Project Director, Infrastructure (West), for COWI in North America

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated Project Director, Infrastructure (West) to join our growing North American team in California. In this leadership role, you will manage the design and delivery of complex infrastructure projects across California, including projects within heavy civil, highways, bridges, tunnels, transit and associated civil structures. Our projects are delivered through a mix of traditional and Alternative Project Delivery methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex multi-disciplinary projects for public and private clients, including Alternative Delivery Methods, Design-Bid-Build, Design & Build, P3, and similar delivery models.
• Oversee all phases of technical project delivery—from conceptual design and preliminary engineering through final design and construction support—including civil and structural infrastructure elements such as alignment studies, structural configurations, utility relocations, grading, and drainage.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with public agency clients and key stakeholders, including Design & Build contractors, third-party utility agencies, and community groups.
• Support business development initiatives with Market Directors by contributing to strategy, positioning, proposal development, interviews, and client engagement for major programs across California.
• Provide leadership to multidisciplinary teams spanning civil, structural, geotechnical, and architectural disciplines, managing teams of 5–25+ staff and subcontractors to ensure adherence to scope, schedule, budget, and quality standards on infrastructure programs exceeding $100M in construction value.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for client project managers, responsible for contract management, fee negotiations, schedule adherence, and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with internal global centers of excellence to leverage specialized expertise and ensure high-quality project delivery while managing local compliance, permitting requirements, and quality management systems.
• Mentor and guide junior project managers and technical staff to encourage professional growth and promote a culture of delivery excellence.

Requirements

• A minimum of 20+ years of experience in transportation infrastructure, including at least 10 years in senior project management roles.
• A Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Civil Engineering.
• A Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) for California.
• Demonstrated ability to work with Design & Build contractors, public clients, and agencies in California, and to manage multidisciplinary design teams.
• Experience delivering projects through Alternate Project Delivery methods such as Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, or CMGC.
• Proficient written and oral communication skills with the ability to engage multiple stakeholders effectively.
• Self-motivation, willingness to adjust, and the capacity to manage multiple tasks in environments with shifting priorities.
• Great organizational, time management, and team-building skills, with demonstrated leadership ability.
• Ability to work effectively with remote teams and willingness to travel predominantly within North America.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 20+ years of experience in transportation infrastructure, including at least 10 years in senior project management roles.
• A Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Civil Engineering.
• A Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) for California.
• Demonstrated ability to work with Design & Build contractors, public clients, and agencies in California, and to manage multidisciplinary design teams.
• Experience delivering projects through Alternate Project Delivery methods such as Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, or CMGC.
• Proficient written and oral communication skills with the ability to engage multiple stakeholders effectively.
• Self-motivation, willingness to adjust, and the capacity to manage multiple tasks in environments with shifting priorities.
• Great organizational, time management, and team-building skills, with demonstrated leadership ability.
• Ability to work effectively with remote teams and willingness to travel predominantly within North America.

Skills

• Strong project management and technical skills.
• Leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience with Alternative Project Delivery methods.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangement
• Top-up parental and childbirth recovery leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• STD, LTD, AD&D, and Life Insurance
• Referral incentive program
• Frequent social events

Pay

Base compensation: $240,000 to $277,000 for Long Beach and Oakland locations only. Actual compensation is subject to variations due to education, experience, skill set, and location.

Schedule

Hybrid