Senior Transportation Project Manager

Navigate Search; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Navigate Search is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager for a premier civil engineering and transportation firm in Wisconsin. This field-focused leadership role oversees complex transportation projects, works directly with contractors and owners, and serves as a primary contact throughout construction.

Based in Wisconsin with travel to project sites, you will lead oversight, schedules, budgets, safety, and regulatory compliance while collaborating with WisDOT and local authorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited engineering program.
• PE registration in Wisconsin.
• 10+ years of experience in construction oversight, construction management, or a related civil/transportation environment.
• Strong understanding of transportation construction and project administration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with WisDOT construction processes and software/applications.
• Proficiency with FieldManager or similar construction management software.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability and willingness to learn Civil 3D.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to work in the field.

Responsibilities

• Lead construction oversight and management for transportation infrastructure projects.
• Manage projects from planning and pre-construction through completion and closeout.
• Review plans, specifications, special provisions, and contractor work for compliance.
• Conduct site visits, inspections, and field assessments.
• Monitor project costs, schedules, quality, and overall progress.
• Coordinate with contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, clients, government agencies, and other project stakeholders.
• Develop project estimates and assist with contractor and supplier pricing.
• Maintain project schedules, drawings, specifications, logs, and other required documentation.
• Identify potential risks, regulatory requirements, environmental considerations, and other factors that could impact project delivery.
• Provide onsite direction and support to contractors as needed.
• Ensure projects remain compliant with contract requirements and applicable regulations.
• Participate in project and staffing meetings.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, and consulting partners.
• Support business development efforts with WisDOT and local government agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Field oversight

Project admin

Budgeting

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

PE license (Wisconsin)

Tools

FieldManager

Civil 3D

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Our client is a well-established civil engineering and construction management firm with a strong presence throughout Wisconsin. They are looking to add an experienced Senior Project Manager to their Transportation team.

This is a field-focused leadership role for a civil engineering professional who enjoys overseeing complex transportation projects, working directly with contractors and owners, and serving as a key point of contact throughout the construction process.

What You'll Do

• Lead construction oversight and management for transportation infrastructure projects
• Manage projects from planning and pre-construction through completion and closeout
• Review plans, specifications, special provisions, and contractor work for compliance
• Conduct site visits, inspections, and field assessments
• Monitor project costs, schedules, quality, and overall progress
• Coordinate with contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, clients, government agencies, and other project stakeholders
• Develop project estimates and assist with contractor and supplier pricing
• Maintain project schedules, drawings, specifications, logs, and other required documentation
• Identify potential risks, regulatory requirements, environmental considerations, and other factors that could impact project delivery
• Provide onsite direction and support to contractors as needed
• Ensure projects remain compliant with contract requirements and applicable regulations
• Participate in project and staffing meetings
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, and consulting partners
• Support business development efforts with WisDOT and local government agencies

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited engineering program
• PE registration in Wisconsin
• 10+ years of experience in construction oversight, construction management, or a related civil/transportation environment
• Strong understanding of transportation construction and project administration
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Experience working with WisDOT construction processes and software/applications
• Proficiency with FieldManager or similar construction management software
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat
• Ability and willingness to learn Civil 3D
• Valid driver's license and willingness to work in the field

This is primarily a field-based position, with some office work depending on project schedules and seasonal construction activity. The role requires the ability to travel between project sites and occasionally perform physical tasks associated with construction inspection and oversight.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Leadership role with significant responsibility on transportation infrastructure projects
• Opportunity to work directly with contractors, owners, and public agencies
• Strong exposure to Wisconsin transportation and infrastructure projects
• Blend of project management, construction oversight, and client interaction
• Opportunity to contribute to both project delivery and future business development