Project Management Technical Director - Northern/Central California

SWCA Environmental Consultants•Half Moon Bay, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an experienced, strategic-minded Project Management Technical Director to lead and grow large, complex client relationships and oversee delivery of complex environmental consulting projects and programs in its Northern and Central California Subregion. The role works with clients and internal technical experts to understand client needs, shape effective project approaches, and deliver projects 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 technical teams to advance strategy, business growth, and delivery excellence. The successful candidate leads through influence, translates strategic goals into measurable outcomes, and works with senior and principal-level staff to promote consistent project execution, operational efficiency, and strong client service. The position also offers the opportunity to shape technical direction, strengthen project management practices, lead high-performing teams, and contribute to the subregion’s long-term growth. 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 and other domestic travel may be required for client engagement, project oversight, business development, leadership meetings, and team collaboration; anticipated travel is approximately one to two times per quarter. SWCA Environmental Consultants is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm providing full-spectrum environmental services across the United States. The company describes its North Star as being the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, delivering sound science and creative solutions to environmental challenges. Its values include collaboration, continuous learning, striving for improvement, and giving back to communities.

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 normally obtained through a bachelor’s degree.
At least 12 years of progressively responsible experience in project management, project controls, program management, or a related professional services environment.
At least 6 years of leadership experience within a consulting, environmental services, engineering, or professional services organization.
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 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 work 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, possession of a valid driver’s license and meeting SWCA’s driver requirements.
Ability to obtain and maintain valid travel documents and identification required for domestic work-related 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 key performance indicators, project performance metrics, and operational reporting to support organizational growth and project delivery.
Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing project managers or technical professionals.
Recognition 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 among offices throughout the subregion.
Promote cross-discipline communication so project management tools, standards, and processes are understood, accepted, and effectively used.
Lead change management for the rollout of project management practices and tools, emphasizing 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 that support subregional growth and performance.
Assist Operations leaders with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, supervising, and mentoring project management talent.
Oversee large, complex multidisciplinary projects as a project, client, or contract manager while maintaining a 50% productivity goal.
Support client engagement, project oversight, business development, leadership meetings, and operational collaboration through periodic travel.
Serve as an ambassador for SWCA’s Safety Culture and its implementation.