Senior Project Manager

Job Description:

Pape-Dawson is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to join our growing engineering team. This is an opportunity for a proven engineering leader to take ownership of complex projects, build lasting client relationships, mentor the next generation of professionals, and play a meaningful role in the continued growth of our organization.

Our team carries forward the legacy and reputation of GradyMinor, a respected name with deep roots in the communities we serve. As part of Pape-Dawson, that legacy is now backed by the resources, expertise, and expanded opportunities of a larger, multidisciplinary organization.

We’re looking for someone who is ready to bring their technical expertise, leadership, and entrepreneurial mindset to an organization where they can make a real impact.

What You’ll Do

You’ll serve as a key leader within Pape-Dawson, taking ownership of complex assignments from pursuit through delivery while building strong relationships with clients and developing the people around you.

Lead & Deliver

• Lead the planning, execution, and successful delivery of multiple complex engineering projects, with accountability for quality, schedule, budget, and profitability.

• Provide strategic, technical, and managerial leadership throughout the project lifecycle.

• Develop and negotiate project scopes, budgets, schedules, proposals, and contracts.

• Oversee project financial performance, staffing plans, and resource allocation.

• Review and approve technical deliverables to ensure they meet applicable standards, regulations, and client expectations.

• Lead or oversee QA/QC, risk management, and issue resolution to keep projects moving forward.

Build Client Partnerships

• Serve as a trusted advisor and principal point of contact for key clients.

• Develop relationships that lead to repeat business, expanded opportunities, and long-term partnerships.

• Represent Pape-Dawson with clients, agencies, boards, and other stakeholders.

• Communicate technical and strategic information with confidence and clarity.

Develop People & Teams

• Lead and motivate multidisciplinary project teams while creating an environment where people can do their best work.

• Mentor Project Managers and technical staff, helping them grow their technical, project management, and leadership skills.

• Provide guidance and oversight to teams of approximately 5–7 employees.

• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Grow the Business

• Play an active role in expanding Pape-Dawson’s presence in the markets and communities we serve.

• Lead and support business development efforts, including RFQs, proposals, interviews, pursuits, and key client strategies.

• Identify opportunities to deepen existing client relationships and develop new ones.

• Leverage your industry knowledge, professional relationships, and market perspective to help drive continued growth.

Shape the Future

• Contribute to firmwide initiatives focused on design standards, technical best practices, operational excellence, and staff development.

• Help identify opportunities to improve how we work, deliver projects, serve clients, and develop our people.

• Balance client needs with team and business priorities while maintaining a high standard of performance and integrity.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.

• Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in the state(s) required to support project work.

• 8+ years of relevant engineering and project management experience, depending on service area.

• Demonstrated success leading complex projects from concept through completion.

• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing multiple concurrent assignments.

• A strong track record of developing and maintaining client relationships.

• Experience mentoring staff, developing Project Managers, and leading teams of approximately 5–7 employees.

• Strong business development, communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

• The ability to think strategically while remaining engaged in the technical and project details that drive successful outcomes.

• The ability to adapt to shifting priorities, manage competing deadlines, and keep teams moving forward.

• Availability to work Monday–Friday, with flexibility