Project Director Transit

About the Role

Mott MacDonald is seeking an experienced Principal Project Manager - Transit to manage the delivery of complex transportation and transit projects across the Pacific Northwest. This role will lead multidisciplinary teams, coordinate with public sector clients and stakeholders, and maintain accountability for project scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk. As a principal-level project leader within our transportation business, you will manage projects from planning through closeout, establish effective delivery and governance practices, and serve as a key client contact. You will work closely with technical, operational, and commercial colleagues to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality outcomes aligned with client objectives.

Responsibilities

• Project & Program Leadership: Manage the delivery of complex transit and rail projects from initiation through closeout. Develop project management plans, delivery strategies, work breakdown structures, and performance objectives. Maintain accountability for scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk, resources, and contractual obligations. Monitor project performance, lead issue resolution, manage change, and provide clear reporting and escalation.
• Client Relationship Management: Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for transit agency and public sector clients. Build trusted client relationships through responsive communication, dependable delivery, and sound project management judgment. Work collaboratively with clients to understand business priorities and identify innovative solutions. Support strategic account planning and business development initiatives.
• Commercial & Financial Management: Monitor project financial performance, utilization, forecasting, and profitability. Ensure effective contract administration and commercial risk management. Manage scope revisions, contract modifications, and commercial discussions in coordination with project and commercial leaders. Promote sound project controls and reporting practices across the program.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead and mentor project managers, technical leads, and multidisciplinary delivery teams. Foster a culture focused on collaboration, inclusion, safety, and professional development. Support resource planning, recruitment, onboarding, and the development of project management capability. Encourage knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across project teams.
• Business Development & Growth: Support the pursuit and capture of strategic transit opportunities, drawing on project delivery and client insight. Contribute to proposal development, client presentations, and interview panels. Collaborate with account and market leaders to strengthen Mott MacDonald’s transit pipeline and client relationships. Identify opportunities to develop new services and strengthen existing client partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Planning, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 20 years of progressive experience delivering complex transit, rail, transportation, or other major infrastructure projects, including at least 10 years of project management experience on major infrastructure programs or projects.
• Demonstrated success managing multidisciplinary teams and serving as a primary client contact.
• Strong knowledge of project controls, governance, commercial management, risk, change, and contract administration.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and leadership skills.
• Experience working with transit agencies, public sector clients, consultants, contractors, and transportation stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Professional Engineer (PE), Project Management Professional (PMP), or other relevant professional certification.
• Experience managing rail, transit, or transportation capital improvement projects through multiple delivery phases.
• Experience supporting proposals, interviews, and business development for complex infrastructure opportunities.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• FSA and HSA accounts
• Company-paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Competitive 401(k) plan with company matching
• Paid time off and holidays
• Caregiver leave
• Employee referral bonuses
• Professional registration and membership reimbursements
• Tuition assistance

Pay

The expected salary for this position is $217,000 - $265,000. Individual pay is determined based on several factors such as work location, education, experience, and unique skills.

Schedule

Full-time, with a hybrid approach requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Location: Seattle, WA, US

Contract Type: Regular

Market: Transport

Discipline: Project programme and commercial management

Recruiter Contact: Adrienne Grego