Senior Sustainability Project Manager

Senior Sustainability Project ManagerAt Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That's why we're committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they'll receive great total rewards along the way.Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow's requirements are today's opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.We are seeking a full-time Senior Sustainability Project Manager to serve as a senior member of our Consulting Department, taking on a Manager-level role similar to our existing department leadership. This position requires a seasoned professional who can independently manage a portfolio of projects, lead and mentor a small team of Specialists, and actively contribute to business development. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise across multiple sustainability rating systems and is confident engaging clients, speaking to audiences, and representing our firm in the marketplace. We are looking for a driven, detail-oriented leader to join our growing company, ideally based in Atlanta, Georgia.Responsibilities:Serve as Project Manager on a portfolio of projects pursuing third-party sustainability certifications, guiding teams through the full certification process from Strategic Development through Certification Award and, where applicable, RecertificationComplete all necessary forms, annotations, and documentation required to demonstrate fulfillment of rating system requirementsPerform in-depth technical review and analysis of building design, construction, and operations for compliance with sustainability rating systems, delivering work on time and at a high quality standardPerform quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) review of work completed by other SpecialistsLead and mentor a small group of Specialists, including reviewing project health, scheduling work, supporting career development, and conducting annual evaluationsDemonstrate a genuine commitment to mentoring developing professionals on project management skills, best practices, and professional growth — fostering the next generation of Project Managers within the Consulting DepartmentTrain new employees and new Project Managers in consulting-related work, certification processes, and documentation requirementsWork closely with Senior Managers and Managers across the Certifications, Consulting, Development, and ESG practices to balance workloads and ensure project deliveryWork closely with the Energy Modeling, Decarbonization, Performance Testing, and Commissioning teams as projects requireActively participate in Business Development activities, including conference appearances, speaking engagements, networking events, written marketing content, and acquiring new clientsEducate and engage the marketplace through written, verbal, and in-person communication with project teams and ownersContribute to the continued development and technical growth of fellow Specialists through collaborative teamworkOpportunity to work with ESG-related forms, calculations, and documentation for clients seeking third-party verificationParticipate in the Social or Wellness Committee for the Atlanta OfficeMetrics for Success:Project Performance:Meet individual and team project production metrics (budget, quality, proficiency, efficiency, and timeliness)Achieve customer service satisfaction consistent with department goalsMaintain a high standard of documentation quality and certification outcomes across a managed portfolio of projectsPeople Management & Leadership:Progress toward and ultimately achieve a Manager-level role overseeing a small group of 3–8 developing professionals within the Consulting DepartmentComplete people management training and demonstrate growing proficiency in team scheduling, workload balancing, performance evaluation, and career development supportActively contribute to the retention and professional growth of direct reports through consistent mentorship and constructive feedbackBusiness Development:Participate in a defined number of business development activities annually, including conferences, speaking engagements, and networking eventsContribute to new client acquisition efforts and support proposal developmentBuild and maintain a visible presence in the sustainability marketplace on behalf of Epsten GroupSupport growth of the Consulting Department's client base and revenue in collaboration with Senior ManagersProfessional Growth:Demonstrate advancement of both technical expertise and leadership competencies over timePursue and maintain relevant professional accreditations across sustainability rating systemsQualifications and Experience:Education and Training Requirements/Preferences:Bachelor's degree or higher in a field related to one or more of the following: Architecture (architecture, construction, landscape architecture, interior design), Engineering (mechanical, civil, structural), Policy, or Environmental StudiesRelevant professional training may be accepted in lieu of a formal degreeLEED AP with Specialty requiredProfessional accreditation in one or more additional rating systems strongly preferred: SITES AP, Fitwel Ambassador, LFA (Living Future Accreditation), TRUE Advisor, or Parksmart AdvisorBi-lingual fluency in Portuguese, Spanish, French, or German a plusOther Required Skills and Qualifications:5–10 years of direct project management experience in sustainability consulting or a closely related field requiredDemonstrated experience managing projects across multiple sustainability frameworks, including a strong working knowledge of LEED, WELL, SITES, Fitwel, Green Globes, Guiding Principles, Parksmart, and/or Living Building ChallengeProven track record of guiding project teams through full certification cycles, from Strategic Development through Certification AwardExperience managing or mentoring a small team of professionals a plusAbility to read, understand, and interpret building floor plans, sections, site plans, construction specifications, mechanical schedules, commissioning reports, and operational policies requiredDetailed technical understanding of one or more building operations topics: common construction methods, materials specification, fenestration, HVAC systems, plumbing systems, electrical systems, landscape design, master planning, land use, zoning, or urban development preferredLocation: Atlanta, Georgia preferred; hybrid office/remote schedule availableTravel: MinimalBenefits: This role is eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:Medical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with company matchPaid time off and company holidaysWellness programs and employee assistance resourcesProfessional development supportEqual Opportunity Employment Statement: Salas O'Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.