Senior Project Manager – Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) CEC Permitting

Spheros Environmental is looking for a Senior Project Manager to lead ACC Certificate of Environmental Compliance (CEC) permitting and environmental projects from strategy and planning through successful execution.

About the role

The Senior Project Manager is responsible for the overall quality, financial performance, schedule, and successful delivery of assigned projects, while providing strategic direction and leadership to multidisciplinary project teams.

Responsibilities

• Leads the development and execution of ACC CEC permitting strategies for complex energy and infrastructure projects, overseeing technical reports, application materials, compliance filings, agency responses, and other regulatory documentation.
• Provides strategic oversight of project permitting activities, ensuring compliance with applicable CEC regulations, environmental laws, agency requirements, technical standards, and client-specific requirements while identifying and managing project risks.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for clients, regulatory agencies, technical experts, and other stakeholders, clearly communicating complex technical and regulatory concepts both verbally and in writing.
• Directs and coordinates multidisciplinary project teams, including subconsultants, to ensure the timely and successful completion of project deliverables and milestones.
• Leads quality control and continuous improvement efforts, ensuring deliverables are accurate, complete, technically sound, and compliant with applicable requirements while identifying opportunities to improve project delivery and permitting processes.
• Provides technical and professional leadership to project teams and less experienced staff, fosters collaboration and innovation, stays current on regulatory and industry developments, and performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Guides the team towards technical solutions, solicits input from the client, and asks probing questions to vet solutions.
• Leads project team meetings focused on environmental and/or regulatory permitting.
• Reviews and manages scope creep, additional services, and client invoices on assigned projects.
• Prepares strategic plans for project success, maintains project schedules, and directs team members through specific portions of projects.
• Manages and guides junior staff within the framework of projects.
• Has full responsibility for managing small to mid-size projects with minimal supervision, ensuring project completion, quality, client satisfaction, and firm profitability while mitigating risk.
• Actively listens to develop rapport and asks thoughtful questions to better understand client needs.
• Serves as primary liaison with clients and authorities having jurisdiction, actively managing project communication and documentation.
• May represent clients at public meetings.
• Manages relationships with internal and external clients, local agencies, consulting companies, and contractors.
• Leverages professional network to engage in thought leadership and participates in professional organizations.
• Supports business development activities including community and client events, presentations, and teaming arrangements.
• Develops detailed proposals and estimates for small to mid-size projects in collaboration with the marketing department.
• Coordinates with technical leads and marketing operations on pursuits and proposals.
• Develops new client business and engages in strategic business development planning for the department.
• Creates and participates in strategies for building the company’s name recognition.
• Identifies opportunities and prepares strategies for client business development and marketing initiatives.
• Identifies regional-specific industry trends for various services.
• Oversees projects and forward-looking initiatives, improving operations, increasing project efficiency and quality, and building a culture of excellent client service.
• Leads continuous improvement efforts and guides the team in assessing risk management and business impact.
• Encourages a people-first approach and entrepreneurial initiative, trains newly hired staff, and participates in formal mentorship programs.
• Responsible for project profitability, monitors and manages team labor expenses, and creates labor forecasts and budgets.
• Builds relationship capital with clients through project work and networking events.
• Develops skills to have difficult discussions with clients and cultivates trust through active listening and teamwork.
• Works closely with senior staff to cross-market and integrate services for existing clients.
• Develops quality relationships with assigned clients and analyzes client circumstances to recognize new business opportunities.

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience, with 1+ years of project management experience in environmental consulting.
• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent experience in environmental studies, land planning, or natural resources.
• Experience with permitting in AZ CEC Permitting with transmission lines and/or gas plants.
• Experience contributing to or overseeing preparation of technical plans, reports, or permitting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite, Google Earth, company software (ERP, CRM, HRM), and ArcGIS.

Benefits

• Hybrid Flexibility: Option to work from home one day per week.
• Competitive Compensation: Generous salary range with bonuses and 401(k) contributions.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and advancement.
• Inclusive Culture: Collaborative and client-service-focused environment.
• Opportunities to provide clients with services from all of Spheros Environmental practice areas.

Pay

$120,000 - $150,000 annually