Sr Project Manager

The Senior Project Manager is a full-time position at Weiler Engineering Corporation (WEC), reporting directly to the Director of Utilities Engineering. This role is designed for a seasoned wastewater industry professional and carries elevated responsibilities beyond a traditional Project Manager, though it remains subordinate to the Director level. The Senior Project Manager will leverage extensive technical knowledge of wastewater systems alongside strong people management and business development skills. In this capacity, the individual will oversee engineering and construction inspection teams, drive project delivery from design through construction, and expand WEC's business with key clients. No outside employment or activities that present a conflict of interest are permitted - the incumbent is expected to devote full professional effort to this role. This position blends technical project delivery, staff leadership, and client relationship management to ensure the successful execution of utility engineering projects and the growth of WEC's presence in the Florida Keys and throughout Florida.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership & Staff Oversight: Manage and provide oversight to engineering design staff and Construction Engineering Inspection (CEI) personnel across multiple projects. Ensure effective project staffing, high-quality work output, and adherence to schedules and budgets. Mentor junior engineers and inspectors by offering guidance, training, and performance feedback to foster their professional development. Assist the Director of Utilities Engineering in recruitment and hiring decisions - participating in interviews and making recommendations on new hires and staffing needs for the utilities engineering team.
• Project Management & Delivery: Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of wastewater infrastructure projects from inception through completion. Serve as the project management lead on design projects (e.g. wastewater treatment plant upgrades, collection system improvements) and on CEI assignments for construction projects, ensuring all phases - design, permitting, construction oversight, and close-out - are properly managed. Oversee project scope, scheduling, and budgeting; implement best practices in risk management and quality control to deliver projects on time and within budget. Act as a senior decision-maker for project issues, escalating to the Director as appropriate. While this role carries greater responsibility and autonomy than a standard Project Manager, it operates under the general guidance of the Director of Utilities Engineering (i.e. it is not a Director-level position).
• Client Relations & Business Development: Maintain and strengthen relationships with key clients, acting as a primary point of contact to ensure client satisfaction and successful project outcomes. Take a proactive role in business development, particularly in Monroe County and the Florida Keys, to grow WEC's utilities engineering portfolio. This includes identifying and pursuing new project opportunities and expanding work with existing regional clients such as the City of Key West, the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA), the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative (FKEC), Keys Energy Services, and Monroe County government. Lead and contribute to the writing of proposals, responses to Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and statements of qualification - tailoring each to client needs and WEC's strengths. Represent WEC at client meetings, industry conferences, and local events to promote the company's services and identify new leads.
• Administrative & Financial Duties: Support the financial and administrative aspects of project execution. Work with project accountants to prepare and review client invoices, ensuring timely and accurate billing for all projects under your oversight. Assist in monitoring project budgets, profit margins, and monthly billing forecasts, reporting any concerns to the Director. Contribute to grant writing and funding applications for municipal infrastructure projects, leveraging knowledge of wastewater systems to help secure project grants. Collaborate with the Director in developing internal processes, templates, and standards for project management and CEI activities to improve efficiency and quality.
• Strategic Initiatives & Future Responsibilities: Collaborate closely with the Director of Utilities Engineering on strategic planning for the Utilities group. This may involve evaluating new service lines or capabilities (for example, new treatment technologies, resilience initiatives, or public-private partnership opportunities) that align with company goals. Remain adaptable to evolving duties - this position may be assigned additional responsibilities over time based on business needs. For instance, while WEC currently provides operations and maintenance consulting services for wastewater facilities, establishing a dedicated Operations & Maintenance (O&M) division (such as for lift station operations) is not within the initial scope of this role. The Senior Project Manager should, however, be prepared to support or lead such an initiative in the future if it becomes aligned with the company's strategic objectives. In all tasks, uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, safety, and quality, ensuring that any potential conflicts of interest are avoided or addressed in accordance with company policy.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Education & Experience: A minimum of 10-15 years of experience in the wastewater/utilities engineering industry, with a strong background in managing wastewater projects and teams. A Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field is preferred (or an equivalent combination of education and significant practical experience in wastewater operations/engineering).
• Licenses & Certifications: State of Florida Class A Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License (required), demonstrating top-level expertise in wastewater treatment processes and operations. (Note: A Florida Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is not required for this position. Equivalent technical knowledge and industry experience - such as that indicated by a Class A operator license and years of service - will be considered in lieu of P.E. licensure.)
• Technical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal systems, as well as related regulations and permitting processes. Familiarity with design and construction standards for municipal utilities. Ability to review and interpret engineering plans, technical specifications, and reports.
• Project & People Management Skills: Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary project teams (design engineers, CAD technicians, field inspectors, etc.) and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Strong organizational skills with the capacity to oversee project budgets, schedules, and resources. Prior experience mentoring junior staff or supervising team members is highly desirable.
• Client Management & Business Development: Demonstrated success in building and maintaining client relationships in a professional services environment. Experience in business development activities such as client presentations, proposal writing, and contract negotiations. Knowledge of the Monroe County/Florida Keys municipal and utilities market is a plus (e.g. familiarity with local client organizations and stakeholders).
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities. Capable of leading meetings, delivering presentations, and writing clear, persuasive proposals and technical reports. Able to effectively communicate complex technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Other Skills: Proficiency in standard office and project management software (e.g. MS Office, project scheduling tools) is expected. Knowledge of engineering design software (AutoCAD, GIS, etc.) is beneficial. Valid Florida driver's license and ability to travel to job sites or client offices within the region.

Performance and Conduct: The selected candidate will be expected to perform all duties outlined above and any additional duties assigned, adhering to WEC's standards of quality, integrity, and safety. Compliance with all company policies, including those on confidentiality and conflict of interest, is mandatory.

Evolution of Role: This job description is intended to outline the primary responsibilities and requirements of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Responsibilities may evolve over time, and the Senior Project Manager may be assigned new tasks or projects in response to changing business needs, market opportunities, or organizational growth. Flexibility and willingness to take on new challenges will be key.

Req ID: 10318