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

We are seeking a highly motivated Project Director, Infrastructure (West) to join our growing North American team in California. This leadership role focuses on managing the design and delivery of complex infrastructure projects across the state, including heavy civil, highways, bridges, tunnels, transit, and associated civil structures. Our projects utilize both 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 models).
• Oversee all phases of technical project delivery—from conceptual design and preliminary engineering through final design and construction support—covering 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, 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 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, adaptability, and the capacity to manage multiple tasks in environments with shifting priorities.
• Strong 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.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangement (hybrid).
• Top-up parental and childbirth recovery leave.
• Minimum 5 weeks of vacation for full-time hires, plus a floating holiday to celebrate employee diversity.
• Paid sick leave.
• Annual fitness subsidy (applicable for ski passes, yoga, gym memberships, etc.).
• 401K contribution matching with generous company match.
• Personal and professional development fund.
• Parking or public transit allowance.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 80% employer-paid premiums.
• 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 may vary based on education, experience, skill set, and location.

COWI is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.