Senior Project Manager - Water/Wastewater/Utilities

About the role

CPH is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead water/wastewater/utilities projects from our Corporate HQ in Sanford, FL. This role blends project/program management, team leadership, and project design/delivery with a strong business acumen. The Senior Project Manager owns day-to-day execution—scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk—while leading a production team and coordinating subcontractors, permitting, and deliverables. You will serve as the primary client contact, ensuring predictable delivery and financial health, and mentoring junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Own overall project production, delivery, and routine client updates (plans, design reports, technical specifications).
• Build and maintain the project plan aligned to scope, schedule, and budget.
• Prepare and negotiate contract/Extra Work Authorization (EWA) scope and fees with clients.
• Create and maintain project schedules; align with financial reporting (Estimated Date of Task Completion, Overall Schedule Milestones, EWAs).
• Lead a production team through weekly reviews, task assignments, coaching, and mentoring; ensure coordination and productivity.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, designers, consultants, and clients during the design process.
• Guide the design group during conceptual phases per CPH and client standards and templates.
• Track planned vs. actual labor weekly; correct variances; monitor labor charges; identify scope creep and propose EWAs/ETCs.
• Serve as the client’s day-to-day contact; escalate strategic items to the Program Manager; support upsell/cross-sell; coordinate with Project Financial Analysts and Project Coordinators.
• Prepare pre-bills, percentage-complete updates, and billing notes; support collections to keep AR current.
• Accountable for project QA/QC; enforce safety and Delegation of Authority (DOA); maintain project files and capture lessons learned.
• Periodic travel for business development, client meetings, and presentations.

Key Performance Indicators/Metrics

• Adherence to project schedule and client requirements.
• Labor budget and As Sold Direct Labor Multiplier (DLM): achieve or beat targets.
• Utilization & Team Engagement: team meets/exceeds productivity targets with low turnover.
• Goal: zero preventable errors and omissions.
• Client Satisfaction: high retention and positive feedback.
• WBR Discipline: timely inputs, closed actions, active participation.

Objectives and Goals

• Deliver on time, on budget, with zero preventable errors and omissions.
• Maintain current AR/WIP; issue EWAs promptly; protect margin.
• Provide professional client experience that drives repeat work and revenue growth.
• Develop junior staff and the team.

Accountability and Reporting

• Operate within the Delegation of Authority.
• Accountable for full production team and project performance.
• Report to the Program Manager.

Expected Outcomes

• Sustained client relationships leading to repeat business and growth.
• Predictable delivery with clean financials and documentation.
• A high-throughput, highly engaged production team that delivers quality work on time.
• Develop a pipeline of future PMs through mentoring and coaching.
• Reduced rework and cycle times; increased value capture; higher DLM.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Civil or Environmental preferred).
• Master’s degree in the discipline or Business Administration (MBA) highly preferred.
• Active professional licensure (P.E.).
• Minimum 5+ years of progressive A/E/C industry experience (Water/Wastewater/Utilities preferred).
• Valid state-issued driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent communication and relationship-building to serve as a trusted advisor.
• Strong industry and project management knowledge to coordinate multi-discipline efforts.
• Working knowledge of project controls (ETC, labor budgets, cost codes).
• Proficiency with project management and financial tools (e.g., VantagePoint, Smartsheet, Power BI).
• Analytical skills to interpret and act on project and financial data.
• Effective negotiation and problem-solving capabilities.
• Drives accountability with clear tasking, follow-through, and collaboration.
• Experience with collaborative/alternative delivery methods (Design-Build, CMAR, Progressive Design-Build, P3) is a plus.

Work Environment

The role is primarily in a professional office environment using standard office equipment. Occasional travel to branch offices or project sites is required.

Physical Requirements

Position may require sitting or standing for long periods and lifting up to 25 pounds.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with a quality provider.
• Company-paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability; Short-Term Disability.
• 401(k) with employer contributions.
• Paid Personal Time Off, Paid Holidays, and Paid Parental Leave.