Senior Project Manager - Water/Wastewater Services

CDM Smith; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 120,973 - 211,723; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is looking for a Senior Project Manager to join our team in Knoxville or Nashville, Tennessee. This position plays a key role in managing water and wastewater projects while leading planning and design teams. You'll interact with municipal clients and contribute to business development, ensuring the successful delivery of complex projects.

Qualified candidates should have at least 10 years of experience, relevant certifications, and a background in civil or environmental engineering. A competitive salary range of USD 120,973 to USD 211,723 is offered.

Qualifications

• 10 years of related experience required.
• Project management experience on water/wastewater projects is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage water/wastewater design, permitting, and construction.
• Coordinate and mentor project teams.
• Prepare and manage project budgets and schedules.

Skills

Project management

Client communication

Team leadership

Design oversight

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

PMP, CCM or DBIA certification (within 12 months of hire)

Job description

Senior Project Manager – Water/Wastewater Projects

CDM Smith has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Project Manager to join our growing South Group in either our Knoxville or Nashville offices. This is a key role with the potential to have significant impact on client development and project management in a growing market building on our proven history of performance in Tennessee. In this position, you will be a key point of contact for our municipal clients throughout the state while partnering with CDM Smith leadership to identify, develop, and deliver project opportunities and growth‑related initiatives.

You will lead planning and design teams for multi‑discipline projects in the fields of large‑diameter conduit (water distribution and wastewater collection), water and wastewater pumping systems, and water/wastewater treatment projects in Tennessee. As a member of this team, you would contribute to our clients' mission by:

• Managing water/wastewater design, permitting, and construction services from early concept development through construction.
• Serving as a leader of project teams and mentoring staff, including coordinating and reviewing project assignments.
• Working effectively with key technical specialists, project team members, and delivery managers.
• Assisting with the preparation of design drawings and specifications on multi‑discipline design projects.
• Preparing, monitoring, and managing project budgets and schedules while managing the firm’s risk using the latest project management tools.
• Being active in the water/wastewater industry and participating in professional societies.
• Assisting in new business development by contributing to strategic planning, marketing, and business operations planning.
• Collaborating with the sales team in response to client requests for qualifications (RFQs).
• Interfacing with clients and government officials and providing updates to upper management as necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• 10 years of related experience.
• PMP (PMI), CCM or DBIA certification required (within 12 months of hire or promotion to the Approved Project Manager list).
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required; frequency is contingent on specific duties.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, or chemical engineering.
• Professional engineering (PE) license.
• Project management experience on water/wastewater infrastructure design projects in Tennessee.
• Alternative project delivery experience.

Compensation

Pay Range: USD 120,973.00 – USD 211,723.00

Travel

10% or less.

EEO Statement

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy‑related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.