Civil Engineering Project Manager

Work Location: This position may be based in either our Grand Rapids, Michigan, or Scottsdale, Arizona office.

Position Summary

The Civil Engineering Project Manager provides technical leadership and overall project management for land development and infrastructure projects from initial planning through construction completion. This position is responsible for managing project scope, budgets, schedules, quality, client relationships, team performance, and successful project delivery.

The Project Manager leads and develops engineering staff, contributes to business development, and supports strategic growth through operational excellence, financial stewardship, and exceptional client service.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Strategy & Business Leadership

• Lead project planning and delivery priorities for assigned land development and civil engineering projects, aligning scope, staffing, schedules, budgets, quality, and client expectations.
• Partner with Civil leadership to identify project, client, staffing, and operational risks and recommend practical solutions.
• Contribute to business development through proposal preparation, client presentations, networking, and identification of new project opportunities.
• Collaborate with leadership on strategic initiatives that support continued growth of the Civil Engineering department.

Functional & Operational Leadership

• Lead the planning, design, permitting, and construction administration of land development and civil engineering projects.
• Oversee the preparation, review, and approval of engineering plans, specifications, reports, calculations, cost estimates, proposals, and technical documents, including grading, stormwater, drainage, roadway, utility, and site development improvements.
• Manage project budgets, forecasting, billing, financial performance, and resource utilization using company project management systems, including Ajera.
• Identify and mitigate schedule, budget, technical, and project delivery risks; ensure quality control and compliance with applicable regulations, engineering standards, and company procedures.
• Serve as the primary client contact, lead project meetings, and coordinate with contractors, consultants, municipalities, regulatory agencies, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Represent clients and present projects at municipal, Planning Commission, public hearing, and other regulatory meetings; respond to questions and support permitting and approval processes.

People Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead, coach, mentor, and provide technical guidance to engineers, designers, and technical staff; set clear expectations and support accountability for results.
• Delegate work assignments, balance workloads and project priorities, and assist with workload planning and resource allocation.
• Review employee performance and provide constructive feedback to support professional growth and development.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and employee development efforts as requested.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, service-oriented, and positive team environment.

Growth, Integration & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement practical improvements that enhance project delivery, quality, operational efficiency, and client service.
• Monitor project profitability and resource utilization and proactively identify opportunities to improve project performance.
• Maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and exceptional service while representing the company professionally.
• Support adoption of improved tools, workflows, and practices across the Civil Engineering team.
• Other duties and responsibilities reasonably related to the role, as assigned.

Core Competencies 

• Civil Engineering & Technical Expertise
• Project Management & Quality
• Planning, Scheduling & Financial Stewardship
• People Leadership & Talent Development
• Problem-Solving, Risk Management & Judgment
• Client Service & Business Development
• Collaboration & Communication
• Integrity & Accountability

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible civil engineering experience, including project management responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience managing land development and infrastructure projects and leading engineering staff.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D and related engineering software, with the ability to understand and review design work.
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to travel to project sites as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with HEC-RAS, HydroCAD, WaterCAD, or similar engineering software.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Established relationships with municipalities, developers, and regulatory agencies.
• Experience with business development and client relationship management.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of civil engineering design principles, land development practices, permitting requirements, grading, stormwater management, drainage, utility, and roadway design.
• Strong understanding of project financial management, budgeting, forecasting, scheduling, and resource planning.
• Ability to identify project risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, performance management, and team development abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and client communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships and represent clients effectively before regulatory bodies.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality, accountability, and exceptional client service.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting while working at a computer.
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel to project sites, including walking on uneven terrain and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in a professional office environment with periodic travel to project sites, client meetings, and municipal agencies. Site visits may require exposure to construction environments, uneven terrain, and varying weather conditions. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided when required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Provides leadership, coaching, technical guidance, workload direction, and performance feedback to engineering staff. Responsibilities include delegating work, assisting with resource allocation, supporting hiring and onboarding, developing employees, and fostering a collaborative and accountable team environment.

Travel

Occasional local and regional travel for client meetings, project sites, construction observations, business development activities, and industry events.

Culture at Appia / Paradigm Design

Appia is building a differentiated Architecture and Engineering platform that combines the entrepreneurial strengths, client relationships, and technical expertise of leading local firms with the resources, capabilities, and growth opportunities of a broader organization. Our model is designed to preserve what makes each studio successful while creating a stronger shared platform for growth, talent, technology, and operational excellence.

We value integrity, accountability, technical excellence, innovation, and teamwork. By connecting our studios, disciplines, and resources, Appia creates opportunities for greater collaboration, shared expertise, professional growth, and exceptional service to our clients.

As Appia continues to grow, we are committed to maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit of our local studios while providing the resources and opportunities of a broader organization. Our goal is to create an environment where talented professionals can build meaningful careers, do exceptional work, and contribute to the long-term success of our clients, communities, and the Appia network.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Responsibilities may change at any time based on business needs.

Appia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and applicable laws, without regard to any legally protected characteristic.