Civil Engineering Project Manager

Paradigm Design • Grand Rapids, MI

15h • $110,000 - $155,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Civil Engineering Project Manager provides technical leadership and overall project management for land development and infrastructure projects from initial planning through construction completion. This position is responsible for managing project scope, budgets, schedules, quality, client relationships, team performance, and successful project delivery. The Project Manager leads and develops engineering staff, contributes to business development, and supports strategic growth through operational excellence, financial stewardship, and exceptional client service.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible civil engineering experience, including project management responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience managing land development and infrastructure projects and leading engineering staff.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D and related engineering software, with the ability to understand and review design work.
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to travel to project sites as needed.
• Strong knowledge of civil engineering design principles, land development practices, permitting requirements, grading, stormwater management, drainage, utility, and roadway design.
• Strong understanding of project financial management, budgeting, forecasting, scheduling, and resource planning.
• Ability to identify project risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, performance management, and team development abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and client communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships and represent clients effectively before regulatory bodies.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality, accountability, and exceptional client service.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with HEC-RAS, HydroCAD, WaterCAD, or similar engineering software.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Established relationships with municipalities, developers, and regulatory agencies.
• Experience with business development and client relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Lead project planning and delivery priorities for assigned land development and civil engineering projects, aligning scope, staffing, schedules, budgets, quality, and client expectations.
• Partner with Civil leadership to identify project, client, staffing, and operational risks and recommend practical solutions.
• Contribute to business development through proposal preparation, client presentations, networking, and identification of new project opportunities.
• Collaborate with leadership on strategic initiatives that support continued growth of the Civil Engineering department.
• Lead the planning, design, permitting, and construction administration of land development and civil engineering projects.
• Oversee the preparation, review, and approval of engineering plans, specifications, reports, calculations, cost estimates, proposals, and technical documents, including grading, stormwater, drainage, roadway, utility, and site development improvements.
• Manage project budgets, forecasting, billing, financial performance, and resource utilization using company project management systems, including Ajera.
• Identify and mitigate schedule, budget, technical, and project delivery risks; ensure quality control and compliance with applicable regulations, engineering standards, and company procedures.
• Serve as the primary client contact, lead project meetings, and coordinate with contractors, consultants, municipalities, regulatory agencies, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Represent clients and present projects at municipal, Planning Commission, public hearing, and other regulatory meetings; respond to questions and support permitting and approval processes.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and provide technical guidance to engineers, designers, and technical staff; set clear expectations and support accountability for results.
• Delegate work assignments, balance workloads and project priorities, and assist with workload planning and resource allocation.
• Review employee performance and provide constructive feedback to support professional growth and development.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and employee development efforts as requested.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, service-oriented, and positive team environment.
• Identify and implement practical improvements that enhance project delivery, quality, operational efficiency, and client service.
• Monitor project profitability and resource utilization and proactively identify opportunities to improve project performance.
• Maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and exceptional service while representing the company professionally.
• Support adoption of improved tools, workflows, and practices across the Civil Engineering team.
• Other duties and responsibilities reasonably related to the role, as assigned.

Benefits

• Appia is building a differentiated Architecture and Engineering platform that combines the entrepreneurial strengths, client relationships, and technical expertise of leading local firms with the resources, capabilities, and growth opportunities of a broader organization.
• Our model is designed to preserve what makes each studio successful while creating a stronger shared platform for growth, talent, technology, and operational excellence.
• We value integrity, accountability, technical excellence, innovation, and teamwork.
• By connecting our studios, disciplines, and resources, Appia creates opportunities for greater collaboration, shared expertise, professional growth, and exceptional service to our clients.
• As Appia continues to grow, we are committed to maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit of our local studios while providing the resources and opportunities of a broader organization.
• Our goal is to create an environment where talented professionals can build meaningful careers, do exceptional work, and contribute to the long-term success of our clients, communities, and the Appia network.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior