Department Manager / Project Manager
Job Summary
The Department Manager / Project Manager is responsible for leading multidisciplinary teams, overseeing project delivery, managing departmental operations, and driving business growth. This individual serves as a key liaison between clients, stakeholders, and internal teams while ensuring projects are delivered safely, on budget, on schedule, and to the highest quality standards. The role combines operational leadership, financial management, business development, resource planning, and staff development to support organizational growth and market expansion.
Key Responsibilities
The Department Manager / Project Manager will be responsible for:
- Lead and manage multiple projects, teams, and operational functions across various disciplines.
- Develop and implement operational plans, procedures, and staffing strategies to support growth and efficiency.
- Oversee project budgets, schedules, contracts, billings, utilization, and overall financial performance.
- Monitor key performance indicators, resource allocations, productivity metrics, and departmental performance.
- Prepare and review project scopes, proposals, budgets, fee estimates, and QA/QC processes.
- Establish staffing plans and coordinate resources to ensure successful project execution.
- Build, maintain, and expand client relationships while identifying new business development opportunities.
- Present project updates, technical information, and strategic initiatives to clients and stakeholders.
- Recruit, mentor, coach, and develop professional staff while fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
- Coordinate with subconsultants, business partners, and internal teams to achieve organizational objectives.
- Represent the organization at client meetings, industry events, trade shows, and community functions.
- Support company strategic initiatives while promoting excellence, safety, integrity, and customer service.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Surveying, Construction Management, Geomatics, or a related discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.
- 7+ years of progressive project management, operational leadership, or department management experience. (Blended requirement from both positions.)
- Proven experience managing large-scale, multidisciplinary projects and teams.
- Strong understanding of project financials, budgeting, forecasting, AR/WIP management, and resource planning.
- Demonstrated success in business development, client relationship management, and contract negotiations.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Experience mentoring and developing staff while building high-performing teams.
- Professional License (PE, RPLS, PLS, or applicable industry credential) preferred.
- Proficiency with industry-standard project and design software as applicable.
Core Competencies
- Leadership
- Financial Acumen
- Strategic Planning
- Project Delivery
- Business Development
- Client Management
- Decision Making
- Team Development
- Communication
- Accountability
- Customer Focus
- Problem Solving
- Collaboration
- Data Analysis
Benefits
- Competitive compensation package
- Annual bonus opportunity
- Leadership growth and advancement opportunities
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and company holidaysProfessional development and licensing support