Senior Project Manager – Water/Wastewater Infrastructure (00598)

PMA Consultants is seeking a Senior Project Manager to take ownership of large, complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects and major components of larger capital programs for key clients in Southeast Michigan. The Senior Project Manager will operate with significant autonomy, providing senior-level leadership across project planning, design, construction, contracts, cost, schedule, risk, and stakeholder management.

Working on the client's behalf, this role serves as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact for the client, contractors, design consultants, vendors, and internal teams. The Senior Project Manager owns the day-to-day client relationship, leads resolution of complex technical and contractual issues, and ensures projects are delivered in alignment with the client's strategic, financial, schedule, and quality objectives.

In addition to project delivery, the Senior Project Manager will mentor and develop project managers and junior staff, contribute to business development, and help advance project management standards and best practices across the organization.

Independently manage large or multi-phase capital improvement projects, or major components of larger programs, on the client's behalf.

Provide senior-level leadership and oversight of project planning, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and closeout.

Own the day-to-day client relationship and serve as the primary point of contact for project issues, decisions, and escalations.

Represent the client's interests when coordinating with contractors, design consultants, engineers, vendors, and other stakeholders.

Establish and maintain project governance, management processes, reporting standards, and PM tools.

Oversee project scopes, budgets, schedules, resources, milestones, and financial performance.

Review and validate contractor and design-consultant schedules, budgets, submittals, change management, and technical progress.

Lead resolution of complex project, technical, contractual, and stakeholder issues.

Guide contract negotiations, change orders, claims, and other commercial matters through resolution in the client's best interest.

Monitor project performance, risks, trends, and key metrics; develop and implement recovery and mitigation strategies when necessary.

Provide senior-level site oversight and QA/QC observations during construction and closeout.

Lead project meetings and facilitate communication and decision-making among clients, contractors, consultants, and internal teams.

Mentor, coach, and provide oversight to Project Managers and junior staff, supporting their professional development and growth.

Review and contribute to project deliverables, procurement documents, construction specifications, submittals, RFIs, change orders, and other project documentation.

Support the development and implementation of firm-wide project management standards, governance practices, and process improvements.

Review performance metrics across a portfolio of projects and identify opportunities to improve delivery, efficiency, and client service.

Support business development activities, including proposals, interviews, client presentations, and project scoping conversations.

Assist in identifying opportunities for additional client services and strengthening long-term client relationships.

Interface with internal departments and external clients to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery.

Maintain an on-site presence approximately two days per week, depending on project phase and construction activity.

Work occasional overtime as required to meet project deliverables; weekend work is rare but may occasionally be necessary.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field. PE and/or PMP certification is a plus.

12+ years of relevant experience in construction, infrastructure, or project management.

Water/wastewater infrastructure experience strongly preferred; candidates with substantial experience managing complex building, process, industrial, civil infrastructure, or similar capital programs will also be considered.

Proven track record delivering large and complex projects through multiple delivery methods, including CMaR, design-build, and design-bid-build.

Demonstrated experience managing projects across the full project lifecycle, from planning and design through construction and closeout.

Experience negotiating and administering contracts and resolving change orders, claims, and other commercial issues.

Experience serving in an owner's-representative or client-side project management role preferred.

Proven ability to independently manage complex projects and make sound decisions with minimal oversight.

Strong client relationship management skills with the ability to serve as a trusted advisor and senior point of contact.

Proficiency with Primavera P6.

Strong understanding of project controls, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, contract administration, and construction processes.

Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop project managers and junior staff.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present project strategies, recommendations, and performance to senior stakeholders.

Strong organizational, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered in lieu of stated minimum qualifications.

 

Physical: Standing or sitting for long periods; must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times and spend extended hours in front of a computer screen.

 

Cognitive: Problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills; computer and software skills; and ability to read and interpret text online or in printed form.

 

 

At PMA, employee well-being is a daily priority. We offer a combination of workplace options that include a PMA office location; work-from-home; or a client site. Wherever we work, we openly share knowledge as we believe that collaboration with peers improves our work product and that pursuing subject matter expertise is a lifelong endeavor.  

 

We are committed to a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We affirm and respect diverse backgrounds and opinions because we believe they yield the best solutions for our clients. We promote emotional intelligence and trust by nurturing these values within our new hires.  

 

We encourage staff to develop rewarding, long-term careers at PMA, and we implement formal leadership development programs that help you attain your goals. At PMA, shared success is a core value. Every employee who contributes is recognized, celebrated, and rewarded. We look for self-driven candidates eager to assume responsibility and join a community of respect founded on collaboration and accountability, not titles. If you aim to transform the project management practice toward continuous improvement of project outcomes, the profession, and yourself, PMA looks forward to warmly welcoming you to our team.  

 

We offer competitive pay and benefits, wellness programs for you and your family, and career development opportunities to advance your professional goals.  

 

As a PMA professional, you will be empowered to make timely and effective decisions and significant daily contributions to complex facets of project delivery. Join a team that has achieved a world-class reputation in the construction industry and has been voted a “Best Place to Work.” 

 

PMA offers competitive wages and comprehensive benefits, including medical, prescription, dental, vision, time off with pay, 401(k) with company match, life, disability, and professional development reimbursement for qualifying employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), disability, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. Qualified female and minority applicants are encouraged to apply.

 

EOE, including persons with disabilities and veterans.

 

VEVRAA federal contractor.