Project Manager (K-12 Land Development)

Reports To:      Senior Project Manager

Status:                Full-time, Exempt

PROJECT MANAGER (K-12 LAND DEVELOPMENT)

Build the Foundation for Future Generations

At EPS Group, we don't just design infrastructure; we Innovate to Elevate Lives. We are looking for a dedicated Project Manager with a passion for K-12 Land Development to join our team in Mesa. In this role, you will lead the civil design of educational campuses that serve our community, balancing technical excellence with the unique requirements of school district stakeholders.

If you are a licensed PE with 10+ years of experience and a proven track record in land development, help us design the future of Arizona’s schools.

Primary Areas of Focus:

• Professional Development
• Client Management
• Resource Management
• Proposals & Invoice Management
• Project Lifecycle

Core Responsibilities

• Manage, lead, and oversee all team activities, including production documents, client management, internal team management, and project financials.
• Develop project timelines, including phases, completion dates, and milestones, and establish workflow and project plan.
• Responsible for preparing contracts and proposals, including establishing the scope of work, schedules, and fees.
• Prepare and submit proposals to clients after SPM review; participate in new project interviews.
• Lead project kickoff, coordination, and closeout meetings with internal team members and external design partners (Architects, MEP, etc.).
• Serve as the primary client contact (School Districts, Charter Organizations) to understand goals, ensure the design meets their needs and specifications, and represent the client in public meetings.
• Monitor project health by reviewing project plans, design, budgets, billings, schedule, and progress.
• Delegate project tasks to team members promptly, provide clear direction on tasks and expectations on deliverables.
• Consult collaboratively with the external project team—specifically Architects and Landscape Architects—to achieve project goals.
• Responsible for invoice management, including change orders and additional services.
• Responsible for managing permit submittal processes and coordination with review authorities (Municipalities, County, State Fire Marshal, etc.).
• Provide quality assurance and control; provide direction to technical staff on project issues and general engineering principles.
• Oversee the technical engineering components of the project, including site grading, drainage, utilities, and off-site improvements.
• Increase the team's overall effectiveness by developing staff and aligning individual team member strengths with appropriate project tasks.
• Balance staffing and workload through collaboration with the team and SPM.
• Participate in new hire interviews and staffing selection.
• Conduct regular 1:1's with staff and performance reviews in alignment with the performance management cycle.
• Initiate lunch and learns for sharing new technology, school-specific design standards, or best practices.
• Responsible for completing personal timecards accurately and reviewing/approving associate timecards on time.
• Actively involved in developing future business and building relationships with existing school district clients.
• Communicate effectively internally and externally (inclusive of clients, sub-consultants, and educational agencies).
• Participate in the execution of strategic initiatives and evaluate company practices for continuous improvement.
• Be an ambassador for the firm at industry events and conferences (e.g., AASBO, AIA, or school board associations).
• Achieve a 60-70% Billable Utilization Rate.
• May manage $500k-$1.8M annually in projects and up to 4-8 staff members.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental, or related Engineering field.
• Professional Engineering (PE) License required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience with land development projects, with a significant portion dedicated to K-12 campus design or educational facilities.
• Proven record of success managing public and private school projects, including familiarity with student drop-off/pick-up stacking requirements and sports facility design.
• Professional knowledge of Microsoft Office, Civil 3D, Bluebeam, and Pipe Networks.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills; high level of emotional intelligence with the ability to interface with school boards and district facility managers.
• Ability to closely monitor project progress from a financial and schedule front with an eye for identifying scope creep.
• Strong understanding of civil engineering design processes, plan set preparation, and obtaining agency approvals (including jurisdictional requirements for school sites).
• Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a complex matrix environment.
• Valid driver's license and automobile insurance.

Physical Requirements

• Required to stand, walk, and sit.
• The position requires visits to school project sites occasionally.
• The position requires a normal range of hearing.
• The employee must be able to lift 40 lbs. occasionally.
• Requires prolonged sitting with 15% of the time spent bending and reaching.
• Must have manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.

Perks & Benefits

• Health, life, 401(k), dental and vision insurance
• Short-term, long-term disability insurance and leave
• Paid holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Bereavement leave
• Discretionary bonuses, if applicable

EPS Group is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  We offer a competitive salary and bonus program, a wide range of benefits including 401(k) with employer match, advancement potential, and the opportunity to become an integral part of a highly respected firm.