Ports Program Manager

AtkinsRéalis; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 109,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with 100% vesting

Paid time off

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis in Fort Lauderdale, FL, seeks a Ports Program Manager to lead onsite infrastructure programs at Port Everglades. You will oversee multi-disciplinary teams, coordinate designers, consultants, and contractors, and act as the primary client liaison to deliver projects on time and within budget.

This 100% onsite role requires strong leadership, financial forecasting, contract management, and stakeholder engagement. Port-adjacent experience and PE certification are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of program or project management experience in infrastructure and port projects.
• Experience leading large‑scale, multi‑disciplinary programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple capital improvement programs from planning through closeout.
• Oversee architects, engineers, and consultants to meet scope, schedule, budget and quality.
• Direct contractors and subcontractors to ensure timely, compliant execution.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure success.
• Serve as primary client liaison with Port Everglades and lead stakeholder meetings.
• Develop program forecasts, monitor budgets, and report financial status to leadership.
• Oversee contract development, negotiation, and administration for design teams and vendors.
• Maintain integrated program schedules and monitor milestones and performance.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Contract management

Client relationship

Multitasking

PM tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

PM software

Financial tracking systems

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Ports Program Manager to join our team in Fort Lauderdale, FL. AtkinsRéalis is seeking an onsite Program Manager at Port Everglades who will be responsible for leading and overseeing complex infrastructure and development programs within the Port. This role manages the full lifecycle of projects, coordinating designers, consultants, and contractors while serving as the primary liaison with the client. The Program Manager ensures successful delivery of projects through effective financial forecasting, contract administration, and stakeholder management, while representing the firm’s interests with professionalism and technical expertise.

Your Role

Program & Project Oversight

• Lead and manage multiple capital improvement projects and programs throughout all phases, from planning and design through construction and closeout.
• Oversee the work of architects, engineers, and technical consultants to ensure adherence to project scope, schedule, budget, and quality standards.
• Direct and coordinate contractors and subcontractors to ensure timely and compliant project execution.
• Identify risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies to ensure program success.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the client (Port Everglades), maintaining strong, trust‑based relationships.
• Facilitate regular meetings, presentations, and updates with client representatives and key stakeholders.
• Communicate project status, key milestones, and issues clearly and effectively.
• Represent the firm in a professional manner in all client‑facing interactions.

Financial Forecasting & Budget Management

• Develop and maintain program‑level financial forecasts, including cost projections and cash flow analysis.
• Monitor budgets, expenditures, and financial performance across multiple projects.
• Provide accurate reporting on financial status, variances, and forecasting updates to leadership and the client.
• Support capital planning and long‑term investment strategies for port‑related infrastructure.

Contract & Procurement Management

• Oversee contract development, negotiation, and administration for design consultants, contractors, and vendors.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms, regulatory requirements, and procurement policies.
• Manage change orders, claims, and dispute resolution processes.
• Review and approve invoices, billing, and payment applications.

Schedule & Performance Management

• Establish and maintain integrated program schedules, ensuring alignment across all project components.
• Track project milestones and performance metrics, addressing delays or performance issues proactively.
• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and environmental standards.

About You

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in Engineering, required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in program or project management, with a focus on infrastructure, facilities and parking structures, marine, and port‑related projects preferred.
• Experience managing large‑scale, multi‑disciplinary programs.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to coordinate diverse project teams.
• Expertise in financial management, forecasting, and cost control.
• In‑depth knowledge of contract management principles and construction delivery methods.
• Excellent client relationship management and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, complex environment.
• Proficiency in project management tools and financial tracking systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• PE (Professional Engineer) required. Professional certifications such as PMP and CCM are a plus.
• Experience working with public sector clients or port authorities.
• Familiarity with maritime infrastructure projects, including cruise terminals, dredging, marine structures, and cargo facilities.

Work Environment

• 100 % onsite role based at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
• Combination of office and field environment, including project and construction site visits and coordination meetings.

Key Success Factors

• Ability to deliver complex projects on time and within budget.
• Strong client satisfaction and relationship management.
• Effective coordination between designers, contractors, and stakeholders.
• High level of financial and contractual oversight ensuring program efficiency and profitability.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Rewards & Benefits

Depending on your employment status, AtkinsRéalis benefits may include medical, dental, vision, company‑paid life and short‑ and long‑term disability benefits, employer‑matched 401(k) with 100% vesting, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off, leaves of absence options, flexible work options, recognition and employee satisfaction programs, employee assistance program, and voluntary benefits.

Expected Compensation

Expected compensation range is between $109,000 - $181,000 annually, depending on skills, experience, and geographical location.

Equal Opportunity Statement

AtkinsRéalis is an equal opportunity, Drug‑Free employer EOE/Veteran/Disability.