Project Manager

Summary

We are representing a boutique, design-forward civil engineering firm in Southern California that is seeking a Senior Civil Project Manager (P.E.) to take ownership of high-profile urban infill and land development projects across multifamily, mixed-use, and hospitality sectors.

This is not a backseat PM role.

This is aclient-facing leadership position where you will be the driving force behind project execution, client relationships, and team direction - with a clear path toward Principal-level leadership as the firm continues to grow.

The team operates in a highly collaborative, hands-on environment where senior staff are empowered to make decisions, shape projects, and directly influence the trajectory of the business.

If you're at a larger firm and feeling capped, this is an opportunity to step into true ownership and visibility.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead civil engineering projects from early planning and entitlements through design, permitting, and construction support
• Take full ownership of project delivery including schedule, budget, and technical quality
• Oversee grading, drainage, utility design, and site development plans for complex urban infill projects
• Review and stamp plans, calculations, and technical deliverables
• Drive coordination across internal teams, subconsultants, and external stakeholders

Client & Business-Facing Role

• Serve as the primary point of contact for developers, architects, and ownership groups
• Lead client meetings, presentations, and agency coordination efforts
• Play a key role in maintaining and growing client relationships
• Support proposal development, scope definition, and pursuit strategy

Agency Coordination & Entitlements

• Navigate city and county agencies across Southern California (LADBS, Public Works, etc.)
• Lead plan check responses, approvals, and permitting strategy
• Coordinate B-permits, utility clearances, and entitlement processes
• Ensure compliance with grading codes, stormwater regulations, and local ordinances

Financial Ownership

• Manage project budgets, contracts, and fee tracking across multiple active jobs
• Monitor project performance, identify risks, and maintain profitability
• Oversee invoicing, change orders, and scope adjustments

Team Leadership

• Mentor and guide Project Engineers, EITs, and design staff
• Provide technical oversight and elevate team performance
• Help shape internal standards, workflows, and project execution strategy

Project Experience

• Multifamily & Mixed-Use Developments
• Urban Infill & Adaptive Reuse Projects
• Grading & Drainage Design
• Street Improvements & B-Permits
• Wet Utilities (Water, Sewer, Storm Drain)
• Stormwater Management (LID / WQMP)
• Projects typically ranging from mid-size developments to large-scale infill housing and commercial sites

Qualifications

• P.E. license required
• 8-15+ years of civil engineering experience, with strong progression into project leadership
• Proven experience managing land development or site development projects in Southern California
• Strong background in grading, drainage, and utility design
• Experience leading projects through agency approvals and permitting
• Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining client relationships
• Proficiency in Civil 3D, AutoCAD, and standard design tools
• Strong communication skills - able to lead both technical and client-facing conversations
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering required

Why This Role Stands Out

• Clear path to Principal-level leadership
• Direct exposure to clients, ownership, and decision-making
• Opportunity to step out of a "number in a large firm" environment
• Strong pipeline of multifamily and urban infill work across Southern California
• Tight-knit, high-performing team with real influence on project outcomes

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary (commensurate with experience)
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Support for continued professional development