Senior Project Manager

Job Summary:  

 The Senior Project Manager is a client-facing leadership role responsible for managing complex engineering projects while actively contributing to business development efforts. This dual-focus position ensures excellence in project execution—from concept through closeout—while identifying and pursuing opportunities to grow client accounts and expand the firm’s market presence. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise, project leadership, and a business mindset to deliver high-quality results and contribute to the firm’s strategic and financial success. This position will sit in either out Pittsburgh, PA or Houston, TX office.

 Primary Essential Functions:  

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of multiple engineering projects, ensuring alignment with scope, schedule, budget, and quality standards. 
• Project experience in energy and/or utilities space (oil/gas upstream, midstream, pipeline, terminal, refining, asphalt, RNG or power/transmission utility).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the project lifecycle, managing expectations, addressing concerns, and cultivating long-term relationships. 
• Develop and manage project plans, including schedules, budgets, staffing, and resource allocation, in coordination with technical and operations teams. 
• Oversee the preparation and review of drawings, calculations, and technical deliverables to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance with industry and client standards. 
• Conduct risk assessments, implement mitigation strategies, and lead regular project meetings to monitor progress and ensure timely resolution of challenges. 
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within existing and prospective client accounts, collaborating with leadership and technical teams on pursuit strategies. 
• Lead or support proposal efforts, including scope definition, fee estimation, and preparation of qualifications and presentations. 
• Represent the firm at industry events, client meetings, and networking opportunities to promote its capabilities and support growth initiatives. 
• Monitor and manage project financials, ensuring profitability, alignment with revenue targets, and timely billing and collections. 
• Mentor and support junior project managers, engineers, and technical staff, fostering a high-performance culture of accountability, learning, and professional development. 
• Collaborate across departments, including engineering, marketing, finance, and operations—to ensure seamless project delivery and continuous improvement in service quality. 
• Support strategic planning and market growth by sharing insights on client trends, emerging opportunities, and competitive positioning. 

Secondary Essential Functions:  

• Perform all other duties as assigned. 
• Work collaboratively and effectively with clients and colleagues including cross-functional teams, peers, direct reports, and leadership, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. 
• Adapt to changing business needs and priorities, demonstrating flexibility in taking on new responsibilities and adjusting to evolving challenges.  
• Ability to travel up to 25%

 Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities):  

 Knowledge 

• Comprehensive knowledge of engineering project delivery processes, technical documentation, and construction administration. 
• Familiarity with building codes, permitting processes, regulatory requirements, and industry standards. 
• Understanding of project financials including forecasting, budgeting, and profitability analysis. 
• Knowledge of business development practices, proposal writing, and contract negotiation. 
• Awareness of market trends and client needs in relevant sectors (e.g., public or private infrastructure). 

 Skills 

• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Deltek, Microsoft Project, Primavera) and common office tools. 
• Strong leadership and team management skills for guiding multidisciplinary teams. 
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to manage complex project and business development challenges. 
• Organizational and time management skills for balancing multiple priorities effectively. 

 Abilities 

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting quality, schedule, and profitability goals. 
• Ability to foster strong, trust-based client relationships and drive repeat business. 
• Ability to effectively combine technical leadership and business development responsibilities. 
• Ability to mentor and develop junior staff and build strong, collaborative teams. 
• Ability to adapt to changing project demands, client needs, and market conditions. 

Qualifications:  

Required 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET-accredited university or related field. 
• 8-15 years of experience in design engineering or project management for engineering projects.  

Preferred 

• Professional Engineer (PE) license. 
• PMP certification or other recognized project management credentials. 
• Demonstrated experience in business development and client relationship management. 
• Advanced degree in business, engineering management, or related field. 

Physical Requirements:  

• Ability to remain seated for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings. 
• Frequent use of standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, telephones, and printers. 
• Occasional light physical activity such as walking, standing, or carrying materials (up to 25 lbs.). 
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, over the phone, and through written communication.  

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Stratus is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Stratus Team’s management Team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.