Senior Project Manager/Heavy Civil & Infrastructure-Nashville TN

Job Description

Job Description

Certerra is a growing national provider of testing, inspection, and certification services that support innovation in new product development, quality assurance, for project delivery, and engineered solutions for asset management. We are passionate about contributing to the sustainable development of the communities we serve. We are a national firm with a global reach serving national and international clients from 30+ offices located in 10 states and are ranked on ENR’s Top 500 list alongside the nation’s top firms. With a 60-year history, Certerra has a passion for high-end services, constant innovation, and investment in the development of world-class laboratory facilities, and interactive management technologies. Each member of our staff is committed to service, innovation, and the success of our clients.

We are seeking a highly motivated and client-focused Senior Project Manager to lead the growth, management, and execution of Construction Materials Testing (CMT) and Special Inspection services for major heavy civil and infrastructure projects . This role serves as a primary client contact responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships with public and private sector clients while overseeing proposal development, project pursuits, and technical service delivery.

The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience supporting transportation, water/wastewater, dam, utility, and other large-scale infrastructure projects  and has a proven ability to identify opportunities, prepare winning proposals, and successfully manage projects from pursuit through completion.

Primary Responsibilities

Client Development & Relationship Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, contractors, engineering firms, municipalities, and transportation agencies.
• Develop and maintain long-term client relationships that drive repeat business and strategic growth.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within transportation, infrastructure, water resources, utility, and public works markets.
• Participate in client meetings, industry events, pre-bid conferences, and professional organizations to promote company services.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop account strategies and market expansion initiatives.
• Monitor client satisfaction and proactively address concerns to ensure exceptional service delivery.

Proposal Development & Project Pursuits

• Lead preparation of proposals, qualifications packages, fee estimates, and technical scopes of work for construction materials testing and inspection services.
• Perform quantity take-offs and estimate staffing, equipment, and testing requirements from plans and specifications.
• Review project plans, geotechnical reports, bid documents, and construction schedules to develop accurate project budgets and resource forecasts.
• Coordinate proposal efforts with technical staff, project managers, and executive leadership.
• Track active pursuits and maintain proposal pipelines to support business development objectives.
• Support contract negotiations and project kickoff activities following successful award.

Project Management & Technical Oversight

• Manage multiple heavy civil and infrastructure projects simultaneously from award through completion.
• Oversee project budgets, schedules, staffing plans, and financial performance.
• Coordinate laboratory, field testing, and inspection resources to support project requirements.
• Ensure compliance with project specifications, ASTM, AASHTO, DOT, agency, and regulatory requirements.
• Review project deliverables, testing reports, and client communications for technical accuracy and quality.
• Monitor project risks and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Support project teams in resolving technical and operational challenges.

Market Focus Areas

Projects may include:

• Transportation and highway construction
• State and local DOT projects
• Bridges and structures
• Water and wastewater treatment facilities
• Pump stations and utility infrastructure
• Dams and levees
• Airports and rail projects
• Industrial and energy infrastructure
• Municipal public works programs

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, Geology, or a related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 8–15 years of experience in construction materials testing, special inspections, geotechnical engineering, or construction quality assurance.
• Minimum of 5 years of project management and client management experience.
• Demonstrated success in proposal preparation, fee development, project pursuits, and business development activities.
• Strong understanding of construction materials testing, inspection services, and quality assurance programs.
• Experience supporting large public infrastructure projects and agency clients.
• Proven ability to manage project financial performance, staffing, and client expectations.