Value Engineering (VMA/CVS) Senior Project Manager

Athena; Goodlettsville (TN); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus opportunities

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Job summary

Athena Engineering and Environmental, LLC in Goodlettsville, near Nashville, invites a Senior Project Manager – Value Engineering to lead multidisciplinary programs nationwide, delivering value through VE/VA/VM studies and strong client engagement.

This leader will mentor staff, help win new work, ensure safety, budget, and schedule adherence, and drive continuous improvement across the Value Engineering practice.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive engineering, PM, and client-facing experience.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary infrastructure projects.
• Experience planning and facilitating VE/VA studies.
• Strong leadership, communication, facilitation, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary projects and expand Athena’s VE practice.
• Plan, facilitate VE/VA studies following SAVE International.
• Mentor staff and strengthen client relationships.
• Support business development and proposal efforts.
• Manage project scope, budget, schedule, and QA/QC.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Facilitation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Vantagepoint

Job description

Company Overview

Athena Engineering and Environmental, LLC (Athena), headquartered just outside vibrant Nashville, Tennessee, is a growing woman-owned engineering and environmental consulting firm delivering innovative solutions nationwide. Our multidisciplinary expertise includes geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, ecological services, water resources, land surveying, and Value Engineering.

Practice Leader Opportunity

We proudly serve federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as transportation, energy, industrial, water, and commercial clients. By combining technical excellence with innovation and collaboration, we help our clients solve complex infrastructure challenges and deliver projects that create lasting value.

As Athena continues to grow, we are making a strategic investment in expanding our Value Engineering practice and are seeking an experienced leader to help shape its future.

Location and Travel

Location: Goodlettsville (Nashville), Tennessee preferred. Hybrid or remote work may be considered for highly qualified candidates.

Travel: Approximately 20–35% domestic travel is expected to facilitate Value Engineering workshops, attend client meetings, support project teams, and conduct site visits. Travel schedules are planned whenever possible to promote a healthy work‑life balance.

Job Overview

Athena is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager – Value Engineering (VMA/CVS) to lead multidisciplinary projects and help expand Athena’s growing Value Engineering practice.

This leadership role is ideal for an experienced professional who enjoys managing complex projects while facilitating Value Engineering (VE), Value Analysis (VA), and Value Methodology (VM) studies. In addition to managing projects, this individual will help strengthen client relationships, mentor technical staff, support business development efforts, and play an integral role in growing Athena’s national Value Engineering capabilities.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader, trusted advisor, and skilled facilitator who is passionate about improving project performance, reducing life‑cycle costs, and delivering measurable value to clients.

Certified Value Specialists (CVS) are strongly encouraged to apply. Athena is committed to supporting the continued growth of its Value Engineering practice and welcomes professionals who are passionate about advancing Value Methodology nationwide.

Purpose

The Senior Project Manager – Value Engineering is responsible for successfully managing projects from proposal through completion while ensuring all deliverables are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and to Athena's quality standards.

This position applies recognized Value Methodology principles to improve functionality, optimize life‑cycle costs, reduce project risk, and maximize value for clients. Working within Athena's Project Management System, this individual serves as both a project leader and trusted advisor while delivering exceptional client service and technical excellence.

Project & Value Management

• Assist with proposal preparation, scope development, and fee estimating, including identifying opportunities to incorporate Value Methodology services.
• Review contracts and ensure project requirements are clearly understood prior to project initiation.
• Develop project execution plans, schedules, budgets, resource allocations, project files, and accounting systems (Vantagepoint).
• Plan, facilitate, and document Value Engineering/Value Analysis (VE/VA) studies in accordance with SAVE International methodology and industry best practices.
• Lead Function Analysis, Creative Phase Workshops, Evaluation Phases, and recommendation development to identify cost‑effective, high‑performing project alternatives.
• Monitor project scope, budget, schedule, and quality while integrating Value Methodology recommendations throughout project execution.
• Implement Athena's QA/QC procedures and ensure value‑driven decision making is incorporated into all technical deliverables.
• Coordinate internal staff, consultants, clients, and stakeholders to successfully deliver projects and facilitate Value Engineering workshops.
• Review project invoices, manage project financial performance, and maintain Work‑in‑Progress (WIP) in accordance with company goals.
• Identify business development opportunities, including standalone Value Engineering studies and expanded project scopes; pursue approval for additional services and fees.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through responsive communication, technical expertise, and exceptional customer service.
• Mentor project team members while fostering collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Assist in developing and delivering internal training related to Project Management and Value Methodology.
• Support the continued growth and strategic development of Athena's Value Engineering practice.

Scope of Authority

• Manage company resources to ensure successful project completion while integrating Value Methodology principles.
• Collaborate with Technical Services Managers to assemble appropriate project teams, including Value Engineering specialists when applicable.
• Serve as a primary point of contact with clients regarding project management and Value Methodology activities, as directed by the Client Manager or Client Representative.
• Exercise independent judgment in planning, organizing, and executing projects while maintaining alignment with Athena's quality standards and business objectives.

Education & Experience

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of technical expertise, leadership experience, and a passion for delivering value‑driven solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive engineering, project management, and client‑facing experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary infrastructure projects.
• Experience planning and facilitating Value Engineering or Value Analysis studies.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, facilitation, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to build client relationships and successfully manage multiple concurrent projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Value Specialist (CVS) or Value Methodology Associate (VMA) certification.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent professional registration.
• Experience with transportation, federal, municipal, or other public‑sector infrastructure projects.
• Proven business development experience, including proposal preparation and client development.
• Experience mentoring engineers and technical professionals while leading cross‑functional teams.

Why Join Athena?

• Lead nationally significant infrastructure projects that improve transportation systems, utilities, and public facilities.
• Shape the future of Athena's growing Value Engineering practice by helping define processes, mentor staff, and expand client relationships.
• Collaborate with experts across geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, ecology, water resources, surveying, and engineering disciplines.
• Influence business growth by supporting proposals, developing new opportunities, and strengthening long‑term client partnerships.
• Continue growing professionally through leadership opportunities, continuing education, certification support, and technical collaboration.
• Work in a culture built on integrity, accountability, innovation, and teamwork.
• Enjoy flexibility and work‑life balance while working for a company that values its employees as much as its clients.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Performance‑based bonus opportunities
• Profit sharing
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Company‑paid life insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Flexible work schedule
• Professional development and continuing education assistance
• Retirement plan

Equal Employment Opportunity

Athena Engineering and Environmental, LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee is valued and respected.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.