Senior Vice President, Project & Program Management

WSP in the U.S.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 315,000 - 330,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP USA in Chicago seeks a Senior Vice President, Project & Program Management to lead a team delivering water, sewer and related facilities projects. You will manage multiple megaprojects through programming, design, construction and closeout, while building client relationships and guiding staff.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, risk and safety management, and the development of project controls and compliant practices in a fast‑paced, client‑focused environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or similar.
• Licensed as PE in Illinois or readily obtainable.
• 15 years of progressive supervisory experience in planning, design, and construction management of civil engineering projects related to water/sewer infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead in a Program Manager role on a capital improvement program delivering water, sewer, and related facilities projects.
• Oversee multiple projects through programming, design, construction, and closeout phases.
• Manage procurement of consultant teams and contractors and oversee project delivery for the client.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

MS Office

Safety & Compliance

Client Relationships

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering

Licensed Professional Engineer (Illinois)

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Job Description

Senior Vice President, Project & Program Management – Chicago, Illinois

Join our growing Program Management Team that meets our clients’ objectives and solves their challenges.

At WSP, we are driven by inspiring the right people to be part of our future-focused business objectives. We build communities and expand our skylines, and we want you to help shape the future.

Your Impact

• Serve in a Program Manager role on a capital improvement program delivering water, sewer, and related facilities projects via various delivery models.
• Lead the delivery of multiple projects through programming, design, construction, and closeout phases.
• Manage procurement of consultant teams and contractors and oversee project delivery on behalf of the client.
• Develop and maintain Project Management Plans that include Program Controls, Document Control, Design Management, Risk Management, Safety Management, Quality Control, and Environmental Compliance.
• Perform independent review of project progress and provide monthly executive-level briefings.
• Conduct schedule review and analysis.
• Provide solutions to project issues.
• Review and strategize improvement to key operational performance metrics.
• Support and empower staff and direct reports to execute project assignments on time and on budget.
• Build and maintain relationships with public and private sector clients, agencies, partner firms, sub-consultants, vendors, and suppliers.
• Lead staff development, including mentoring, training, coaching, and professional development.
• Account for overall management and successful execution of major projects within the water supply market, monitoring internal and external events, expenses, performance, and profitability.
• Oversee the discipline’s vision and mission to promote a value proposition that aligns with corporate and client strategy, regulations, and QA/QC.
• Create a learning culture that values innovative subject matter expertise and fosters personal development.
• Develop and implement a communication strategy to increase the effectiveness of discipline-related processes, systems, and practices and mitigate discipline-related risks.
• Serve as program management discipline subject‑matter expert to a variety of internal and external entities.
• Manage overall delivery team performance and provide inspiring leadership to management and staff.
• Develop extensive high‑level business contacts and a client base for program management services, including business development opportunities and cross‑selling of other WSP capabilities.
• Collaborate with professionals and senior leadership from a variety of disciplines to provide future‑ready solutions for clients.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, adhering to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or a similar area.
• Licensed as a Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist in Illinois (or readily obtainable).
• Fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in planning, design, and construction management of civil engineering projects involving water and sewer infrastructure.
• Experience managing megaprojects (i.e., projects over $500M) is required.
• Proven experience managing the work of a large group of subordinate consultant personnel.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering design and construction.
• Advanced SME-level proficiency with tunnelling and water supply related practices, process, standard of care, and application to permitting and project work‑related issues.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to establish effective working relationships.
• Excellent computer skills – working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP Certification.

WSP Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on health and financial stability, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation; paid parental leave; and paid time off for bereavement, voting, and naturalization proceedings.

Compensation

Expected Salary (all locations): $315,000–$330,000 per year.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. We design lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environment markets and partner with clients to help communities prosper.

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs and offers a comprehensive suite of benefits to support employees’ health and financial stability.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race, Age, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Disability, or Protected Veteran Status are not factors in employment decisions. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.