CEI Team Lead - Project Manager

S&ME; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

S&ME is seeking a CEI Team Lead - Project Manager in North Carolina to lead major transportation construction management and inspection projects. You will guide delivery, manage client relationships, and develop staff, ensuring quality and on-time performance.

This role requires deep experience with NCDOT/FHWA, a track record of supervision, and willingness to travel statewide. You will collaborate with regional leadership to pursue new opportunities and expand CEI services.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of CEI/construction management with NCDOT or FHWA
• 5+ years in a supervisory or management role
• Willingness and ability to travel statewide
• Experience managing construction services for DOTs, rail/transit agencies, airports or toll authorities
• Proven ability to develop client relationships, proposals, and CEI opportunities

Responsibilities

• Lead CEI projects within assigned service areas from planning to construction
• Build and maintain relationships with DOT, municipal and county clients
• Recruit, mentor, and retain CEI professionals to foster growth
• Ensure QA/QC and regulatory compliance across projects
• Collaborate with leadership and project teams to achieve goals
• Identify new project opportunities and contribute to BD efforts
• Provide responsive client service on complex transportation projects

Job description

About the Role

As a CEI Team Lead - Project Manager, you will be a team-oriented leader with expertise in construction management as the project lead on major construction projects within the transportation market. You will oversee project delivery, client relationships, and staff development for significant projects contributing to the growth of our CEI services.

• Lead and successfully deliver Construction Engineering & Inspection (CEI) projects within assigned service areas.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with NCDOT, municipal, and county clients, serving as a trusted partner throughout project delivery.
• Recruit, mentor, and retain high-performing CEI professionals while fostering a culture of growth and teamwork.
• Ensure project quality through effective QA/QC oversight and adherence to client and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with regional and statewide leadership, office principals, and project teams to support business goals and project success.
• Identify new project opportunities and contribute to business development efforts to expand CEI services.
• Provide responsive client service and leadership on complex transportation projects from planning through construction.

What You Bring

• 15+ years of experience with NCDOT, FHWA, or local municipalities in Construction Management/Inspection Services on civil/transportation projects
• 5+ years' experience in a supervisory or management capacity
• The willingness and ability to travel across the state as needs and opportunities arise
• Experience managing construction services for DOTs, rail and transit agencies, airports and/or toll authorities
• Experience in developing client relationships, proposals, and work opportunities within the CEI industry, specifically identifying, recruiting, placing, and managing technicians/projects

Who We Are

S&ME has a history of delivering innovative geotechnical, civil, environmental, and