Los Angeles Transportation Planning Lead

APA Los Angeles provides this job bank as a free service. Please submit your job posting to . Submissions are subject to review for relevance to the planning community and will be published upon approval.After you submit your job posting through the above form, consider browsing the APA Los Angeles for potential hires. The resume book allows job-seeking planners to showcase their work histories and professional skills to prospective employers. If you would like to request access to the resume book, please contact . Los Angeles Transportation Planning Lead CR Associates (CRA) / Los Angeles, CA Posted on: September 5, 2025 Application Deadline: Open until filled Job Description CRA is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the Los Angeles TransportationPlanning Lead. This individual will be responsible for growing the firm’s Los Angeles planning practice, deepening client relationships, mentoring staff, and ensuring the successful delivery of projects. As a steward of CRA’s brand, this role will embody our values of innovation, integrity, community, and quality of service while advancing CRA’s reputation as a leader in transportation planning and design, safety, and complete streets solutions. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Office Leadership ▪ Provide strategic oversight and management of CRA’s Los Angeles office operations. ▪ Serve as the representative of CRA in Los Angeles, ensuring visibility, credibility, and trust among clients and partners. ▪ Align the LA office’s work with CRA’s overall vision, mission, and corporate values. ▪ Manage office resources and staffing levels to support sustainable growth. Client Development & Market Leadership ▪ Actively engage with public agencies and teaming partners to strengthen relationships and identify new opportunities ▪ Lead pursuits, proposals, and interviews for Los Angeles-area planning projects. ▪ Represent CRA at professional events, conferences, and industry forums. ▪ Possess a strong understanding of Metro’s priorities as well as those of local governments in the region, including City of Los Angeles. ▪ Serve as a strong collaborator who connects offices and disciplines to showcase CRA’s full range of services, strengthen proposals, and expand market opportunities. Staff Development & Mentorship ▪ Oversee and mentor LA-based planning staff, providing guidance, performance feedback, and growth opportunities. ▪ Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment. ▪ Work with CRA leadership to recruit and retain top planning talent in the region. Project Management & Delivery ▪ Lead and oversee a diverse range of transportation projects, such as active transportation plans, mobility elements, corridor plans, first/last mile plans, transit studies, transportation impact studies, safety studies, safe routes to school plans, urban design projects, and other planning and engineering efforts. ▪ Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. ▪ Collaborate with internal teams across offices and disciplines to leverage CRA’s expertise and resources. ▪ Maintain compliance with client, grant, and regulatory requirements. Required Experience / Skills / Education QUALIFICATIONS ▪ Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, or related field ▪ AICP / PTP certification or PE / TE license is highly desirable ▪ 15+ years of experience delivering multimodal transportation planning projects, such asactive transportation plans, transit plans, mobility/circulation elements, corridor studies, safe routes to school plans, and/or safety studies ▪ 10+ years of project management experience ▪ Proven track record of securing and delivering planning projects for public agencies in Southern California ▪ Strong relationships with Los Angeles-area cities, agencies (, Metro, Caltrans, SCAG, COGs), and community-based organizations ▪ Exceptional leadership in the development of proposals, assisting marketing coordinatorson quality content, and achieving quality deliveries on time ▪ Strong understanding of project processes and management of mid to large size projects, multi-discipline teams, and able to perform technical tasks ▪ Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills ▪ Sound written and verbal communication skills; comfortable with public speaking; able to lead and attend public meetings ▪ Strong initiative and ability to work independently ▪ Ability and willingness to travel as needed ▪ Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite ▪ Valid driver’s license PERFORMANCE METRICS Success in this role will be measured by: ▪ Growth in Los Angeles-area revenue and market share. ▪ Strength and depth of client and partner relationships. ▪ Retention, development, and growth of LA Planning staff. ▪ On-time, on-budget delivery of high-quality projects. ▪ Visibility and leadership in the Los Angeles planning and transportation community. WORK ENVIRONMENT & COMPENSATION CR Associates offers a flexible, hybrid work environment that balances remote work with in-office collaboration. Regular in-office days are required to support our strong, team-oriented culture. We also offer an optional 9/80 schedule, providing additional flexibility. At CRA, we take pride in fostering a culture of learning, collaboration, and innovation as we work together to deliver high-quality projects that transform communities. The annual compensation for this position will be commensurate with qualifications and years of experience, with an anticipated range of $175,000 – $215,000. In addition, CRA provides a highly competitive bonus program with strong earning potential. BENEFITS We are committed to supporting the well-being and professional growth of our employees. CRA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including: ▪ Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance: CRA contributes 70% of the medical premium for employees and their dependents. Eligibility begins on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. ▪ Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Available to employees beginning the first day of the month after 30 days of employment. ▪ Safe Harbor 401(k) Retirement Plan: CRA provides a 100% employer match on contributions up to 6% of an employee’s salary. Employees are eligible after 12 months and 1,000 hours of service. Employer contributions are fully vested immediately. ▪ Paid Time Off (PTO): Four (4) weeks annually. ▪ Paid Holidays: Eight (8) holidays per year. ▪ Professional Development: Reimbursement for training, certifications, and continuing education. ▪ Research & Innovation: Opportunities to participate in CRA’s Research and Development group. ▪ Ownership Potential: Pathways for employees to participate in CRA’s ownership structure. *CRA is a growing firm, and we regularly review our policies and benefits to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations while remaining competitive within our industry. Application Instructions Please emailed application to Monique Chen: