Client Sector Leader - Sports Field Engineering

Client Sector Leader - Sports Field Engineering CEI Engineering Associates Inc. United States, Arkansas, Bentonville 3108 Southwest Regency Parkway (Show on map) May 12, 2026 CLIENT

SECTOR LEADER

(CSL) - SPORTS

FIELD ENGINEERING

Position Summary CEI Engineering is seeking a strategic and client-focused Client Service Leader (CSL) to lead and expand our national Sports Field Engineering practice. This role is responsible for driving business growth, strengthening client relationships, and positioning CEI as a premier partner for sports field and athletic facility development across the country. The CSL will serve as both a strategic leader and trusted advisor to clients, overseeing market expansion, business development, project collaboration, and long-term account management. This individual will work closely with CEI's engineering, landscape architecture, planning, and construction administration teams to deliver innovative, high-quality sports field and athletic facility solutions. The ideal candidate combines strong technical understanding of civil/site engineering with exceptional relationship management, leadership, and growth-oriented business development skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Market Growth Lead the national growth strategy for CEI's Sports Field Engineering practice. Identify and pursue new business opportunities in K-12, collegiate, municipal, professional, and private athletic markets. Develop and execute strategic plans to expand CEI's presence in sports facility engineering nationwide. Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, funding opportunities, and market demands related to sports complexes and athletic facilities. Collaborate with executive leadership to establish revenue goals, market priorities, and growth initiatives. Client Development & Relationship Management Serve as the primary relationship manager for key sports facility clients and strategic accounts. Build and maintain long-term partnerships with owners, architects, athletic directors, developers, municipalities, and contractors. Lead client engagement efforts from pursuit through project delivery. Conduct regular client meetings and business development travel nationwide. Identify opportunities for repeat work and cross-selling CEI services across multiple disciplines. Business Development Lead proposal strategy, presentations, interviews, and contract negotiations for sports field and athletic facility projects. Develop teaming relationships with architects, sports consultants, and industry partners. Represent CEI at national conferences, industry organizations, and networking events. Maintain a strong pipeline of opportunities and actively manage project pursuits through CRM systems and forecasting tools. Project Collaboration & Delivery Support Collaborate with internal engineering and design teams to ensure successful project execution and client satisfaction. Provide strategic guidance during planning, design, and construction phases of athletic facility projects. Support project managers with scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and client communication. Ensure projects align with CEI quality standards, profitability goals, and client expectations. Leadership & Team Development Mentor and support engineering and business development staff within the sports field practice. Foster collaboration across CEI offices and disciplines. Help recruit and retain top talent to support national practice growth. Promote a culture of innovation, responsiveness, and client service excellence.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field required. Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred. 10+ years of experience in civil engineering, sports facility development, or related market sectors. Demonstrated success in business development and client relationship management. Strong understanding of sports field infrastructure, grading, drainage, utilities, site development, and athletic facility design. Proven experience leading strategic growth initiatives and managing key accounts. Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. Ability to travel nationally as needed.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Experience with synthetic turf and natural grass athletic facilities. Existing relationships within sports, recreation, municipal, education, or athletic development markets. Participation in industry organizations related to sports construction or athletic facilities. Multi-office or national practice leadership experience.

WHY CEI ENGINEERING CEI

Engineering offers the opportunity to shape nationally recognized sports and athletic facility projects while working within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. This role provides a platform to lead strategic growth, build lasting client partnerships, and contribute to impactful projects across the country.