Senior Project Manager

City of Seattle • Seattle, WA

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

Seattle Public Utilities is hiring Senior Project Managers under the City’s Sr. Civil Engineer classification to lead complex interagency and SPU-initiated infrastructure projects delivering water, drainage, and wastewater improvements. Assignments may include combined sewer overflow, watermain replacement, drainage and wastewater capacity, workforce facilities, emergency and urgent response, and interagency infrastructure coordination projects. The role provides technical and strategic leadership and coordinates across departments, agencies, and external partners. The position reports to a Capital Project Manager in SPU’s Project Delivery and Engineering Branch.

Seattle Public Utilities delivers drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage, recycling, and compost services. It also provides drinking water to 1.5 million regional customers. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. The organization has more than 1,400 employees and commits to City values, racial and social justice, and equitable service.

The position manages projects through all delivery phases, controlling scope, schedule, cost, risk, and quality. It leads multidisciplinary project teams, coordinates interagency work, negotiates contracts and amendments, and manages financial performance. Work is performed in both office and public settings, with a hybrid schedule allowing remote work two days per week by agreement with the supervisor. Field assignments may involve varied weather, traffic, hazardous or toxic substances, and construction sites.

Requirements

• Five years of professional civil engineering experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or Civil Engineering Technology, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Current Washington State driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington.
• Ability to work in an office environment and, for field assignments, work around all types of weather, traffic, hazardous or toxic substances, and construction sites.
• May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing complex infrastructure and facilities projects involving multiple stakeholders and organizations, with proficiency in project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Track record of successful collaboration with transportation authorities, utilities, regulatory agencies, or similar organizations.
• Experience with transportation projects, road construction, or infrastructure coordination in public or private rights-of-way.
• Experience with contract negotiation, amendments, and financial tracking for infrastructure projects.
• Experience leading engineering teams and coordinating subject matter experts across water, wastewater, drainage, or similar utility systems.
• Background with large-scale infrastructure and facility projects in public, private, or regulated utility environments.
• Strong stakeholder communication and negotiation skills, including conflict resolution, consensus building, and finding mutually acceptable solutions that protect public interests.
• Experience with project budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting for infrastructure projects.
• Experience managing projects with complex regulatory and permitting requirements.
• Knowledge of water, wastewater, drainage, or similar utility system operations and maintenance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Control project baselines for scope, schedule, and cost.
• Apply risk management practices consistent with PMBOK and AACE Total Cost Management frameworks.
• Use earned value management, critical path scheduling, and cost forecasting to monitor performance and support data-driven decisions.
• Manage all phases of project delivery—initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and closing—to meet scope, schedule, budget, and quality standards.
• Provide technical and strategic leadership aligned with SPU infrastructure priorities.
• Develop and lead project-specific teams, including design engineers, Lines of Business representatives, construction engineers, public outreach, and real property staff.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Identify and undertake process improvements as needed.
• Build and maintain working relationships with counterparts in state and city agencies to support project delivery and reduce public impacts.
• Negotiate in good faith to find mutually acceptable solutions that advance public interests.
• Provide timely and accurate technical responses and collaborate with other agencies.
• Navigate complex intergovernmental scenarios using technical engineering expertise.
• Support department diversity and social justice goals in keeping with the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative.
• Negotiate contracts and contract amendments for major infrastructure projects.
• Track project scope, costs, and schedule performance.
• Ensure accurate billing and payment coordination.
• Manage financial aspects of multi-million-dollar infrastructure investments.

Benefits

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities, including the option to work remotely two days a week.
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and dependents.
• Free public transportation options.
• City pension plan with employer and employee contributions.
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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