Project Manager - Vertical Project Management Section - Office of the City Engineer

City of Phoenix; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 82,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Phoenix Office of the City Engineer is seeking a Project Manager for the Vertical Project Management Section (VPM). This role leads complex CIP projects from planning through construction, coordinating design firms, builders, and city staff to deliver on time and within budget.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, clear communication, and proven experience in managing multi-disciplinary construction programs, with a focus on city-owned facilities and improvements

Qualifications

• Four years of responsible experience in urban development, redevelopment, capital improvement, or construction projects.
• Bachelor's degree as listed.
• Criminal background check required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate design and construction projects and monitor design firms and construction companies.
• Demonstrate professionalism, organization, teamwork, and effective communication.
• Lead execution of complex CIP projects through various construction delivery methods.

Skills

Project management

Contract negotiation

Budget management

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration or related field

Job description

About This Position

The Office of the City Engineer is seeking a Project Manager for the Vertical Project Management Section. The Vertical Project Management Section (VPM) provides overall project management of the design and construction projects for the city-owned properties and facilities improvements outside the public right of way. Typical projects include, and are not limited to, tenant improvements; new building construction; parks; landfills; HVAC, electrical, mechanical, and fire suppression systems; and other city-owned infrastructure improvements and/or new construction. This role handles all aspects of the project lifecycle, from planning and design to construction and project completion. The VPM Project Manager is responsible for leading the execution and successful delivery of complex, multidisciplinary Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects through a variety of construction delivery methods. This position requires strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders and teams. A solid understanding of project management processes, tools, and best practices is essential, as is the capability to align project objectives with the strategic goals of the city. Additionally, the role demands strong project management skills, which include, but are not limited to, contract negotiation, oversight of design and construction activities, budget development, and ensuring compliance with construction standards. The work is performed under the general supervision of an Engineering Manager.

Responsibilities Include And Are Not Limited To

• Demonstrating superior customer service, integrity, and commitment to innovation, efficiency, and fiscally responsible activity.
• Coordinating design and construction projects and monitoring the performance of the design firms and the construction companies on Capital Improvement Projects.
• Displaying a high level of proven professionalism, organization, collaboration, teamwork, enthusiasm, effective communication, and high-performing energy is essential to successfully operate in this position.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

Ability To

• Demonstrate strong proficiency in analytical and fact-based writing, producing clear, well-structured, and evidence supported written materials.
• Develop consensus around complex issues and situations.
• Make effective decisions, solve problems, and negotiate resolutions.
• Effectively communicate and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees, business partners, customers, and representatives of governmental agencies.

SALARY

Pay Range: $82,056.00 to $133,660.80 annually.
Hiring Range: $82,056.00 to $115,460.80 annually.

• Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.
• Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
• Promotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade increase.
• Demotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade decrease.
• Lateral transfers occur when there is no change to the last two digits of the pay grade.
• When there is a change in the first digit of the pay grade, there may also be a change to your classification or unit.

Benefits

A comprehensive benefits package is offered which includes:

• Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions, click here for more details: Pension Information.
• 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions.
• Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans.
• Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan.
• Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually.
• Dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Employer paid long-term disability.
• Free Bus/light rail pass.
• Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year.
• Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days.
• Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period.
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi.

For more details, visit: Unit 007 Benefits

Minimum Qualifications

• Four years of responsible experience in urban development, redevelopment, business assistance, capital improvement, design and/or construction projects at a level which required supervision or participation in the planning and programming processes
• Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, urban planning, architecture, engineering, construction management, economics, or a related field
• Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted
• All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions, click here.
• The City job description can be found here.

Preferred Qualifications

The minimum qualifications listed above, plus:

• Three to four years of experience managing large-scale Capital Improvement Projects, including budget, procurement, design development, and construction management.

Experience With/in

• Contract negotiation and administration.
• Working for a related municipality.
• Supervising staff and/or managing consultants.
• Developing scope of work, project award, and procurement process.
• Monitoring and administering design and construction contracts and contract negotiations.
• Managing and overseeing HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and multidisciplinary mechanical, civil, and architectural projects across private and/or government sectors.
• Preparing or supervising the preparation of detailed plans, specifications, and cost estimates for a wide range of mechanical, civil, and architectural projects involving both retrofit and new construction.
• Planning, managing, overseeing, coordinating, and implementing design and construction projects.
• Collaborating with professional experts, senior staff, commercial, governmental, and municipal organizations.
• Performing project-related reviews and inspections and resolving issues during the design and construction phases.

RECRUITMENT DATES

Recruitment closes September 14, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date. This is a position-based recruitment and will not result in any ongoing eligibility list. This recruitment and any selection processes resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill other related vacancies within the organization now or in the near future.

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REFERENCE

Project Manager, JC:08640, ID# 62806, 8/31/2026, USM, CR, Benefits:007

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City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.