Executive Search Firm for Hiring of Senior Division Manager

The City of Wichita, located in Sedgwick County, Kansas, is soliciting proposals from executive search firms to recruit a Senior Division Manager for the Water Pumping & Production division within the Public Works & Utilities Department through RFP No. 250329. The selected firm will be responsible for a comprehensive recruitment process, including advertising the position, sourcing and screening candidates, conducting background and reference checks, presenting a shortlist of at least three top candidates, and assisting with contract negotiations. The primary objective is to identify a leadership candidate who can oversee the planning, treatment, production, and pumping of potable water for over 400,000 residents, with a focus on transitioning to a new state-of-the-art water treatment facility capable of producing 120 million gallons per day. The proposal is due on December 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with an anticipated project award in January 2026. The contract term will be one year with potential renewal, and the city expects a 60-90 day evaluation period following proposal submission. Key evaluation criteria will likely include the firm's recruitment methodology, track record of successful executive placements in municipal water utility settings, and ability to identify candidates with strong infrastructure and technological adaptation skills.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The salary range for the Senior Division Manager position is $94,371 - $173,023, with additional relocation reimbursement of up to $10,000 based on the candidate's distance from Wichita. The contract appears to have potential for significant value, particularly considering the comprehensive executive search services required and the strategic importance of the water utility leadership role. The successful candidate will be expected to lead complex infrastructure development, potentially including the implementation of Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) technology. While no incumbent vendor is mentioned, the city is clearly preparing for a significant transition in its water utility management, seeking a highly qualified executive search firm that can support this critical recruitment process. The overall procurement suggests a total potential contract value that would cover comprehensive recruitment services, including advertising, candidate screening, background checks, and negotiation support.