Alternative Delivery Design Manager - West Region

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Alternative Delivery Design Manager - West Region

Company: Dewberry

Location: Denver, CO; Sacramento, CA; or Washington (remote option available)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations - Project & Design Management (Transportation Infrastructure)

Date Posted: May 13, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years (with 15+ years in infrastructure and 10+ years in alternative delivery management)

Remote Status: Hybrid or Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage complex transportation alternative delivery projects, ensuring meticulous adherence to scope, budget, and schedule parameters.

• Drive business development initiatives by fostering robust client relationships with design-build contractors and key teaming partners, directly impacting revenue growth.

• Oversee and mentor project support staff, guiding document production and ensuring high-quality deliverables for all alternative delivery pursuits.

• Serve as a primary interface with critical state and municipal transportation agencies, such as WashDOT, to facilitate project success and maintain strong governmental relations.

• Contribute to the strategic expansion of Dewberry's transportation practice, with a potential fast-tracked opportunity to build and lead a new design and delivery team, possibly establishing a new office in the Pacific Northwest.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior-level management role within Dewberry's transportation sector, focusing on specialized project delivery methods (alternative delivery, design-build). The emphasis on business development, client relations, and potential office leadership signifies a strategic hire aimed at regional growth and market penetration. The "Alternative Delivery Design Manager" title implies a deep understanding of project lifecycle management from design conception through to final delivery, with a strong focus on client-facing responsibilities and team leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Lifecycle Management: Spearhead all facets of transportation alternative delivery projects, from initial scope definition and detailed budget formulation to stringent schedule adherence and successful project completion, ensuring alignment with client objectives and Dewberry's quality standards.

• Team Leadership & Staff Development: Provide strong leadership to support staff, including engineers, designers, and project coordinators, overseeing document production, quality control, and fostering a collaborative team environment conducive to high-performance project execution.

• Client & Partner Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain strong, enduring relationships with local design-build contractors, joint venture partners, and key stakeholders, acting as a primary point of contact and ensuring seamless communication and collaboration throughout project lifecycles.

• Business Development & Pursuit Strategy: Actively participate in business development activities, including identifying new project opportunities, contributing to proposal preparation, negotiating teaming arrangements, and strategically managing client relationships to secure future work and expand Dewberry's market presence.

• Agency Interface & Stakeholder Engagement: Regularly interface with transportation agencies such as WashDOT and various municipal/county clients, understanding their requirements, addressing concerns, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory and contractual obligations.

• Risk Management & Mitigation: Proactively identify potential project risks, develop and implement effective mitigation strategies, and manage issues that may arise during the design and delivery phases of alternative delivery projects.

• Financial Oversight & Controls: Maintain rigorous financial oversight of project budgets, track expenditures, manage change orders, and ensure profitability targets are met while delivering exceptional value to clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical project management, strategic business development, and leadership. The emphasis on "alternative delivery" implies a need for expertise in non-traditional project procurement methods like design-build, P3s, and CMGC. The potential for establishing a new office and building a team suggests a need for entrepreneurial drive and a proven ability to scale operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive professional experience in the transportation infrastructure sector.

Required Skills:

• Alternative Delivery Expertise: Deep understanding of various alternative delivery methodologies (e.g., Design-Build, CMGC, P3s), including their contractual frameworks, risk allocation, and execution strategies.

• Project Management Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in managing all project management phases, including scope definition, planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closure, with a strong emphasis on budget and schedule management.

• Client Relationship Management: Proven ability to build, nurture, and maintain strong, long-term relationships with clients, teaming partners, and key stakeholders within the transportation sector.

• Business Development Acumen: Experience in identifying new business opportunities, contributing to proposal development, and actively participating in marketing and client outreach efforts.

• Leadership & Team Management: Strong leadership capabilities with experience in managing and mentoring project teams, fostering collaboration, and driving performance.

• Technical Knowledge: Solid understanding of transportation infrastructure design principles, standards, and best practices, particularly relevant to alternative delivery projects.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical and contractual information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

• Professional Engineering License: A valid Professional Engineer (PE) license is required in either Washington or California.

Preferred Skills:

• Structural Engineering (SE) License: A Structural Engineering (SE) license is preferred, indicating advanced technical expertise.

• Design-Build Teaming & Agreements: In-depth knowledge of design-build teaming structures and the intricacies of professional services agreements (PSAs) and other contractual instruments specific to alternative delivery.

• Agency Familiarity: Direct experience and established relationships with transportation agencies such as WashDOT, or similar municipal/county transportation departments.

• Proposal Writing: Advanced skills in contributing to and potentially leading the technical writing and strategy development for complex proposals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a PE license in either WA or CA, coupled with the preference for an SE license, underscores the technical depth expected. The combination of 15+ years in infrastructure and 10+ years specifically managing alternative delivery projects signifies a senior-level role demanding significant, hands-on experience in this niche.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Alternative Delivery Case Studies: Showcase detailed case studies of successfully managed alternative delivery projects (Design-Build, CMGC, etc.). Highlight your specific role, the project's unique challenges, your strategic approach, and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Project Management Metrics: Provide evidence of your ability to manage project scope, budget, and schedule effectively. Include examples of project plans, budget tracking reports, schedule adherence metrics, and change order management processes.

• Client Relationship Management Examples: Demonstrate your approach to client engagement and relationship building. This could include examples of client communication strategies, stakeholder management plans, and testimonials or references from past clients.

• Business Development Contributions: Present examples of your involvement in business development activities, such as proposal contributions, pursuit strategies, and successful client acquisition efforts. Quantify the impact where possible (e.g., value of secured contracts).

• Team Leadership & Staff Management: Include examples of team structures you've managed, your approach to staff development, and how you foster a collaborative and high-performing project environment.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your methodologies for designing and optimizing workflows specific to alternative delivery projects, including interdisciplinary coordination and communication protocols.

• Risk Management Frameworks: Detail your experience in developing and implementing risk management plans for complex infrastructure projects, including identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Processes: Explain your approach to establishing and maintaining robust QA/QC processes throughout the design and documentation phases of alternative delivery projects to ensure compliance and technical excellence.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Demonstrate your ability to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for projects and your methods for tracking, analyzing, and reporting on project performance to stakeholders, including clients and internal leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on alternative delivery and business development, the portfolio should emphasize not just technical execution but also strategic contributions to winning work and managing client expectations. Quantifiable results and clear articulation of process methodologies will be crucial.

💵 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

  These ranges are estimates based on the provided data and may vary depending on factors such as specific skills, experience, location, and current market conditions. Dewberry will provide state-specific pay transparency information upon interview for candidates in states with such laws.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans available from the first of the month following hire date.

• Life & Disability Insurance: Company-provided Life Insurance (employee only), Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Business Travel and Accident Insurance, and Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage at no cost to the employee.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan to support long-term financial goals.

• Education & Development: 529 College Savings Plans and Tuition Reimbursement programs to support continuous learning and professional growth.

• Financial Wellness: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care, and Travel Assistance.

• Performance-Based Incentives: Eligibility for an annual bonus and stipend, particularly for those in officer program roles, with bonuses dependent on company performance.

• Employee Perks: Access to a wide range of discounted purchase programs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• The position offers flexibility with hybrid or remote work arrangements, allowing for a degree of autonomy in managing the work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges provided are specific to the listed states. The benefits package is extensive, covering health, wellness, retirement, and professional development, which is typical for a senior-level engineering and consulting firm like Dewberry. The mention of bonuses and stipends for officer program roles suggests a potential for higher overall compensation based on performance and role level.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services - Engineering, Architecture, Construction, and Consulting, with a significant focus on Transportation Infrastructure.

Company Size: Over 2,500 professionals across more than 60 locations nationwide. This scale provides stability and resources while allowing for specialized teams and regional focus.

Founded: Dewberry has a history spanning over half a century, indicating a stable and established presence in the industry, built on decades of client trust and project delivery.

Team Structure:

• Specialized Practice Groups: The transportation practice is a key component of Dewberry's broader service offerings, likely organized into regional or discipline-specific teams. This role is part of the West region's transportation team.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect to collaborate closely with other Dewberry offices and external teaming partners, especially in the context of alternative delivery pursuits and projects, requiring strong inter-office and inter-company coordination.

• Reporting Hierarchy: This role will likely report to a senior regional leader within the transportation practice, such as a Vice President or Director, and will be responsible for managing project teams and potentially building a new sub-team.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: Dewberry emphasizes delivering high-quality services and innovative solutions to clients, driven by a commitment to personal integrity and client success.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated for this role, successful operations management in engineering firms relies heavily on data analysis for project performance, resource allocation, and business development insights.

• Process Optimization: The nature of alternative delivery projects inherently requires efficient processes, proactive problem-solving, and continuous improvement to manage complex scopes and tight schedules.

Company Website: www.dewberry.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Dewberry's size and longevity suggest a company with established processes and a strong market reputation. The emphasis on "Dewberry at Work" and "personal integrity" points to a culture that values professionalism, client focus, and employee contribution. The role's strategic importance in building out the West region's alternative delivery practice indicates significant autonomy and potential for impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior-level management role within the operations of a professional services firm. It bridges technical design management with significant business development and leadership responsibilities. The "Manager" title, combined with the extensive experience requirements and potential for office leadership, places this role at a strategic level, influencing regional growth and operational strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Alternative Delivery Design Manager will likely report to a senior executive within Dewberry's transportation sector, such as a Vice President or Director of Operations for the West Region or the national Transportation Practice Leader. They will, in turn, lead project teams and potentially a newly formed design and delivery team.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role will be on Dewberry's revenue generation and market share within the transportation alternative delivery sector in the West Region. Success will be measured by the ability to secure new projects, manage them profitably and efficiently, and enhance the company's reputation and client relationships within this specialized market. The potential to establish and lead a new office further amplifies its strategic operational impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: A direct path to leading a larger team, potentially managing a dedicated office or a broader regional operational unit, with increased P&L responsibility.

• Strategic Business Development: Opportunity to shape Dewberry's alternative delivery strategy for the West Region, influencing market focus and client engagement approaches.

• Technical Specialization & Broader Management: While rooted in design management, growth could also involve developing expertise in other project delivery models or expanding into executive-level operational management within the firm.

• Mentorship & Influence: Opportunity to mentor junior staff, shape team culture, and influence firm-wide best practices in alternative delivery project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "fast-tracked promotional opportunity" to build and lead a team, potentially creating a new office, is a significant growth indicator. This role isn't just about managing existing operations but actively shaping and expanding them, appealing to ambitious leaders.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position offers flexibility with options for a hybrid or fully remote work arrangement. When working from an office, it would be within Dewberry's established professional services environment, likely a modern office space designed for collaboration among engineering, design, and project management professionals. Preferred locations include Denver, CO, Sacramento, CA, or Washington.

Office Location(s):

• Preferred: Denver, CO; Sacramento, CA; Washington (State or DC, though given the context of WashDOT, likely Washington State).

• Remote Work: The role explicitly states the possibility of remote work, offering flexibility for candidates not located in the preferred areas.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Dewberry offices are designed to foster collaboration, with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and project team areas. This is crucial for coordinating complex transportation projects.

• Technology-Rich Environment: Professionals at Dewberry utilize industry-standard software and hardware for design, project management, and communication, including advanced CAD, BIM, project management platforms, and communication tools.

• Interdisciplinary Interaction: The role will involve regular interaction with various disciplines within Dewberry (e.g., environmental, geotechnical, structural) and external teaming partners, necessitating effective communication and coordination skills.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the nature of project management, especially in alternative delivery, often requires flexibility to meet project deadlines and client needs. The remote/hybrid option provides some control over daily scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of hybrid or remote work, along with specific preferred locations, is a key differentiator. This indicates a modern approach to work arrangements, appealing to a broader talent pool. The emphasis on collaboration suggests that even with remote options, strong virtual communication and teamwork skills are paramount.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements (experience, licenses, specialization).

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience in alternative delivery, project management, business development, and leadership. Expect behavioral questions and scenario-based inquiries.

• Technical/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio. Be prepared to present 2-3 key alternative delivery projects, detailing your role, challenges, strategies, and outcomes. Focus on quantifiable achievements and process methodologies.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Potential interviews with other senior leaders, regional directors, or key teaming partners to assess cultural fit, collaborative style, and strategic alignment.

• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion with senior leadership, potentially involving a discussion on strategic vision for the role and region, followed by an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your expertise in alternative delivery (Design-Build, CMGC), client management, and business development.

• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and data to demonstrate impact – e.g., project value, schedule savings, budget adherence, client retention rates, revenue generated.

• Structure Your Stories: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your specific role and actions, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Highlight Process & Methodology: Be ready to discuss how you managed projects, your risk mitigation strategies, your approach to team leadership, and your client engagement processes.

• Tailor to Dewberry: Understand Dewberry's values and service offerings. Frame your experience and portfolio to demonstrate how you align with their client-centric and integrity-driven culture.

Challenge Preparation:

• Business Development Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach identifying and pursuing new alternative delivery projects in the West Region, including potential teaming partners and client outreach strategies.

• Project Management Challenges: Anticipate questions about managing difficult stakeholders, resolving scope creep, mitigating project risks, and recovering schedules.

• Leadership & Team Building: Prepare to discuss your leadership style, how you motivate teams, and your approach to building and scaling a new project delivery team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily scrutinize your portfolio for evidence of successful alternative delivery project management and business development contributions. Demonstrating a strategic understanding of the market and a proactive approach to growth will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., Procore, Oracle Aconex, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Primavera P6) for managing project schedules, budgets, documentation, and communication.

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with the ecosystem of design and engineering tools used in transportation infrastructure, such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, and potentially BIM software (Revit, Navisworks) for coordination and clash detection.

• CRM Systems: Experience using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for tracking client interactions, managing business development pipelines, and supporting proposal efforts.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with collaborative document management platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Bentley ProjectWise) for organizing, sharing, and controlling project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel/Google Sheets: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, financial modeling, and creating custom reports.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Experience with BI platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for developing dashboards and visualizing project performance metrics, financial data, and business development pipeline status.

CRM & Automation:

• Workflow Automation Tools: While not explicitly listed, an understanding of how to leverage automation within project management or business development processes can be advantageous.

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using communication and collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, and virtual whiteboard applications for remote and hybrid team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the role implies a need for proficiency in project management software, design-related platforms, and CRM systems. The ability to leverage data analytics and visualization tools for reporting on project performance and business development is also highly relevant.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Professionalism: A core value, emphasizing honesty, ethical conduct, and high professional standards in all dealings with clients, partners, and colleagues.

• Client Focus: A commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations, building long-term relationships through exceptional service delivery and responsiveness.

• Excellence & Quality: Striving for the highest quality in all aspects of work, from technical design to project management and client communication.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Encouraging creative solutions to complex challenges and embracing new approaches to project delivery and business development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Dewberry promotes a collaborative approach across its various disciplines and offices. This role will require seamless integration with design teams, other project managers, and business development professionals.

• Open Communication: Expect an environment that values open and transparent communication, with regular feedback loops and opportunities for discussion and consensus-building.

• Partnership Approach: The emphasis on teaming partners in alternative delivery suggests a culture that values strong external partnerships and collaborative problem-solving with external entities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Dewberry at Work" principles likely guide the company culture, emphasizing integrity, client service, and teamwork. For this role, demonstrating an ability to collaborate effectively across internal disciplines and external partners, while maintaining a strong ethical compass, will be crucial.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Competition: The transportation infrastructure sector, especially alternative delivery, is highly competitive. Staying ahead requires continuous innovation and strong client relationships.

• Project Complexity & Risk: Alternative delivery projects often involve complex technical challenges, unique contractual structures, and significant risk that must be effectively managed.

• Building a New Team/Office: Establishing and leading a new team or office presents challenges in recruitment, talent development, operational setup, and cultural integration.

• Navigating Agency Requirements: Understanding and adapting to the specific requirements and processes of various state and municipal transportation agencies requires ongoing attention and relationship management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Alternative Delivery Methods: Opportunities to deepen expertise in emerging or specialized alternative delivery models and contract structures.

• Leadership & Management Skills: Formal and informal training in executive leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and team building.

• Business Development & Market Strategy: Developing skills in market analysis, strategic pursuit planning, and cultivating high-value client relationships.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Participation in industry events (e.g., transportation engineering conferences, design-build association meetings) to stay abreast of trends, network, and represent Dewberry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant challenge in building out Dewberry's alternative delivery capabilities in the West Region. The growth opportunities are tied directly to successfully meeting these challenges, offering substantial career advancement potential for the right candidate.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience managing a $X million+ alternative delivery project from inception to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on scope, budget, schedule, risk, and stakeholder management).

• "How would you approach building Dewberry's alternative delivery practice in the Pacific Northwest, considering current market conditions and competitors?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking, market awareness, and business development acumen).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Dewberry's transportation practice, and how do you see this role contributing to its growth in the West Region?" (Show research and strategic alignment).

• "Describe a situation where you had to navigate a conflict with a client or teaming partner. How did you resolve it?" (Assess conflict resolution and relationship management skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Project Narratives: For each portfolio project, prepare a brief, impactful summary focusing on the challenge, your specific actions, the innovative solutions employed, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, professional slides or documents that highlight key project metrics, timelines, budget performance, and critical milestones. Include relevant visuals if possible.

• Process Deep Dive: Be ready to discuss the specific processes you used for risk management, quality assurance, team coordination, and client communication. Connect these to your success.

• Demonstrate Business Acumen: Clearly articulate your role in business development, proposal wins, and client relationship management related to the presented projects.

• Engage and Interact: Treat the portfolio review as a collaborative discussion. Be prepared to answer follow-up questions and elaborate on specific aspects of your experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of alternative delivery methodologies, a proven track record in project management and business development, and a strategic vision for growth. Your portfolio is your primary tool to showcase this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Alternative Delivery Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided link to submit your resume and cover letter through the Dewberry careers portal.

• Portfolio Curation: Prepare a professional portfolio that highlights 2-3 of your most impactful alternative delivery projects. Ensure it showcases your project management skills, business development contributions, and leadership capabilities with quantifiable results.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "Alternative Delivery," "Design-Build," "Project Management," "Business Development," and "Client Relationship Management." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, especially for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your strategic approach to business development and team leadership, and be ready to walk through your portfolio with confidence.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Dewberry's transportation practice, recent projects, and company values. Understand their approach to alternative delivery and identify how your skills and experience align with their strategic goals for the West Region.

⚠️ 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.