Group Manager - Construction Services

Fleis & VandenBrink; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Fleis & VandenBrink seeks a licensed Professional Engineer to lead its Construction Engineering & Inspection team across Michigan. You’ll supervise MDOT, municipal, and county projects, mentor staff, and grow our construction services practice.

You will balance project delivery, client management, and team development, serving as a trusted advisor to clients while coordinating with regional offices and stakeholders to drive quality and value.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Construction Engineering with PE license in Michigan.
• 10+ years in construction, engineering, or PM, with 5+ years in leadership.
• Experience delivering MDOT transportation projects (road, bridge, utilities, drainage).
• Strong communication and client management skills; valid MI driver's license.
• Pref: CEI program leadership, AASHTOWare Project familiarity, MDOT relationships, BD experience.
• Knowledge of MDOT/AASHTO/FHWA standards and tools (ProjectWise, MSP, Bluebeam).

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop construction engineers and inspectors.
• Oversee MDOT, county, and municipal projects on schedule and budget.
• Review schedules, staffing, budgets, and quality; resolve field/contractual issues.
• Oversee contract administration, including change orders and claims.
• Manage client relationships with MDOT and local agencies; pursue growth.
• Lead proposal development, interviews, scope negotiations, and contracts.
• Promote QA/QC and use digital construction management tools.

Skills

Leadership

Client management

Project management

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Construction Engineering

Tools

ProjectWise

Microsoft Project

Bluebeam

AASHTOWare

Job description

Brief Description

Lead Construction Projects That Shape Michigan’s Future

We’re looking for a licensed Professional Engineer to be the next leader of our Construction Engineering & Inspection team, overseeing MDOT, municipal, and county projects across Michigan. You’ll combine project delivery, client management, and staff leadership — serving as a trusted advisor to clients while mentoring technical staff and growing our construction services practice.

Duties/Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of construction engineers and inspectors, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and technical excellence.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, staff development, succession planning, and performance management.
• Manage workload balancing and resource allocation across multiple projects and offices.

Project & Program Management

• Provide oversight of MDOT, county, and municipal, construction projects — on schedule, on budget, and in compliance with applicable standards.
• Review project schedules, staffing plans, budgets, and quality; help resolve complex field, contractual, and construction-related challenges.
• Oversee contract administration, including change orders, claims management, and dispute resolution.

Client Management & Business Development

• Serve as senior client contact for MDOT, local agencies, and contractors, building relationships with TSCs, region offices, and county/municipal clients.
• Identify and pursue growth opportunities; lead proposal development, project interviews, scope negotiations, and contract discussions.
• Represent the firm through industry organizations and professional associations.

Technical & Quality Leadership

• Confirm compliance with MDOT, FHWA, and AASHTO standards and company quality procedures, promoting best practices in construction engineering and inspection.
• Support digital construction management tools and champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance delivery and client satisfaction.

Business & Financial Management

• Ownership of group performance — beginning with annual business planning and budgeting, to meeting agreed upon revenue, profitability, backlog, utilization, and growth objectives.
• Monitor project financial performance, support corrective actions when needed, and collaborate with executive leadership on strategic growth initiatives.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess The Following

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Construction Engineering or related field, plus a PE license in Michigan (or reciprocity-eligible).
• 10+ years in construction, engineering, or project management, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience delivering MDOT transportation projects — roadway, bridge, utility, and drainage infrastructure.
• Strong communication and client-management skills, plus a valid driver’s license for statewide travel.
• Preferred: CEI program leadership, AASHTOWare Project familiarity, established MDOT relationships, and a track record in business development.
• Working knowledge of MDOT/AASHTO/FHWA standards and tools such as ProjectWise, Microsoft Project, and Bluebeam.
• A willingness to learn and grow with a team of proven, successful professionals making a difference in the communities we serve.

Why Join F&V?

Lead high-impact transportation projects, build a high-performing team, and help shape the strategic direction of our growing practice — all while working directly with MDOT and regional transportation leaders.

Compensation & Benefits

At F&V, our goal is to recruit and retain great people and in turn provide great employee experience. We offer a collaborative team environment, competitive salaries and benefit program, performance bonus incentives, and support for training and career development.

Join us in building safer, stronger, and more connected communities across Michigan.