GIS Senior Project Manager

About the role

A Senior GIS Project Manager - Seller/Doer is responsible for driving business growth, expanding client relationships, and leading the successful delivery of GIS projects. This role combines strategic business development with hands-on project leadership and operational oversight.

Responsibilities

• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities with utility, transportation, local government, and infrastructure clients
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships that result in repeat business and long-term partnerships
• Serve as a primary point of contact for key clients and strategic accounts
• Collaborate with senior leadership and market leads to develop sales strategies, capture plans, and market positioning initiatives
• Prepare and lead client presentations, proposals, interviews, and scope discussions
• Develop scopes of work, fee estimates, budgets, and staffing plans in support of pursuits and project execution
• Maintain an active pipeline of opportunities and support forecasting, sales tracking, and market intelligence efforts
• Represent the company at industry conferences, networking events, client meetings, and professional organizations
• Manage large and complex GIS projects from initiation through delivery while ensuring client satisfaction, schedule adherence, and financial performance
• Oversee project budgets, contracts, QA/QC processes, and resource allocation
• Establish work plans and staffing requirements for multiple concurrent projects
• Review financial performance, utilization, project productivity, and operational metrics to ensure successful project execution
• Participate in planning and implementation of procedures and systems to maximize operational efficiency and project delivery
• Oversee, mentor, and develop technical staff to support long-term growth of the GIS department
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, innovation, and client service

Requirements

The ideal candidate is a relationship-focused leader with a proven ability to identify opportunities, win work, grow market share, and deliver high-quality GIS solutions for utility, infrastructure, and public sector clients.

Qualifications

• Proven success in business development, client management, sales, and relationship building within GIS, utilities, engineering, or infrastructure markets
• Demonstrated ability to win work, grow accounts, and develop long-term client partnerships
• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and organizational skills
• Ability to lead strategic client discussions and develop tailored GIS solutions for client needs
• Experience managing large GIS projects, contracts, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams
• Strong understanding of GIS software, workflows, and enterprise GIS solutions
• Knowledge of utility systems, infrastructure, local government, or related markets preferred
• Ability to oversee, mentor, and motivate project teams
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to travel for client meetings, conferences, business development activities, and project support
• Computer proficiency and excellent written and verbal communication skills
• To manage multiple priorities and meet fixed deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• College degree in Geography, GIS, or related curriculum preferred, or equivalent relevant experience
• Minimum of 15 years progressive experience in GIS services, business development, or related consulting experience
• Minimum of 5 years of project management or staff leadership experience
• Existing industry relationships and a strong professional network preferred

Skills

Computer proficiency and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

Health and Wellness Benefits: BlueCross BlueShield health insurance coverage begins the month after your hire date, Free Vision + Dental plans for employees, company-paid premiums for Long-term disability/Life Insurance (with HSA + FSA plans), SAM Cares program focused on holistic well-being

Financial Benefits: Employee Referral Rewards Program of $1K, $2,500 or $5K, Fidelity retirement plans with a 5% company match, tuition reimbursement, optional cellphone stipend

Work-Life Balance: Paid time off including vacation/sick/holidays, parental leave to support families

Professional Development: Customized career development plan for licensing and certifications, Project Manager Business Academy, CAD Training Program, Individual Development Plans/Career Check-Ins, SAM WINS - our initiative for women-focused leadership and development, Milestone Anniversary Recognition, SAMbassador mentorship program

Perks and Discounts: Access to “Perks at Work” for discounts on wellness + travel + leisure and everyday purchases, company-sponsored events, free office snacks

Culture and Awards/Achievements: SAM Named 2026 Top Workplace USA for the fourth Year; 2026 SAM Ranks No. 92 on ENR Top 500 Design Firms

Pay

Salary Maximum USD $170,000.00/per year

Salary Minimum USD $120,000.00/per year

Schedule

Based onsite in our Phoenix, AZ office. Local candidates are preferred; however, relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.