Senior Project Manager - Transportation (Georgia Based)

Senior Project Manager

Join Pond & Company and be part of the team that's redefining the future of Architectural, Engineering, Planning, Construction Management, and Environmental projects!

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager with deep expertise in Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) project delivery to join our growing transportation practice. In this role, you will lead complex roadway and infrastructure projects through all phases of the GDOT Plan Development Process (PDP), serving as the primary client liaison and ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery in compliance with GDOT standards, policies, and federal requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Manage multiple concurrent GDOT and local projects from Concept through Final, construction advertisement, and post-design support, maintaining accountability for scope, schedule, budget, and quality.
• Lead and facilitate key project milestones including Concept Reports, Preliminary Field Plan Reviews (PFPR), Field Plan Reviews (FPR), and Final PS&E submissions.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules and budgets using GDOT's project management frameworks; proactively identify and resolve risks to delivery.
• Coordinate with GDOT District and Central Office staff, FHWA, and local sponsors throughout all project phases.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for GDOT Project Managers and local agency clients, building trusted relationships and maintaining open lines of communication.
• Support Local Administered Projects (LAP) by guiding local agencies through GDOT's LAP federal-aid obligations, and ROW and utility coordination processes.
• Facilitate public involvement activities, community outreach meetings, and interagency coordination as required by the GDOT PDP and NEPA documentation.
• Prepare and present project status reports, technical memoranda, and design packages for client review and regulatory approvals.

Technical Oversight

• Provide technical oversight and QA/QC review of roadway design deliverables in conformance with GDOT Design Policy Manual and standards.
• Oversee preparation of right-of-way plans, utility relocation plans, and environmental documents in accordance with GDOT and FHWA requirements.
• Ensure all deliverables meet GDOT's standards using MicroStation/OpenRoads Designer, and coordinate with design subconsultants accordingly.
• Review and approve engineer's estimates, special provisions, and contract documents for GDOT construction advertisement.

Business Development & Mentorship

• Actively participate in pursuit strategy, proposal development, and interviews for GDOT and local agency opportunities, including IDIQ and on-call contract vehicles.
• Mentor mid-level project managers and engineers on GDOT processes, project controls, and professional development.
• Contribute to firm-wide process improvements and GDOT relationship development initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in transportation/roadway project management, with at least 5 years managing GDOT-funded projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects through the full GDOT Plan Development Process (PDP), including Concept, Preliminary Design, and Final Design phases.
• Thorough knowledge of GDOT Design Policy Manual, GDOT Standard Specifications, and AASHTO design standards.
• Experience with GDOT's project management and scheduling systems, including familiarity with GDOT's Preconstruction process.
• Proficiency managing federal-aid funded projects, including NEPA documentation requirements, ROW acquisition procedures, and utility coordination.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to manage client relationships at the GDOT District and Central Office level.
• Established professional relationships with GDOT District offices and/or Central Office divisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license, registered in the State of Georgia (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire).
• Direct experience managing Local Administered Projects (LAP) for cities, counties, or MPOs in Georgia, including SPLOST/TSPLOST-funded programs.
• Familiarity with GDOT's LAP Manual, certification requirements, and federal-aid procurement procedures.
• Experience with GDOT bridge or structures projects, traffic engineering, or drainage/hydraulics deliverables.
• Working knowledge of MicroStation, OpenRoads Designer, or AutoCAD Civil 3D; experience with GDOT CADD standards is a plus.
• Experience with GDOT on-call or IDIQ contract vehicles and multi-project program management.

Skills & Competencies

GDOT PDP mastery (Concept through Final) Federal-aid compliance & NEPA coordination ROW & utility relocation management Scope, schedule & budget control Local agency (LAP) program delivery QA/QC of roadway design deliverables - Stakeholder & public involvement facilitation Proposal writing & interview presentation Team leadership & subconsultant coordination Risk identification & mitigation planning Technical writing & client reporting MS Project, ProjectWise, or equivalent tools

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience, with a clear path to Principal/Associate Principal level.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with employer match, and paid time off.
• Hybrid work arrangement with flexibility to support GDOT project needs across Georgia.
• A collaborative culture with strong leadership investment in professional growth, continuing education, and licensure support.
• Active pipeline of GDOT and local agency projects across metro Atlanta, Northeast Georgia, and statewide programs.

All Pond & Company positions require participation in at least one in-person interview as part of our hiring process, and most roles also require in-person onboarding at a Pond office location; candidates should expect to meet directly with our team and should be cautious of any communication suggesting otherwise.