Senior Program Manager - Midwest

Brown and Caldwell; Independence (MO); Hybrid; USD 129,000 - 213,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) retirement savings plan with a

Performance-based bonus eligibility

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Brown and Caldwell is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead planning and delivery of complex water and wastewater projects in the Midwest. The role offers flexible work options—remote, hybrid, or local office—with travel to client sites as needed.

The position requires extensive program management experience, governance, risk management, and benefits realization, plus cross-functional leadership across lifecycle phases and a track record of delivering on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction, business management or related field.
• Program management certification or willingness to obtain within 12 months.
• 10+ years of related work experience in project or program management.

Responsibilities

• Lead assignments on complex projects and programs in water and wastewater.
• Apply program management services to deliver optimal client solutions.
• Manage planning, initiation, delivery and closeout across the lifecycle.
• Oversee governance, stakeholder management and program controls.
• Coordinate resources, timelines, and ensure quality and outcomes.
• Drive benefits realization and continuous program improvements.
• Support sales and negotiations when applicable.
• Adapt to evolving needs with additional assignments.

Skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Program delivery leadership

Risk and quality management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction, business management or related field

Program management certification or willingness to obtain within 12 months

Job description

Job Summary

The Senior Program Manager will play a key part on program teams to support the planning and delivery of complex projects and programs in the water and wastewater industry. This role is located in the Midwest and requires extensive planning and execution due to larger project sizes and complexities. The manager will lead assignments and daily operations, ensuring program goals and benefits are achieved and driving continuous program improvements. Key responsibilities include program management and delivery, administration, performance monitoring, program controls, benefits management, governance, risk management, and stakeholder management.

Candidates may live anywhere in the Midwest and will have flexibility to work remotely, in a hybrid model, or in an office that is local to them. Candidates should be prepared and willing to travel throughout their territory to customer sites and to visit local Brown and Caldwell offices.

Responsibilities

• Lead assignments and activities on complex projects and programs.
• Utilize comprehensive understanding of the company’s program management services to offer optimal solutions to clients.
• Leverage activities across program management lifecycle phases: planning, initiation, delivery, and closeout.
• Manage activities within the programs organization, including program governance and stakeholder management.
• Operate independently through effective planning, coordinating resources, managing timelines, and ensuring that deliverables meet quality standards, and the program meets the intended outcomes.
• Manage activities to support performance and benefits realization, monitoring progress, and making adjustments as necessary to maximize outcomes.
• Implement sales techniques for successful negotiation and transaction.
• Adapt and execute various additional assignments based on evolving needs.

Mentorship

• May provide mentorship, guidance, support, and knowledge‑sharing to help less experienced team members develop their skills and grow within their roles.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams and communicate with program stakeholders.
• Accomplished in project management and delivery with ability to lead larger, more challenging project assignments on time and budget.
• Proven skills in program delivery lifecycle management phases, processes, and activities.
• Deep understanding of the industry and our clients.
• Skilled in program controls, commercial acumen, and performance monitoring and reporting.
• Well‑versed in program planning and initiation, change management, risk management, and quality management.

Experience

• Typically, a minimum of 10 years of related work experience in project management, program management or related field.
• Experience in working under supervision to deliver moderately complex to complex projects.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience with Water and Wastewater programs is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with various project delivery methods, including Progressive Design Build (PDB), Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) and Design‑Bid‑Build (DBB).

Education

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction, business management or related field or equivalent experience is required.
• Program management certification or required to obtain in 12 months.

Salary Range

Location A: $129,000 - 177,000
Location B: $142,000- 195,000
Location C: $155,000 - 213,000

Benefits and Compensation

• Medical, dental, vision
• Short and long‑term disability
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off and parental leave
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
• Performance‑based bonus eligibility
• Employee referral bonuses
• Tuition reimbursement
• Pet insurance and long‑term care insurance

Additional Information

This position is subject to a pre‑employment background check and a pre‑employment drug test. Brown and Caldwell does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. The company is a proud EEO/AAP employer, encouraging protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, and applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Brown and Caldwell ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.