Senior Project Manager, Area Leader for Water Team

GFT; Dallas (TX); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Wellness programs

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

401(k)

Job summary

GFT in Dallas, TX seeks a Senior Project Manager – Area Leader for the Water Group to lead dam and levee projects, mentor staff, and drive backlog and profitability. The role blends technical leadership with business development in a hybrid office setting, emphasizing sustainable water infrastructure and regulatory compliance.

The candidate will oversee regional growth, collaborate with municipalities, and manage multidisciplinary teams across design, construction, and project delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or closely related field.
• 15+ years in the AEC industry focused on water resources, water/wastewater, dams and hydraulic structures.
• Texas-registered PE credential preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with leadership to align growth strategy regionally and nationally.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with municipal, regional, and federal clients.
• Oversee medium and large water/wastewater projects from conception through construction.
• Lead project teams for planning, design, and construction administration.
• Engage clients, deliver presentations, and coordinate project activities.
• Supervise and mentor junior engineers and multidisciplinary staff.

Skills

Marketing

Business development

Leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Registered Professional Engineer (Texas)

Job description

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking an experienced Area Leader for the Water Group to join our team in Dallas, TX. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Dallas office. The water resources team focuses on dams and levees, advanced water and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and delivery system design, emphasizing technology, sustainability, and compliance to protect public health and enhance quality of life.

What You’ll Be Challenged To Do

As a Senior Project Manager – Area Leader you will leverage technical and management expertise to plan, design, and construct water/wastewater infrastructure, mentor junior staff, support business development, and increase backlog, revenue, and profitability with current and new clients.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with operational and practice leadership to align with growth strategy regionally and nationally.
• Develop and strengthen business relationships and long‑term marketing strategies for water sector markets.
• Leverage technical and market expertise to oversee medium and large projects from conception through construction.
• Participate in and lead project teams for planning, design, and construction administration of municipal and industrial water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Engage clients, deliver presentations, and coordinate project activities.
• Coordinate work of technical staff and consultants, develop standards, lead progress meetings, prepare agendas and minutes, track schedules and budgets.
• Collaborate with municipalities and regulatory agencies.
• Oversee construction contract management and observation services.
• Prepare technical reports and permit applications.
• Supervise and mentor junior‑level engineers.
• Demonstrate professional technical writing and verbal communication skills.
• Grow the business across strategic markets, promote GFT’s services and expertise.
• Support strategic planning and annual business planning.
• Identify potential clients and lead initiatives for business development and efficiency.
• Perform market research and analysis to assess client needs and objectives.
• Lead pursuit of new business opportunities across GFT’s full spectrum of services.
• Create customer‑specific capture strategies and oversee proposal development.
• Function as a client manager, responsible for client service and project delivery.
• Coordinate internal resources to meet client needs and achieve goals.
• Manage and develop multidisciplinary teams.
• Assist in annual strategic planning.
• Assist client development leadership to adjust projections and plans for goal achievement.
• Support tactical implementation of the strategic plan with regional leadership.
• Attend industry conferences to develop and nurture client and partner relationships.

Education | Experience

Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a closely related field, a minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the AEC industry focused on water resources, water/wastewater, geotechnical, environmental planning/management, dams, and hydraulic structures, and a Registered Professional Engineer credential in Texas.

What You Will Bring To Our Firm

• Proven marketing and business development skills with contacts and relationships with municipal, regional, and federal clients.
• Effective communication skills and ability to build consensus.
• Demonstrated team building capabilities and experience leading diverse teams.
• Experience managing staff, clients, contracts, and hiring for an engineering consulting firm.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills with a track record of growing a water business team.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $150,000–$210,000, dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Benefits

• Hybrid work environment (in‑person and remote).
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, pet insurance, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development with access to internal and external training and support for professional organization participation.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status, or other characteristics protected by law.

All positions require a successful completion of a criminal background check.

Location: Dallas, TX
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full‑Time