Senior Project Manager - Coastal Engineering

Senior Project Manager Coastal Engineering

The Senior Project Manager Coastal Engineering is the highest level in KCI's Project Management career path, responsible for overseeing highly complex coastal and waterfront infrastructure projects or multi-project coastal programs. This role provides strategic oversight and technical leadership for projects involving shoreline stabilization, waterfront structures, marine facilities, coastal resilience, dredging, and other marine and coastal engineering initiatives.

The Senior Project Manager leads multidisciplinary teams of coastal engineers, marine engineers, environmental scientists, and technical specialists to deliver projects from planning and permitting through design and construction. This role ensures seamless coordination across regulatory agencies, clients, contractors, and internal teams while balancing technical, environmental, and financial considerations.

With deep expertise in coastal engineering and project delivery, the Senior Project Manager drives successful outcomes for complex coastal and waterfront projects while supporting the growth and development of the coastal engineering team.

Project Leadership and Coastal Project Execution

• Lead the planning, design, and execution of complex coastal engineering projects including shoreline stabilization, waterfront structures, coastal resilience initiatives, navigation improvements, and marine infrastructure.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams including coastal engineers, structural engineers, marine inspectors, environmental scientists, and subcontractors to ensure timely and successful project completion.
• Develop and communicate comprehensive Project Management Plans, including scope, schedule, budget, permitting strategy, and quality standards.
• Manage project scope to ensure alignment with client objectives, regulatory requirements, and coastal engineering best practices.
• Oversee project schedules and proactively address challenges related to permitting, environmental constraints, construction sequencing, and marine operations.
• Monitor project budgets and implement cost control strategies to ensure projects remain within financial parameters.
• Ensure compliance with coastal engineering design standards, federal and state regulatory requirements, and environmental permitting constraints.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with coastal processes, marine construction, environmental impacts, and regulatory approvals.
• Serve as the primary client contact for coastal engineering projects, maintaining strong relationships with public agencies, port authorities, municipalities, and private waterfront clients.
• Coordinate with internal service lines including marine inspection, structural engineering, environmental services, and construction management to deliver integrated project solutions.

Coastal Engineering Technical Oversight

• Provide technical oversight for the design and implementation of coastal engineering solutions including living shorelines, bulkheads, seawalls, breakwaters, revetments, and marine infrastructure.
• Interpret coastal data including bathymetric surveys, shoreline change analyses, wave and sediment transport modeling, and environmental studies.
• Oversee site investigations and field data collection including coastal measurements, inspections, and documentation of existing waterfront structures.
• Ensure technical deliverables meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain knowledge of evolving coastal policies, climate resilience planning, and state and federal regulatory frameworks (e.g., USACE, FEMA, state coastal agencies).

Financial Management and Project Performance

• Negotiate contracts, scopes, and fees with clients and subconsultants for coastal engineering projects.
• Develop project schedules that account for design phases, permitting timelines, and marine construction sequencing.
• Monitor project performance including schedule, budget, and resource allocation.
• Manage project financials including WIP, AR, invoicing, and cash flow.
• Deliver projects on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with contract scope.
• Provide monthly project performance updates during Project Review Meetings.
• Prepare project closeout documentation including final reports and marketing materials highlighting completed coastal projects.

Training, Development, and Compliance

• Mentor and support the development of Project Managers, coastal engineers, and technical staff.
• Ensure compliance with KCI's Quality Management System (QMS) and internal project management procedures.
• Support the development and implementation of project safety plans, particularly for fieldwork and marine operations.
• Promote knowledge sharing and technical excellence within the coastal engineering practice.

Business Development and Industry Engagement

• Identify and pursue new coastal engineering opportunities with public agencies, ports, municipalities, and waterfront developers.
• Lead or support proposal development, qualifications packages, and client presentations.
• Promote KCI's coastal engineering capabilities to existing and prospective clients.
• Participate in industry organizations related to coastal engineering, waterfront infrastructure, and marine construction.
• Contribute to strategic growth initiatives within the Coastal and Marine practice.

Qualifications

Education and/or Skills Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in related field (AEC Industry) and minimum of 6 years of related professional experience, or 10 years of equivalent professional experience.
• Experience should include a track record of expanding project management duties.
• Proven experience in project management roles, with a focus on managing larger-scale projects or programs.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with clients, team members, and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools, with the ability to develop and maintain comprehensive project plans and documentation.
• Knowledge of industry standards and best practices related to project management, quality assurance, and safety protocols.
• Effective problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and implement solutions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong negotiation skills to manage contracts, scope changes, and stakeholder agreements effectively.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles to effectively manage project budgets, financial reporting, and resource allocation.

Education and/or Work Experience Preferred:

• Master's Degree in related field (AEC Industry)

Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations Required:

• Ability to complete the KCI PM Training and Contract Risk Training along with passing the PM Board within 6 months of start date.

Pre-employment drug screening and background check are conditions of employment. Motor vehicle checks may be required based upon position.