Water Resources Project Manager

About the role

KCI Technologies, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned engineering, consulting and construction firm serving clients throughout the United States. Ranked #50 on Engineering News-Record's list of the Top 500 design firms, KCI fosters an entrepreneurial spirit through employee ownership, encouraging technical expertise and strategic planning. This role leads water resources and stormwater engineering projects for federal, state, and municipal clients, serving in a client-focused capacity managing projects and mentoring junior staff. The position is open to hiring in any KCI South Carolina office (Rock Hill, Greenville, Columbia, or Charleston) with hybrid/remote options.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Family-friendly benefits
• Collaborative working environment
• Training, mentoring, and resources for career advancement
• Commitment to building a diverse and inclusive staff

Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Technical Delivery

• Lead water resources and stormwater engineering projects related to federal, state, and municipal clients
• Manage projects and mentor junior staff in a client-focused role
• Execute project work, produce high-quality deliverables, and maintain project schedules
• Coordinate with clients and oversee completion of various project elements
• Lead a team of designers in developing PS&E packages for simple and complex roadway and bridge projects using state DOT and AASHTO design standards
• Manage a team of designers, CADD technicians, and project engineers
• Train and develop staff
• Oversee preparation of plans, technical specifications, quantity takeoffs, and construction estimates per state design manuals and standard drawings
• Conduct site visits and gather data including measurements, sketches, notes, and photographs
• Prepare all phases of designs and/or deliverables for approval
• Read and interpret technical documents required for project execution
• Make decisions on issues/challenges during project implementation or development
• Maintain knowledge of current State and/or Municipal policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Compare field data to design plans

Project Management & Leadership

• Manage all aspects of projects including technical staff, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure timely and successful completion
• Develop and communicate Project Management Plans outlining objectives, scope, schedule, budget, quality standards, and safety protocols
• Effectively manage project scope ensuring alignment with client expectations
• Maintain project schedules, proactively identifying and addressing potential delays
• Monitor project budgets and expenditures, implementing cost-control measures
• Uphold high-quality standards overseeing quality assurance processes
• Serve as primary point of contact for clients, maintaining open communication
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and project team members
• Allocate resources efficiently ensuring adequate staffing and equipment
• Identify, assess, and manage project risks; develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans

Training, Development & Compliance

• Mentor staff to assist in their training and development
• Comply with all KCI policies and procedures
• Provide input to develop project-specific safety plans and implement them to ensure compliance with Federal, state, and local safety rules and regulations

Financial Management & Reporting

• Negotiate contract terms, scope, and fees with clients/subconsultants
• Develop project schedules from inception to completion, optimizing concurrent tasks
• Develop contracts for clients/subconsultants
• Report monthly proposal/business development results to Sr. PM or Practice Leader
• Achieve or exceed budgeted individual utilization target (70%-80% typical)
• Chart and provide project performance results, report progress, implement corrective actions
• Deliver all projects on time and within budget while fully meeting scope
• Prepare and submit monthly project completion reports
• Prepare inter-practice agreements and/or outside subcontracts as required
• Prepare monthly progress reports for all projects and discuss in monthly Project Review Meetings
• Responsible for project cash management (WIP/AR) and providing comments to Finance and Operations monthly
• Set up new projects and provide weekly new project data to Sr. PM or Practice Leader
• Search for ways to improve efficiency while lowering project cost

Business Development & Marketing

• Participate in project opportunity evaluation, consultant selection, and preparation of qualification/experience statements
• Identify new business opportunities, coordinate and participate in project presentations to clients and external groups
• Develop and organize proposal teams and promote KCI's capabilities among existing and prospective clients
• Assist project closeout with overall project write-up and pictures for marketing/resume use
• Prepare written technical proposals, assemble teams to meet client criteria, and develop professional relationships
• Successful candidate should have local client contacts and ability to bring in business

Project Execution & Technical Oversight

• Fully manage all required project management and technical deliverables in contract scope of work
• Experience with business development and client relationship management in the Raleigh area or Southeast with municipal clients and state agencies
• Experience with MicroStation and GeoPAK design software preferred
• Proposal preparation including scope, schedule, and fee
• Contract management and billing
• Strong design knowledge in transportation required

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in related field (AEC Industry) and minimum of 3 years of related professional experience, OR 7 years of equivalent professional experience
• Minimum 7 years of experience (10 preferred) with municipal and state stormwater programs, MS4 permits, stormwater design, inspections and monitoring, TMDL planning, and overseeing projects
• Experience in project management roles with a track record of successful project delivery
• Professional Engineering License for designated state required
• Ability to complete KCI PM Training and Contract Risk Training along with passing the PM Board within 6 months of start date
• Pre-employment drug screening is a condition of employment
• Background and motor vehicle checks may be required based upon position

Required Skills & Abilities

• Participation in continuing education and professional development programs
• Demonstrated leadership abilities to inspire and motivate project teams
• Proven organizational and time-management skills with ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective interaction with clients, team members, and stakeholders
• Technical knowledge in the specific field of the project
• Proficiency in project management software and tools to develop and maintain comprehensive project plans and documentation
• Knowledge of industry standards and best practices related to project management, quality assurance, and safety protocols
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify issues and implement effective solutions in a fast-paced environment
• Negotiation skills to manage contracts, scope changes, and stakeholder agreements effectively
• Understanding of accounting principles to effectively manage project budgets, financial reporting, and resource allocation

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in related field (AEC Industry)
• Experience in developing and managing state DOT projects
• Project Management experience with experience in managing and growing a design team

Certifications & Licenses

• Professional Engineering License for designated state (required)
• Completion of KCI PM Training and Contract Risk Training with passing PM Board within 6 months of start date (required)