Senior Project Manager-Highways Roads

GHD; Fresno (CA); Hybrid; USD 138,000 - 207,000; Full time

Job summary

GHD is seeking a Senior Project Manager - Highways Roads to lead the delivery of complex transportation projects across California and the US West. The role focuses on project leadership, client engagement, and strategic growth while guiding multi-disciplinary teams to deliver high-quality results.

With 12+ years in transportation project management and strong knowledge of Caltrans/AASHTO standards, you will leverage advanced project management tools to oversee budgets, schedules, and risk,

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in transportation project management, planning, design and delivery of highway, roadway, and active transportation projects.
• Registered Civil Engineer in the State of California required.
• Advanced proficiency with project management software and tools (e.g. MS Project, Earned-Value Management).
• Deep knowledge of Caltrans and AASHTO standards, and PS&E package development.

Responsibilities

• Direct the planning, design, and execution of transportation projects, including highways, interchanges, local roads, roundabouts, trails, and bridges.
• Lead business development, market growth, and development of proposals, presentations, and interviews.
• Manage client relationships and develop long-term partnerships throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire multidisciplinary project teams and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Oversee project budgets, schedules, resource allocation, forecasting, and risk management; ensure profitability and compliance with standards.

Skills

Project leadership

Client relationship

Business development

Budget management

Team mentorship

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Civil Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

MS Project

Earned-Value Management

Job description

Job Description Shape the Future of Transportation with Us

Join a dynamic team of transportation professionals dedicated to delivering innovative, sustainable, and community-focused infrastructure solutions. As a Senior Project Manager, you will drive the success of complex highway, roadway, and active transportation projects, while playing a pivotal role in business development, client engagement, and strategic growth in the US West.

Who are we looking for?

GHD's US West Region seeks a visionary and accomplished Senior Project Manager - Highways Roads to support and grow our Highways, Roads, Bridges practice throughout the California, Arizona and the US West. We are seeking a dynamic leader with a proven track record in project delivery, business development, and client relationship management.

LocationPosition based in any of our California offices (Irvine, Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Diego, Fresno, Concord, Santa Rosa, Roseville, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, Redding, or Eureka) or Phoenix, Arizona, with opportunities for hybrid and flexible work arrangements

Our Hybrid Work Model: Be part of the dynamic culture!

Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Project Leadership & Delivery: Direct the planning, design, and execution of transportation projects, including highways, interchanges, local roads, roundabouts, trails, and bridges, ensuring delivery excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction.
• Business Development & Market Growth: Proactively identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities with public and private sector clients. Lead the development of winning proposals, presentations, and interviews. Build and maintain a robust pipeline of work through strategic networking and market intelligence.
• Client Relationship Management: Serve as a trusted advisor to key clients, agencies, and stakeholders. Develop long term partnerships and ensure exceptional client service throughout the project lifecycle.
• Team Management & Development: Lead, mentor, and inspire multidisciplinary project teams. Fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Support staff development through coaching, training, and succession planning.
• Financial and Risk Management: Oversee project budgets, schedules, and resource allocation. Drive project profitability and manage financial performance, including forecasting, earned value tracking, and variance analysis. Proactively identify and mitigate project risks.
• Technical Excellence & Quality Assurance: Provide senior technical oversight and ensure quality compliance with Caltrans, AASHTO, and local agency standards. Champion quality assurance and control throughout all project phases.
• Innovation & Best Practices: Lead the adoption of emerging technologies, digital delivery tools, and industry best practices to enhance project outcomes and client value.
• Change & Risk Management: Implement structured change management and risk mitigation strategies to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Strategic Leadership: Contribute to regional business planning, market analysis, and the development of long-term growth strategies for the transportation group.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field, master's degree preferred

Experience

12+ years of experience in transportation project management, with a strong background in planning, design and delivery of highway, roadway, and active transportation projects. Registered Civil Engineer in the State of California Required Demonstrated success in business development, client management, and securing major project wins. Advanced proficiency with project management software and tools (e.g. MS Project, Earned-Value Management). Deep knowledge of Caltrans and AASHTO standards, and expertise in PS&E package development. Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills. Experience with alternative delivery methods (e.g., Design-Build, CMGC) is highly desirable. Construction phase and program management experience is desirable. Experience managing multi-office or multi-disciplinary teams is preferred. Experience working in a consulting environment and managing multiple concurrent projects is preferred.

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex (including same sex); sexual orientation; gender identity; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability or handicap; citizenship status; service member status; or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Salary Range: $138,000-$207,000 based on experience #LI-KM1