Senior Project Manager – Water/Wastewater

Metric Geo; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Sick leave

Holidays

Job summary

Metric is seeking a Senior Project Manager for a $100M–$150M industrial wastewater treatment project in Southern California. You will lead design development from 10% to GMP at 30%, manage P&L, and oversee owner relationships through construction and closeout.

Based in Costa Mesa preconstruction, with heavy on-site work in Riverside County during construction, the role offers long-term ownership of the project, exposure to Progressive Design-Build, and a path to expanding the company's delivery

Qualifications

• Experience delivering large-scale water/wastewater projects, preferably $100M–$150M.
• Progressive Design-Build experience including GMP development.
• Associate DBIA certification or equivalent Progressive DB delivery.
• Strong finance, P&L and owner-relations skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Phase 1 to GMP submission at 30% design.
• Manage transition to construction and closeout.
• Owner contact, commercial discussions, reporting.
• Coordinate design scope with estimating and construction.
• Lead GMP pricing, scope, risk allowances, value engineering.
• Manage project team and ensure schedule, safety and quality.

Skills

Progressive DB

Owner relations

P&L ownership

CPM scheduling

Procurement

Budgeting

Design coordination

Cost control

Education

Engineering/Construction degree or equivalent

Tools

P6

MS Project

VISTA

Job description

Progressive Design-Build | $100M–$150M Project

Metric is working on behalf of a retained client to appoint a Senior Project Manager to lead a $100M–$150M industrial wastewater treatment project in Southern California.

Our client has secured the Phase 1 contract, and the project is currently at approximately 10% design. You will lead the team through design development, establish the Guaranteed Maximum Price at 30% design, and take the project through construction, commissioning and closeout.

This is an opportunity to join early, shape how the project is delivered and retain ownership throughout its lifecycle.

The Role

Reporting to the division’s Operations Manager, you will hold full responsibility for project delivery, financial performance and the owner relationship.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading Phase 1 preconstruction and design development, progressing from approximately 10% design to GMP submission at 30%.
• Managing the transition into the construction phase and leading delivery through final closeout.
• Acting as the primary contact for the owner, managing commercial discussions, reporting and contractual requirements.
• Managing the Engineer of Record, coordinating design scope, schedule and deliverables with estimating and construction.
• Leading the estimating team through GMP development, including pricing, scope reconciliation, risk allowances and value engineering.
• Taking full P&L responsibility, including budgets, forecasting, cost reporting, billing and change orders.
• Leading process equipment procurement, vendor negotiations and long-lead purchasing.
• Negotiating early work packages to support procurement and the overall programme.
• Managing Project Engineers, Superintendents, field teams and subcontractors.
• Driving project scheduling, safety, quality and team development.

What We’re Looking For

• A strong track record delivering large-scale water/wastewater treatment projects, ideally in the $100M–$150M range or above.
• Hands-on Progressive Design-Build experience, including preconstruction, design coordination, GMP development and construction delivery.
• Associate DBIA certification or extensive demonstrated experience delivering Progressive Design-Build projects.
• Experience managing owner relationships and leading commercial negotiations.
• Experience managing design engineers and working closely with estimating teams.
• Full project P&L responsibility and strong financial management skills.
• Experience procuring process equipment and coordinating long-lead packages.
• Working knowledge of CPM scheduling and construction cost management systems, such as P6, MS Project and Vista.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, process mechanical drawings and treatment plant specifications.
• A degree in Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

Industrial wastewater, leachate treatment, CMAR experience and a Professional Engineer licence would be advantageous.

Location

During preconstruction, design and GMP development, the role will be based in Costa Mesa through approximately March 2027, with occasional travel to owner and design meetings.

The construction phase will require full-time attendance on-site in Riverside County.

• $180,000–$230,000 base salary, depending on experience.
• Performance-based bonus.
• Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) with company contribution.
• Paid time off, sick leave and holidays.
• Ownership of a $100M–$150M project from early design through completion.
• The opportunity to help grow the company’s alternative delivery capabilities, with further PDB and CMAR projects anticipated.

For a confidential conversation, contact Freddie Hutchinson at Metric.