Principal Water Resources Project Manager

At Mott MacDonald, we trust our brilliant people to do brilliant things in engineering, management, and development services, supporting multisector project work in over 150 countries. As one of the largest employee-owned companies in the world, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional outcomes through our network of 20,000+ talented consultants. With sustainability and innovation at the heart of our sectors in North America—including Buildings, Energy, Transportation, and Water—we empower our people to excel, learn, and grow, offering diverse opportunities to contribute to career-defining work.

About the role

To support our continued growth in the Cincinnati region and build on our strong foundation of successful water projects, we are seeking a Principal Water Resources Project Manager to join our Water team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced seller-doer who thrives at the intersection of technical excellence, project leadership, and client development. You’ll lead high-impact projects, strengthen client partnerships, and help shape the next generation of technical talent while making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex water resources projects involving hydrology; open channel and river hydraulics (1D/2D); drainage and surface water management; erosion and sediment control; watershed planning; and flood risk and climate resilience
• Serve as Project Manager on large, multidisciplinary assignments and Project Principal on smaller projects, ensuring quality, safety, and client satisfaction
• Act as a Seller/Doer, identifying and pursuing project opportunities across the water market, particularly in the Ohio Valley and Kentucky region
• Manage the preparation of engineering designs, plans, specifications, feasibility assessments, technical reports, and rehabilitation strategies for both new and existing infrastructure, typically working with water infrastructure/systems such as:
  • Rainfall and precipitation patterns
  • Reservoirs and water storage systems
  • Stormwater runoff and drainage networks
  • Groundwater systems including aquifers and wells
  • River and stream flows
• Provide support during construction, including engineering services, design clarification, and site involvement
• Lead or support proposal development, including win strategies, scope definition, scheduling, and fee development
• Nurture long-term client relationships and drive sustainable growth aligned with Mott MacDonald’s strategic goals
• Expand our presence with regional municipalities, utilities, public-sector clients, and private owners throughout the greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, environmental, and planning to promote teamwork, continuous learning, and collaboration across local and regional offices

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil, environmental, or mechanical engineering (Master’s in water resources, hydrology, or related field preferred)
• 15+ years of progressive water resources engineering experience, leading planning, design, delivery, and construction management of water infrastructure projects
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in the state of Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Kentucky required, with ability to quickly obtain PE for either state not currently held
• Proven experience as a seller-doer, including project management and business development
• Experience with asset management processes is a plus but not required
• Experience with watershed management or water quality modeling is beneficial
• Strong analytical skills, sound engineering judgement, and outstanding attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients and internal teams
• Ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative, team-focused environment
• Familiarity with regional utilities and public-sector clients is a plus, but not required

Benefits

• Employee ownership with personal and group performance bonuses
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • 401k
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Short-term/long-term disability
  • Paid holidays and PTO
  • Parental leave
  • Company-paid life insurance

Schedule

Hybrid work model with a minimum of three days per week in the office (Lexington, KY or Cincinnati, OH).

Candidates with greater levels of relevant experience are encouraged to apply; responsibilities and title may be adjusted based on qualifications and experience.