Project Management Technical Director - Northern/Central California

SWCA Environmental Consultants•Half Moon Bay, CA

1d•$132,350 - $174,283•Hybrid

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an experienced Project Management Technical Director to lead and grow large, complex client relationships and oversee the successful delivery of environmental consulting projects and programs across its Northern and Central California Subregion. The role works closely with clients and internal technical experts to understand needs, develop project approaches, and deliver work on time, within budget, and to high quality standards. Reporting to the Northern and Central California Vice President, the Director collaborates with senior leadership, clients, and multidisciplinary teams to advance strategy, support business growth, and ensure delivery excellence. The role leads through influence and works with senior and principal-level staff to promote consistent project execution, operational efficiency, and exceptional client service. It also shapes technical direction, strengthens project management practices, and leads high-performing teams. This is a full-time, regular, salaried/exempt position with benefits. It is hybrid eligible or may be 100% distributed (remote), based out of any SWCA office in the domestic United States. Preference may be given to candidates located within or near the Northern and Central California Subregion. Regional travel is required as project and client needs dictate; anticipated travel is approximately one to two times per quarter. The position oversees large and complex multidisciplinary projects as a project, client, or contract manager and maintains a 50% productivity goal.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental planning, geology, engineering, geography, business administration, project management, or a related discipline; knowledge may normally be obtained through a bachelor’s degree.
Twelve years of progressively responsible experience in project management, project controls, program management, or a related professional services environment.
Six years of leadership experience within a consulting, environmental services, engineering, or professional services organization.
Experience managing projects, including six years of project management and some experience managing others.
Demonstrated success developing, implementing, and sustaining project management standards, processes, tools, and best practices across a geographically distributed organization.
Proven ability to lead large, complex, multidisciplinary projects and programs while maintaining high standards of quality, operational performance, and client service.
Strong expertise in project scheduling, budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and project performance management methodologies.
Ability to communicate complex technical and business concepts effectively to executive leadership, clients, project teams, and technical staff.
Ability to influence outcomes, build alignment, and achieve results across teams and business functions without direct authority.
Experience leading organizational change initiatives, including process implementation, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement.
Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff, project managers, clients, and organizational leaders.
Exceptional organizational, communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing business needs, and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to travel periodically for leadership meetings, project oversight, client engagement, and operational collaboration; anticipated travel is approximately one to two times per quarter.
When driving is required, must possess a valid driver’s license and meet SWCA’s driver requirements.
When travel is required, must be able to obtain and maintain valid travel documents and identification required for work-related domestic travel.

Nice To Haves

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or another recognized project management credential.
Project management, project controls, scientific, or technical experience in environmental consulting, biological sciences, cultural resources, or related disciplines.
Experience developing and tracking KPIs, project performance metrics, and operational reporting to support organizational growth and project delivery excellence.
Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing project managers or technical professionals.
A record as a trusted mentor and collaborative leader who fosters engagement, teamwork, and professional growth.

Responsibilities

Work with the Northern and Central California Vice President and other Directors to identify and implement strategic initiatives and promote consistent project management across the subregion.
Implement and maintain project management standards, best practices, processes, tools, and templates.
Strengthen cross-discipline collaboration across offices in the subregion.
Promote cross-discipline communication so project management tools, standards, and processes are understood, accepted, and successfully implemented.
Lead change management for the rollout of project management practices and tools, with a focus on engagement, communication, and user adoption.
Drive continuous improvement to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and transparency of project performance, including targeted project management training.
Track Project Management Plans as required and support project managers in developing and implementing them.
Identify and help track key performance indicators (KPIs) that support subregional growth and performance.
Assist Operations leaders with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, supervising, and mentoring project management talent.
Oversee large and complex multidisciplinary projects as a project, client, or contract manager, while maintaining a 50% productivity goal.
Travel periodically for leadership meetings, project oversight, client engagement, business development, and operational collaboration.
Serve as an ambassador for SWCA’s Safety Culture and its implementation.