Senior Pipeline Project Manager

Kennedy Jenks • Richmond, VA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Kennedy Jenks is seeking an experienced Senior Pipeline Project Manager to join our growing water and wastewater practice. This role is ideal for a technically strong leader who enjoys balancing project delivery, client relationships, business growth, and team development. You will play a key role in advancing complex pipeline projects while helping grow our market presence and mentoring the next generation of engineers. This position offers the opportunity to lead high-impact conveyance and pipeline infrastructure projects—including water transmission, wastewater collection, rehabilitation, and pump station-related systems—while working closely with clients, internal technical teams, and stakeholders. We are looking for someone who brings both technical credibility and strategic leadership, and who values collaboration, inclusion, and building strong teams. Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work-life balance and utilizes a hybrid work model to empower our people to thrive. You’ll have the opportunity to work on meaningful infrastructure projects that directly impact communities, while growing your career in a firm that values technical excellence, leadership, and people-first culture.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required (ability to obtain additional state licensure as needed).
• 10–15+ years of experience in water and wastewater infrastructure, with significant experience managing pipeline and conveyance projects.
• Strong technical knowledge of water and wastewater pipeline systems, including design, analysis, rehabilitation, and construction support.
• Demonstrated success managing project budgets, schedules, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to support or lead business development and maintain strong client relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly.
• Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to mentoring, inclusion, and team development.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with hydraulic modeling and pipeline design tools preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Project Manager and technical leader for small to large water and wastewater pipeline projects, from planning and design through construction and closeout.
• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams delivering conveyance infrastructure including water transmission pipelines, sanitary sewer systems, rehabilitation projects, and related facilities.
• Oversee pipeline planning, alignment studies, hydraulic analyses, condition assessments, rehabilitation strategies, and new pipeline design, ensuring compliance with applicable codes, standards, and regulations.
• Perform and oversee project management responsibilities including scope development, fee proposals, contract negotiation, budget and schedule management, quality control, and risk mitigation.
• Provide construction phase services, including review of submittals, responses to RFIs, coordination with contractors, and support through commissioning and closeout.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, maintaining strong relationships and delivering high-quality, responsive service.
• Support and lead business development efforts, including client positioning, proposal development, interviews, and participation in industry conferences and stakeholder meetings.
• Mentor, supervise, and develop junior and mid-level engineers, fostering technical growth, leadership skills, and a collaborative team culture.
• Contribute to internal standards, best practices, and continuous improvement in pipeline design, project delivery, and asset management approaches.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k), bonus opportunities, tuition reimbursement, professional registration support, competitive PTO and holidays, and more.

What This Job Offers

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