Technical Director & Project Manager

Overview

This Opportunity: WSP is seeking a Technical Director, Project Manager to join our Washington transportation team. This position can be based out of our Tacoma, WA or Seattle, WA offices.

Responsibilities

• Provide PM leadership for larger scale/more complex projects, ensuring contributors know what they are required to do and by when; prepare and oversee project budgets, forecasts, margins and KPIs; monitor external events and risk contingencies; track hours and expenses; ensure satisfactory performance; and manage contractual obligations to deliver the project or assigned portfolio as defined in the contract.
• Develop and foster effective strategies to engage project stakeholders at all levels, maintain effective relationships, and report on project progress.
• Provide guidance with pursuit/initiation activities for projects meeting defined criteria or risk profile, including Go/No-Go decisions, contract reviews, risk mitigation strategies, pricing reviews, etc.
• Participate in the technical aspects of contract negotiation, presentations, and meetings.
• Drive appropriate levels of technical review, select suitably qualified staff for reviews, and ensure adherence to the QA/QC plan where applicable.
• Provide verbal and/or written inputs to multi-disciplinary project teams and contribute high-level strategic advice to clients.
• Mentor staff to support growth and professional development; manage and provide performance guidance and leadership to assigned staff.
• Ensure updates to system and process documentation including Risk (REF/RMP), Project Management Plan (PMP), Project Quality Plan (QP), Project Safety (PSP), and Communications Plan where applicable.
• Facilitate project kick-off meetings with key stakeholders.
• Coordinate with area/technical managers to address project resource and subcontracting requirements in a timely manner.
• Maintain regular communications with the client including monthly status reports, safety incidents, and major issues with scope and budget impacts.
• Participate in and oversee problem project reviews, provide input on root cause issues and potential solutions; assist with developing project recovery plans.
• Ensure regular project reporting and updates are provided to clients, technical areas, and business unit managers; identify emergent issues with scope, risk, and/or budget.
• Monitor accounts receivable (AR) and unbilled revenue, addressing issues as needed.
• Complete formal project closeout activities and facilitate a lessons-learned meeting with key project staff.
• Remain current in the latest Project Management techniques and practices (PMAP).
• Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide trusted-advisor services and future-ready solutions for clients.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or a related major, or equivalent experience in a technical or engineering firm.
• Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Essential certification required (e.g., P.E., PMP, CAP-M).
• 12+ years of relevant post-education experience with roadway/highway/site development/transit design within the Transportation industry.
• A minimum of 5+ years of project management experience on transportation infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with Sound Transit, WSDOT, and City of Seattle engineering practices.
• Strong understanding of the project delivery process within the A/E/C industry and a solid background in project management.
• Advanced analytical and organizational skills with business acumen to bridge business and project management.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills for applying project management principles with clear understanding of intent, impact, and outcomes.
• Excellent self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and adaptability to changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to mid-level to senior staff with strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Proficiency with technical writing, MS Office (Word, Excel, Visio, Project, SharePoint) and PM tools; strong computer literacy.
• Experience in reviewing and approving documents and discipline-specific deliverables in a multi-project environment is highly desirable.
• Ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources, including senior management, subcontractors, consultants, and staff without formal hierarchical relationships.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and compliance with WSP health, safety, drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Flexibility to adapt to different schedules and hours to meet project needs; occasional travel may be required.

Benefits and Compensation

WSP provides a comprehensive benefits …