What is the salary range?
$142,667 – $249,683.
6. Is visa sponsorship available?
No, applicants must already have legal work authorization in Canada.
7. Are industry networking activities part of the job?
Yes, active participation in professional and industry organizations is expected.
8. Is technical expertise important?
Yes, the role requires both business development and technical leadership skills.
9. What certifications are required?
Completion of CDM Smith’s training program and role-specific certifications within six months of onboarding.
