Senior Project Manager, Water

GFT; Charleston (SC); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Wellness programs

Parental leave

Pet insurance

Insurance package

401(k) savings plan

Competitive PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Job summary

GFT is seeking an experienced Senior Water Resources Project Engineer to lead major water infrastructure projects in the Southeast. You will manage complex planning, design, and construction, guiding multidisciplinary teams and coordinating with public agencies and utilities.

Based in a hybrid role with options across the Southeast, you will mentor engineers, prepare proposals and budgets, and ensure on-time delivery within budget while upholding high technical standards.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited BS in Civil Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead water, wastewater, and stormwater projects from planning through construction.
• Provide technical leadership for design, permitting, reports, and client presentations.
• Direct multidisciplinary teams to deliver on schedule and within budget.
• Oversee construction-phase services per contract requirements.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and client agreements.
• Monitor performance, financials, and resource allocation.
• Coordinate with stakeholders, consultants, and regulators to hit milestones.
• Mentor engineers and develop future leaders.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Client relations

Education

ABET-accredited BS in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (P.E.) designation

Job description

What You Will Do

Water Group in the SouthEast! Candidates can be in Atlanta, Georgia; Raleigh, NC; Charleston, SC; Richmond, VA; Virginia Beach, VA or in Florida!

Joining the water resources team at GFT means contributing to innovative solutions for sustainable water management and infrastructure. Our team excels in dams and levees, advanced water and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and conveyance, collection, and transmission. With a focus on integrating technology, sustainability, and compliance, we consider each water resources and environmental remediation project a chance to innovate and evolve to protect public health and enhance quality of life. Explore some of our signature water resources and environmental projects here.

What You'll Be Challenged To Do

This role will require a collaborative and results-oriented engineering professional who combines strong technical expertise with exceptional leadership and relationship-building skills. Someone who thrives in a client-focused environment, enjoy developing teams, and is motivated by the opportunity to deliver complex infrastructure projects that make a difference.

Lead Meaningful Water Infrastructure Projects

• Manage and oversee water, wastewater, and stormwater projects from planning and design through construction.
• Provide technical leadership for engineering design, calculations, permitting, reports, and client presentations.
• Direct multidisciplinary project teams to deliver high-quality solutions on schedule and within budget.
• Oversee construction-phase services and ensure successful project execution in accordance with contract requirements.

Drive Project Success

• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and client agreements.
• Monitor project performance, financials, and resource allocation.
• Coordinate with stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies to achieve project milestones.
• Support the development and implementation of company design and production standards.

Build Strong Client Partnerships

• Serve as a trusted advisor to municipal and utility district clients.
• Develop and maintain relationships with public officials, community leaders, and key stakeholders.
• Lead client communications and help identify opportunities to expand services and strengthen partnerships.

Contribute to Business Growth

• Prepare proposals, fee estimates, and project budgets.
• Lead responses to RFQs, RFPs, and other client solicitations.
• Support marketing and business development initiatives that drive growth across the Southeast region.
• Represent the firm at industry events, professional organizations, and community activities.

Mentor and Develop Future Leaders

• Lead, coach, and inspire engineers and technical professionals.
• Support the growth of project managers and emerging leaders.
• Foster a collaborative culture focused on innovation, continuous learning, and technical excellence.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique?

• Lead impactful projects that improve public health, environmental sustainability, and community resilience.
• Build lasting relationships with municipal clients across the Southeast.
• Influence the growth and direction of a thriving Water practice.
• Mentor talented professionals and shape the next generation of engineering leaders.
• Join a collaborative team that values technical excellence, client service, and professional development.

Education | Experience

What You Will Bring To Our Firm

• Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from an ABET accredited college or university.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) designation.
• 15 or more years' experience managing substantial water or stormwater projects from conception to completion.
• Demonstrated strong project management skills.
• Successful record of delivering projects on schedule, budget and meeting the client's Ability to provide oversight and guidance of project management fundamentals.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $160,000 - $200,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits

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

Company Overview

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives 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.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

Location

Richmond, VA; Atlanta, GA; Virginia Beach, VA; Raleigh, NC; Charleston, SC; Tampa, FL; Miami, FL

Core Business Hours

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Employment Status

Full-Time