Alternative Delivery Design Manager - West Region

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Alternative Delivery Design Manager - West Region

Company: Dewberry

Location: Seattle, WA / Denver, CO / Sacramento, CA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Operations - GTM & Project Delivery Management

Date Posted: August 17, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote Eligible

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic design and execution of alternative delivery transportation projects across the West region, emphasizing innovative project delivery methodologies.

• Drive business development efforts by cultivating strong relationships with design-build contractors, teaming partners, and key transportation clients like WashDOT.

• Manage cross-functional project teams, ensuring seamless collaboration and efficient document production to meet project scope, budget, and schedule objectives.

• Foster and grow Dewberry's transportation practice in the Pacific Northwest, with potential to establish and lead a new Seattle office.

• Serve as a key liaison between Dewberry, clients, and municipal/county stakeholders, ensuring alignment and successful project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior-level GTM and Project Delivery Management function within an engineering and consulting firm. The emphasis on "Alternative Delivery" and "Design-Build" indicates a focus on non-traditional project procurement and execution models, requiring strong business development, client management, and complex project leadership skills, particularly within the transportation infrastructure sector. The potential for office leadership suggests a growth trajectory into management and strategic market development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee all facets of transportation alternative delivery projects, including meticulous scope definition, rigorous budget control, and proactive schedule management to guarantee successful project completion.

• Provide strong leadership to support staff and direct the comprehensive production of all project documentation, ensuring adherence to quality standards and client requirements.

• Cultivate and nurture robust client relationships with local design-build contractors and strategic design teaming partners, identifying opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth.

• Actively participate in business development initiatives, including collaborative marketing of new projects, meticulous proposal preparation, strategic teaming arrangements, and ongoing client relationship management.

• Serve as the primary interface for regular communication and engagement with WashDOT and/or Municipal/County clients, ensuring alignment on project goals and fostering strong partnerships.

• Contribute to the strategic growth of Dewberry's transportation practice, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, by identifying market trends, client needs, and potential business opportunities.

• Support the potential establishment and leadership of a new Dewberry office in or near Seattle, WA, to bolster support for current and future projects in the region.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on project execution and business growth. The emphasis on "alternative delivery" and "design-build" suggests a need for expertise in complex contracting models and stakeholder management beyond traditional design-bid-build. The potential for office leadership indicates a need for strategic vision and team-building capabilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Transportation Engineering. Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in managing and delivering transportation infrastructure projects.

• At least 10 years of dedicated experience specifically as a Design Manager for alternative delivery and design-build projects. Required Skills:

• Professional Engineering (PE) License: Must hold a valid PE license in Washington or California.

• Alternative Delivery Expertise: Deep understanding of alternative delivery methods, including design-build, P3s, and other accelerated project procurement strategies.

• Project Management Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to manage scope, budget, schedule, and resources for complex infrastructure projects.

• Client Relationship Management: Proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with transportation clients, including state DOTs and municipal agencies.

• Business Development Acumen: Experience in identifying opportunities, contributing to proposals, and securing new project work.

• Team Leadership & Staff Management: Ability to lead, mentor, and manage diverse project teams and document production efforts.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, essential for client interaction, proposal writing, and team coordination.

• Contract Knowledge: Familiarity with design-build teaming agreements and professional services agreements.

Preferred Skills:

• SE License: Structural Engineering license is a plus.

• Market Development: Experience in building or expanding a professional services practice in a specific geographic region.

• Office Management: Potential aptitude for or experience in establishing and managing a new office location.

• Software Proficiency: Familiarity with project management software and relevant engineering design tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a PE license in Washington or California strongly indicates the primary geographic focus and regulatory environment for this role. The extensive experience requirements (15+ years overall, 10+ in design-build management) point to a senior leadership position demanding deep practical knowledge and proven success in complex project delivery.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase successful alternative delivery projects managed, detailing challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Client Relationship Management Examples: Evidence of building and maintaining strong partnerships with key transportation agencies and design-build firms.

• Business Development Contributions: Examples of involvement in proposal preparation, teaming strategies, and securing new contracts.

• Team Leadership & Document Production: Demonstrations of managing design teams and ensuring high-quality technical documentation.

• Budget & Schedule Control: Proof of ability to manage project finances and timelines effectively, with examples of cost savings or efficiency gains.

Process Documentation:

• Alternative Delivery Lifecycle Management: Ability to articulate and manage the distinct phases of alternative delivery projects from pursuit to closeout.

• Risk Management Frameworks: Experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks inherent in design-build and alternative delivery contracts.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Processes: Documentation of established QA/QC procedures for design and construction phases.

• Cross-functional Collaboration Workflows: Demonstrated processes for effective communication and integration between design, construction, and client teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on alternative delivery and design-build, a portfolio demonstrating successful management of these complex project types is crucial. Emphasis should be placed on quantifying results, showcasing strategic problem-solving, and highlighting leadership in navigating contractual complexities and client expectations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• California (CA): $167,195 - $238,850 annually

• Colorado (CO): $163,818 - $234,025 annually

• Washington (WA): $165,218 - $236,025 annually

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Life and Disability Coverage: Employee life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, business travel and accident insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage (provided at no cost to the employee).

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and 529 College Savings Plans.

• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and travel assistance.

• Financial Wellness: Flexible Spending Accounts.

• Performance Incentives: Annual bonus and stipend, particularly for those within the officer program, dependent on company performance and individual level.

• Additional Perks: Discounted purchase programs available to all employees.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility expected to meet project demands and client needs. This role offers hybrid or remote work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges provided are competitive for senior-level engineering and project management roles in these high-cost-of-living Western US states. The inclusion of an annual bonus and stipend, especially for officer program participants, suggests a performance-driven compensation structure and potential for career advancement within Dewberry's leadership framework. The hybrid/remote work option is a significant benefit for work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services (Engineering, Architecture, Construction, and Consulting). Dewberry operates within the infrastructure sector, with a strong focus on transportation.

Company Size: Over 2,500 professionals across more than 60 locations nationwide. This indicates a large, established firm with significant resources and a broad market presence.

Founded: Over a half-century ago, signifying a long history of stability and expertise in the industry.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: This role is part of the broader Transportation practice, likely working within a regional or national structure. The specific team structure for this role will involve collaboration with design teams, project managers, and business development personnel across various Dewberry offices.

• Reporting Structure: The candidate will likely report to a senior executive within the Transportation practice or a regional manager, with a potential to build and lead their own team and potentially an office.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect extensive collaboration with other engineering disciplines (structural, geotechnical, environmental), construction teams, legal, finance, and marketing departments to support project pursuits and delivery.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Dewberry emphasizes leveraging data and insights to inform project strategies, business development efforts, and operational improvements.

• Client-Centric Approach: A strong focus on understanding and meeting client needs is fundamental to their "Dewberry at Work" philosophy.

• Innovation in Delivery: The "Alternative Delivery" focus highlights a commitment to exploring and implementing innovative project execution models.

• Quality and Integrity: Core values that underpin all aspects of their service delivery.

Company Website: www.dewberry.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Dewberry's description emphasizes its people-centric approach and commitment to innovation and quality. The size and longevity of the company suggest a stable environment with ample opportunities for career growth and involvement in large-scale, impactful projects. The "Dewberry at Work" ethos likely translates to a culture valuing collaboration, integrity, and professional excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior management level, functioning as a Design Manager with significant responsibilities in project delivery, business development, and potentially team/office leadership. It represents a critical juncture for individuals seeking to move beyond pure technical design into a more strategic and client-facing role within the transportation infrastructure sector.

Reporting Structure: The candidate will likely report to a senior leader within Dewberry's Transportation division or a regional vice president. For individuals who successfully build out the West region practice or establish a new office, there is a clear path for upward mobility into executive leadership roles.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on revenue generation through successful business development and proposal wins, as well as profitability through effective project management and cost control. The ability to secure and deliver alternative delivery projects is crucial for Dewberry's strategic growth in key markets. The potential to build out a new office signifies a significant impact on regional market share and operational footprint.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Opportunity to transition from managing projects to managing a team, a department, or even establishing and leading a new Dewberry office.

• Strategic Market Development: Play a key role in shaping Dewberry's presence and service offerings in the Pacific Northwest and other West region markets.

• Technical Specialization & Diversification: Deepen expertise in alternative delivery methods while gaining broader exposure to different types of transportation infrastructure projects.

• Executive Development Programs: Potential for participation in internal leadership training and executive development programs offered by a large, established firm.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and project managers, contributing to the development of future talent within Dewberry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "fast-tracked promotional opportunity" to build and lead a new office in Seattle is a significant growth indicator. This suggests Dewberry is looking for an entrepreneurial leader who can not only manage projects but also drive market expansion and build a P&L responsibility. This is a key differentiator for ambitious operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is designated as Hybrid or Remote Eligible, offering flexibility. When in the office, Dewberry maintains professional office environments designed to facilitate collaboration and project work. The potential for a new Seattle office suggests a modern, well-equipped workspace.

Office Location(s): Preferred locations include Denver, CO; Sacramento, CA; or Seattle, WA. These are major metropolitan areas with significant transportation infrastructure development. The role may require travel to client sites, project locations, and other Dewberry offices as needed.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: Office spaces are designed to encourage interaction among project teams, fostering a collaborative atmosphere for design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and client meetings.

• Technology Enabled: Access to modern office technology, including high-speed internet, video conferencing capabilities, and potentially advanced visualization tools, supporting both remote and in-office work.

• Team Integration: Opportunities to work closely with local and remote colleagues, fostering a sense of team cohesion and shared purpose despite flexible work arrangements.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is expected, the nature of project management and client relations in the engineering sector often requires flexibility. Extended hours may be necessary during critical project phases, proposal deadlines, or client engagement periods. The hybrid/remote flexibility aims to balance these demands with personal work-life preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid/remote flexibility is a key aspect of the work environment. For an operations role, this indicates trust in employees to manage their time and productivity effectively, while still emphasizing the need for collaboration and client engagement. The potential to shape a new office environment is also a unique aspect of this role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A preliminary call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on technical expertise, project management experience, leadership style, and understanding of alternative delivery methods.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues and team members to evaluate collaboration skills, technical approach, and cultural alignment. This may include senior engineers, project managers, and business development leads.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present on a past alternative delivery project, demonstrating their management approach, problem-solving skills, and ability to communicate complex information effectively. This is a critical component for assessing portfolio fit.

• Executive Interview: A final interview with a senior leader or executive to discuss strategic vision, business development potential, and long-term career aspirations within Dewberry.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics and data to demonstrate the impact of your project management and design leadership (e.g., % cost savings, schedule adherence, client satisfaction scores).

• Highlight Alternative Delivery Expertise: Clearly showcase projects executed under design-build, P3, or other alternative delivery models. Detail your specific role and contributions to the success of these complex projects.

• Showcase Client & Partner Collaboration: Include examples of successful relationship management with clients (e.g., DOTs, municipalities) and teaming partners.

• Demonstrate Leadership & Team Management: Present instances where you successfully led design teams, managed document production, and mentored staff.

• Tailor to Dewberry: Research Dewberry's current projects and strategic goals. Frame your experience and portfolio examples to align with their business development priorities and operational needs, especially in the West region.

Challenge Preparation:

• Alternative Delivery Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to managing design-build projects, resolving disputes, or adapting to scope changes.

• Business Development Strategy: Think about how you would approach growing Dewberry's transportation practice in the West region, identifying key clients and potential teaming partners.

• Leadership Philosophy: Articulate your approach to leading teams, fostering collaboration, and driving performance in a hybrid/remote environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential case study presentation is key for this role. Candidates should prepare to walk through specific project examples that clearly demonstrate their expertise in alternative delivery, client management, and leadership, showcasing tangible results and strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in industry-standard platforms for scope, schedule, and budget management (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project, Procore).

• Design Software Collaboration: Familiarity with how design teams utilize platforms like Autodesk AutoCAD, Civil 3D, BIM 360, or Bentley products, and how to manage their output.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, sharing, and versioning large volumes of project documentation (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Financial Tracking Tools: Ability to utilize or oversee the use of tools for project cost tracking, forecasting, and reporting.

• Performance Dashboards: Experience with or ability to interpret project performance dashboards that track KPIs related to schedule, budget, and client satisfaction.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Software: Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for managing client contacts, pursuits, and business development activities.

• Collaboration Platforms: Effective use of tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Zoom for communication, virtual meetings, and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't listed, the role implies a need for strong project management and collaboration tool proficiency. The emphasis on "document production" and managing "scope, budget, and schedule" suggests that candidates should be comfortable with robust project management and potentially document control systems common in large engineering firms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, partners, and team members.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality engineering services and innovative solutions that exceed client expectations.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collective problem-solving is encouraged.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies, particularly in alternative delivery, to drive efficiency and value.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and building long-term, trusted relationships.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Encouraging seamless communication and cooperation between design disciplines, construction partners, and client representatives.

• Open Communication: Promoting transparency and direct communication to address challenges proactively and share insights effectively.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Cultivating an environment where experienced professionals guide and support junior staff, and knowledge is shared across teams and offices.

• Results-Oriented: A shared focus on achieving project milestones, meeting financial targets, and contributing to Dewberry's overall success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Dewberry's "Dewberry at Work" philosophy likely encapsulates many of these values. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they embody these principles in their daily work and leadership approach, especially in the context of managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Contracts: Successfully managing the intricacies of alternative delivery and design-build contracts, which often involve shared risk and unique contractual obligations.

• Balancing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively managing the diverse and sometimes competing interests of clients, teaming partners, internal teams, and regulatory bodies.

• Market Development: Establishing and expanding Dewberry's presence and project pipeline in competitive West region markets, potentially from the ground up.

• Remote/Hybrid Team Management: Leading and motivating dispersed teams to maintain high performance and strong communication in a flexible work environment.

• Technical & Regulatory Evolution: Staying abreast of evolving transportation engineering standards, new construction technologies, and changing regulatory landscapes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Alternative Delivery Training: Access to specialized training and certifications in various alternative delivery models and contract types.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to participate in Dewberry's internal leadership training, focusing on strategic management, financial acumen, and executive presence.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Participation in key transportation and construction industry events to stay current with trends and expand professional networks.

• Mentorship from Senior Leadership: Guidance and support from established leaders within Dewberry's transportation practice.

• Opportunity to Build a Practice/Office: The unique challenge and growth opportunity of establishing and leading a new operational hub for Dewberry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "fast-tracked promotional opportunity" is a significant growth element. Candidates should highlight their ambition and readiness to take on leadership responsibilities that extend beyond traditional project management, focusing on market growth and operational development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex alternative delivery project you managed from pursuit through completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure success?" (Focus on your role in strategy, risk mitigation, and stakeholder management).

• "How would you approach building Dewberry's transportation practice in the Pacific Northwest? What are the first steps you would take?" (Demonstrate business development strategy and market understanding).

• "Walk me through your process for managing project scope, budget, and schedule on large-scale infrastructure projects." (Highlight your project management methodology and control systems). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Dewberry's approach to alternative delivery, and how does your experience align with it?" (Show research into their capabilities and values).

• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment, particularly in a hybrid or remote setting?" (Assess your leadership and team-building skills).

• "How do you measure the success of your projects and your contribution to business development goals?" (Focus on quantifiable results and impact). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project highlighted, clearly define the client, project type, your role, key challenges, your strategic solutions, and quantifiable outcomes (e.g., budget savings, schedule acceleration, client satisfaction).

• Emphasize Alternative Delivery Nuances: Specifically address how you navigated unique aspects of design-build or other alternative delivery models, such as risk allocation, partner coordination, and integrated project controls.

• Showcase Business Development Involvement: If possible, include examples of your contributions to winning proposals, developing teaming strategies, or building client relationships that led to new projects.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss technical aspects of transportation design and delivery, as well as your understanding of relevant engineering standards and regulations.

• Connect to Dewberry's Goals: Articulate how your experience and skills directly contribute to Dewberry's strategic objectives in the West region and their focus on alternative delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes not just technical project management but also strategic business development and leadership. Candidates should prepare to articulate their vision for growing Dewberry's market presence and demonstrate a strong understanding of the financial and client relationship aspects of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Alternative Delivery Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Dewberry careers portal link provided.

• Tailor your resume to prominently feature your experience in alternative delivery, design-build projects, transportation infrastructure, and your leadership capabilities. Use keywords from the job description and Dewberry's industry focus.

• Prepare your portfolio with 2-3 key case studies that best represent your experience in managing alternative delivery projects, showcasing your strategic approach, problem-solving skills, and quantifiable results.

• Research Dewberry: Understand their recent projects, company values ("Dewberry at Work"), and strategic priorities, particularly in the West region and transportation sector.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare to discuss your project management methodology, business development approach, leadership style, and how you would contribute to Dewberry's growth in this role. Be ready to present your portfolio effectively.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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