Pipeline Client Service Manager/Project Manager

Kennedy Jenks; Virginia Beach (VA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 243,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health insurance

Bonus programs

Tuition reimbursement

Employee ownership

Job summary

Kennedy Jenks seeks an experienced Pipeline Client Service Manager/Project Manager in Virginia Beach to lead water and wastewater conveyance projects from planning through construction. You will supervise multidisciplinary teams, manage scope, budgets, and schedules, and maintain strong client relationships to deliver high-quality, compliant designs.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, business development, and team mentoring, with a hybrid work model and VA PE licensure preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher in Civil/Environmental Engineering with relevance to water/wastewater systems.
• 10+ years of water and wastewater project management experience; pipeline/conveyance focus.
• Strong knowledge of pipeline design, rehabilitation, and construction support.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Virginia or ability to obtain in other states.

Responsibilities

• Lead project delivery as PM and technical lead for water and wastewater pipeline projects from planning through construction and closeout.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams delivering conveyance infrastructure including water transmission pipelines and sanitary sewer systems.
• Oversee technical work: planning, hydraulic analyses, rehabilitation strategies, and compliance with codes and standards.
• Manage scope, proposals, budgets, schedules, quality, and risk; lead construction phase services and commissioning.
• Develop business opportunities; build client relationships and support marketing and proposals.
• Mentor and develop junior staff, fostering collaboration and technical growth.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client relationships

Communication skills

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Hydraulic modeling tools

Pipeline design software

Job description

Founded in 1919, KJ has always looked to the future. With a talented team of professionals and a culture of continuous improvement, we deliver exceptional engineering, environmental consulting, and construction management services, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Using advanced analytics, technology, and tools, KJ improves designs, reduces risk, and finds better ways to deliver projects from planning through construction. KJ is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for clients, including green infrastructure design, strategies to reduce energy use and environmental impacts, award-winning water reuse projects, and efficient construction management practices that ensure quality, safety, and on‑time delivery. We are known for our dedication to industry‑leading client service and tailored solutions.

Kennedy Jenks is seeking an experienced Pipeline Client Service Manager/Project Manager to join our growing water and wastewater practice. This role is ideal for a technically strong leader who enjoys balancing project delivery, client relationships, business growth, and team development. You will play a key role in advancing complex pipeline projects while helping grow our market presence and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

This position offers the opportunity to lead high-impact conveyance and pipeline infrastructure projects—including water transmission, wastewater collection, rehabilitation, and pump station‑related systems—while working closely with clients, internal technical teams, and stakeholders. We are looking for someone who brings both technical credibility and strategic leadership, and who values collaboration, inclusion, and building strong teams.

As a Pipeline Client Service Manager/Project Manager, you’ll contribute across project leadership, technical delivery, client service, business growth, and team development.

• Lead project delivery: Serve as Project Manager and technical leader for small to large water and wastewater pipeline projects, from planning and design through construction and closeout. Contribute to internal standards, best practices, and continuous improvement in pipeline design, project delivery, and asset management approaches.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams: Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams delivering conveyance infrastructure including water transmission pipelines, sanitary sewer systems, rehabilitation projects, and related facilities.
• Direct technical work: Oversee pipeline planning, alignment studies, hydraulic analyses, condition assessments, rehabilitation strategies, and new pipeline design in alignment with applicable codes, standards, and regulations.
• Manage project performance: Perform and oversee project management responsibilities including scope development, fee proposals, contract negotiation, budget and schedule management, quality control, and risk mitigation.
• Support construction phase services: Provide construction phase services, including review of submittals, responses to RFIs, coordination with contractors, and support through commissioning and closeout.
• Grow business development: Act as a trusted advisor to clients, maintaining strong relationships and delivering high-quality, responsive service. Support and lead business development efforts, including client positioning, proposal development, interviews, and participation in industry conferences and stakeholder meetings.
• Mentor junior-level staff: Mentor, supervise, and develop junior and mid-level engineers, fostering technical growth, leadership skills, and a collaborative team culture.

What Makes This Role Different

• Visible community impact: Your work supports reliable water and wastewater systems that communities depend on every day.
• Balanced leadership scope: You influence technical decisions, client outcomes, team development, and market growth in one role.
• Long-term value creation: You help shape repeatable delivery practices, strengthen client confidence, and create growth opportunities for emerging engineers.

What You Bring

• Leadership style: You have a collaborative leadership style with a commitment to mentoring, inclusion, and team development.
• Client-centered approach: You support or lead business development and maintain strong client relationships.
• Project management skill: You are successful in managing project budgets, schedules, and multidisciplinary teams
• Strong communication: You possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in water and wastewater infrastructure, including pipeline and conveyance project management experience.
• Technical knowledge: Strong technical knowledge of water and wastewater pipeline systems, including design, analysis, rehabilitation, and construction support.
• Certifications and licenses: Professional Engineer (PE) license in Virginia required; ability to obtain licensure in other states as needed.
• Preferred experience: Experience with hydraulic modeling and pipeline design tools.

Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work-life balance and utilizes a hybrid model of home and office work, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. This approach empowers our people to thrive, collaborate, and do their best work.

Salary range for this position is anticipated to be $150,000 to $243,000, and may vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications and geographic location.

Benefits summary

• Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
• a health savings account
• a 401(k)
• bonus programs
• tuition reimbursement
• employee ownership opportunity
• professional registration support
• business travel assistance
• competitive paid time off and holidays
• an employee assistance program
• additional programs that support your wellbeing and professional growth

Kennedy Jenks is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.