Design Manager - Water

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Water

Company: Wharton-Smith, Inc.

Location: Jacksonville, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Preconstruction / Project Management (Water & Wastewater Infrastructure)

Date Posted: April 10, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead strategic preconstruction planning, including proposal development, RFQ/RFP responses, and client presentations for municipal water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

• Drive collaboration between engineering and estimating teams to ensure constructability, accurate cost development, and effective risk mitigation throughout the design phase.

• Foster and maintain strong relationships with municipal owners, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers to support successful project pursuits and delivery.

• Develop and coordinate Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) budgets and bid packages, ensuring alignment with project scope, objectives, and funding requirements.

• Manage preconstruction schedules using P6 and integrate them with operational plans for seamless construction execution and project handoffs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a strategic preconstruction leader, emphasizing early project involvement, collaboration, and risk management, rather than daily site execution. The "Design Manager" title, coupled with "Project Manager" experience in Water/Wastewater, signifies a focus on the front-end of projects, bridging the gap between design conception and construction readiness. The hybrid nature and emphasis on client relationships suggest a role that requires both technical acumen and strong interpersonal skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead proposal development efforts, including writing RFQ/RFP responses and preparing for client interviews and presentations to secure municipal water and wastewater projects.

• Cultivate and nurture robust relationships with key municipal owners and consulting engineers, establishing Wharton-Smith as a trusted partner in infrastructure development.

• Orchestrate effective coordination between the design/engineering disciplines and the estimating team to conduct thorough constructability reviews and identify potential scope gaps or cost exposures early.

• Proactively identify, analyze, and develop mitigation strategies for project risks during the preconstruction phase, ensuring a more predictable and successful project lifecycle.

• Provide comprehensive and actionable constructability comments on drawings, geotechnical reports, and specifications, leveraging extensive field and design experience.

• Lead the solicitation and coordination of subcontractor and supplier engagement, ensuring competitive bidding and optimal participation in project development.

• Develop detailed GMP budgets and bid packages, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with owner requirements and company profitability targets.

• Maintain and update preconstruction schedules using Primavera P6, ensuring alignment with project milestones and seamless integration with the construction operations team's planning.

• Facilitate and lead crucial milestone and stakeholder coordination meetings, ensuring clear communication and alignment among all project parties.

• Diligently track preconstruction financials, including internal labor costs, external consultant fees, and other project-related expenses.

• Drive innovation through value engineering initiatives, proposing solutions that optimize project costs, enhance functionality, and meet or exceed project objectives.

• Ensure thorough understanding and strict compliance with all municipal funding requirements and regulations pertinent to the projects being pursued.

• Partner effectively with the operations and construction teams to guarantee a smooth and efficient transition from preconstruction to the active construction phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a focus on the pursuit and preconstruction phase, requiring a blend of technical expertise in water/wastewater systems, project management skills, and client-facing abilities. The emphasis on GMP development, P6 scheduling, and collaborative delivery models (CMAR, Design-Build) indicates a need for strategic thinking and financial acumen within infrastructure projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field is required.

• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant professional experience may be considered.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience specifically within municipal Water/Wastewater construction or design is mandatory.

• Proven track record of successfully managing municipal Water/Wastewater projects as a Project Manager is essential.

• Demonstrated experience in developing or substantially supporting Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) pricing strategies and proposals.

Required Skills:

• Water/Wastewater Infrastructure Expertise: Deep understanding of municipal water and wastewater treatment processes, distribution systems, collection systems, and related construction practices.

• Preconstruction Leadership: Proven ability to lead and manage all facets of the preconstruction phase, from initial pursuit to GMP finalization.

• Budgeting & Cost Management: Strong proficiency in developing, analyzing, and managing construction budgets, including GMP development and cost control strategies.

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Expertise in identifying, quantifying, and developing proactive strategies to mitigate project risks throughout the design and preconstruction lifecycle.

• Collaborative Delivery Models: Familiarity and experience with CMAR (Construction Manager at Risk), Progressive Design-Build, and other integrated project delivery methods.

• Scheduling Proficiency: Advanced skills in project scheduling, with a strong preference for Primavera P6 (P6), used for preconstruction timeline development and alignment with operational planning.

• Constructability Analysis: Ability to critically review drawings, specifications, and reports to provide structured, actionable feedback on constructability, constructability issues, and potential scope gaps.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with and manage expectations of owners, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams.

• Proposal Development: Experience in crafting compelling proposals, responding to RFQs and RFPs, and presenting to clients.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in cost estimating software and systems beyond basic P6 functionality.

• Experience with value engineering facilitation and implementation.

• Familiarity with municipal funding mechanisms and compliance requirements.

• Strong negotiation and subcontractor management capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize specialized knowledge in water and wastewater infrastructure, coupled with robust project management and preconstruction expertise. The explicit mention of P6 and collaborative delivery models points to a need for candidates familiar with sophisticated project controls and modern construction methodologies. The "7+ years" experience level requirement, combined with the focus on strategic leadership in preconstruction, suggests this is a mid-to-senior level role within the operations and preconstruction functions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies of successfully managed municipal Water/Wastewater projects, highlighting your role in the preconstruction or early design phases.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the project's scope, scale (e.g., $4M to $500M), key challenges, and your specific contributions to achieving constructability, budget adherence, and risk mitigation.

• Include examples of how you have developed or contributed to GMP pricing, demonstrating your understanding of cost drivers and profitability.

• Provide documentation or strong examples of your experience with collaborative delivery models like CMAR or Progressive Design-Build, illustrating your process for client and design team integration.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate your structured approach to constructability reviews, including sample checklists or methodologies used to identify and communicate design improvements.

• Illustrate your process for risk identification and mitigation planning during the preconstruction phase, showing how you systematically address potential issues.

• Provide examples of how you have facilitated value engineering sessions or implemented cost-saving measures without compromising project objectives.

• Outline your process for coordinating with estimating, operations, and external stakeholders (owners, engineers, subcontractors) to ensure seamless project handoffs and integrated delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on preconstruction leadership and strategic input, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills. Emphasis should be placed on quantifiable achievements, problem-solving examples within the water/wastewater sector, and evidence of collaborative processes. The P6 requirement suggests that visual representations of scheduling expertise would be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated annual salary range for this Design Manager position in Jacksonville, Florida, is between $110,000 and $150,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the region, considering the specified experience level (7+ years), the specialized nature of municipal water/wastewater infrastructure projects, and the hybrid work arrangement. Factors influencing placement within this range include the candidate's specific experience, expertise in collaborative delivery models, and demonstrated success in preconstruction leadership.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match.

• Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.

• Disability Insurance (Short-Term and Long-Term).

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.

• Per diem and travel expense reimbursement for business travel.

Working Hours:

• Standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week.

• This is a hybrid role, with flexibility to work remotely at times, balanced with in-office presence and on-site project visits as needed.

• Extended hours or weekend work may be periodically required to meet project deadlines, proposal submissions, or critical client milestones.

• Up to 25% travel is anticipated, including travel to client sites, engineer offices, job sites, and corporate/regional offices, potentially outside the primary geographic region.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry data for Project Managers/Design Managers in construction, specifically within infrastructure, in the Jacksonville, FL area, with 7+ years of experience. The hybrid nature and travel requirements are factored into the overall compensation package considerations. Benefits are standard for a full-time exempt position in the construction industry.

getTeam & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Wharton-Smith operates within the Heavy Civil Construction sector, with a significant specialization in Water and Wastewater Infrastructure. This industry focus means the company is involved in critical public works projects that are essential for community development and environmental sustainability. The market context is often characterized by long-term public contracts, complex regulatory environments, and a strong emphasis on project execution, safety, and quality.

Company Size: Wharton-Smith is a medium-to-large sized company, likely falling within the 250-500 or 500-1000 employee range. This size typically offers the stability and resources of a larger organization while potentially retaining some of the agility and closer-knit feel of a smaller one. For operations professionals, this means access to robust systems and processes, but also opportunities to make a tangible impact and influence practices, rather than being a small cog in a massive machine.

Founded: Wharton-Smith was founded in 1984. This long history indicates a stable and established company with deep roots in the construction industry, likely possessing a wealth of experience, established client relationships, and a proven track record of project delivery. This longevity suggests a culture that values experience, reliability, and long-term partnerships.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The operations team is likely structured by project type or geographic region, with project managers, superintendents, field engineers, and support staff. This role will interact closely with the operations leadership and project teams.

• Preconstruction Team: This role is a key part of the preconstruction team, working alongside estimators, schedulers, and business development professionals. The team likely operates in a highly collaborative, deadline-driven environment.

• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Preconstruction Director, VP of Preconstruction, or a similar senior leadership role within the business development or preconstruction division.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect extensive collaboration with estimating, project management, field operations, procurement, and executive leadership to develop winning proposals and ensure smooth project transitions.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Wharton-Smith likely emphasizes data analysis for project feasibility, risk assessment, and cost forecasting, though the primary tools may be more traditional construction management software rather than advanced GTM analytics platforms.

• Collaborative Delivery Focus: The company's emphasis on CMAR and Progressive Design-Build suggests a methodology that prioritizes early collaboration, integrated design, and shared risk/reward.

• Process Optimization: A commitment to continuous improvement in project delivery, safety, and efficiency is a hallmark of established construction firms, driving the need for refined preconstruction processes.

Company Website: www.whartonsmith.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and longevity point to a traditional but robust operational environment. The "Design Manager - Water" role indicates a critical need for specialized expertise in a core company vertical. The hybrid nature and project scope suggest a dynamic work environment where strategic planning and execution are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into a strategic preconstruction leadership position. It moves beyond day-to-day project execution to focus on the critical front-end of project acquisition and planning. It's suitable for experienced Project Managers who want to leverage their technical and management skills in a more strategic, client-facing, and business-development-oriented capacity. The role demands a high level of autonomy and responsibility in shaping project pursuits.

Reporting Structure: This position typically reports to a senior leader within the Preconstruction or Business Development department, such as a Preconstruction Director, VP of Preconstruction, or Chief Operations Officer. This reporting line signifies the strategic importance of the role in securing and defining profitable projects.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is profound, directly influencing the company's ability to win new work, establish realistic project budgets and schedules, identify and mitigate risks early, and ensure the constructability of designs. Successful preconstruction management by this role leads to more profitable projects, stronger client relationships, and a smoother transition to the construction phase, directly contributing to overall company revenue and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Preconstruction Leadership: Progression to roles such as Preconstruction Director, VP of Preconstruction, or even a VP of Operations focused on the front-end of projects.

• Business Development Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific project types (e.g., advanced water treatment) and take on more senior roles in client relationship management and strategic pursuit planning.

• Executive Leadership: With significant success and demonstrated business acumen, there's a potential path toward executive leadership roles within the company, particularly in operations or business development.

• Specialized Technical Expertise: Develop deep expertise in specific delivery models (e.g., Design-Build) or advanced technologies, becoming a subject matter expert within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Design Manager in a firm like Wharton-Smith is typically within the preconstruction or business development functions, leading to higher levels of strategic responsibility and leadership. The role is a strong foundation for those aiming for senior operational or executive positions in the heavy civil construction sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is described as Hybrid. This means the role will involve a combination of working from a physical office location (likely a Wharton-Smith regional or project office in the Jacksonville area) and working remotely from home. The exact balance will depend on project needs, team dynamics, and company policy, but it signifies a move towards flexible work arrangements within the construction industry.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the Jacksonville, Florida area. Wharton-Smith may have several offices or project sites in this region. Candidates should expect to spend some time at a designated office for team meetings, collaboration, and access to resources, and also travel to various project sites or client locations as required.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid nature and the role's focus on cross-functional collaboration mean the office environment is likely set up to support teamwork, with meeting rooms, collaborative spaces, and potentially open-plan areas.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and specialized construction management software, including Primavera P6, estimating software, and potentially document management systems.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with estimating teams, project managers, operations leads, and senior management, both in person and virtually. The design manager serves as a key liaison between different project stakeholders.

Work Schedule:

• The standard schedule is Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility is a key aspect, as project deadlines, proposal submissions, and client needs may require extended hours or occasional weekend work.

• The hybrid arrangement allows for some self-management of the work schedule, balancing in-office and remote work to optimize productivity and meet project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid aspect is notable for a construction-related role, indicating a modern approach to work arrangements. Candidates should be prepared for a blend of office, remote, and travel-based work, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and communication regardless of location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An interview with the hiring manager (e.g., Preconstruction Director) to delve deeper into your technical expertise, project experience, and understanding of preconstruction processes. Be prepared to discuss your approach to constructability, risk management, and GMP development.

• Team/Peer Interviews: You may meet with members of the preconstruction and/or operations teams. These interviews will focus on your collaborative abilities, problem-solving skills, and how you would integrate with the existing team dynamics.

• Portfolio Presentation: A critical stage will involve presenting your portfolio. Be ready to walk through 1-2 key projects, highlighting your specific contributions, the challenges you overcame, and the results you achieved, particularly in the preconstruction and design management aspects.

• Final Interview: Potentially an interview with senior leadership (e.g., VP of Operations, COO) to discuss strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit with Wharton-Smith's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, focus on quantifiable outcomes—e.g., "Reduced design conflicts by X%," "Contributed to a GMP that came in Y% under budget," "Identified Z critical risks and proposed mitigation solutions."

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: The Challenge, Your Role/Actions, The Solution/Process, and The Results/Impact. Tailor this to the Design Manager responsibilities.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with owners, engineers, estimators, and operations teams. Use specific examples of communication and coordination strategies.

• Showcase P6 Skills: If possible, include visual examples of P6 schedules you've worked on, explaining your role in their development and how they informed preconstruction decisions.

• Focus on Water/Wastewater: Ensure your examples are as relevant as possible to municipal water and wastewater projects, demonstrating your domain expertise.

Challenge Preparation:

• Constructability Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical questions about how you would approach constructability reviews for specific types of water/wastewater infrastructure (e.g., a new treatment plant component, a large diameter pipeline).

• Risk Identification: Expect questions about how you would identify risks in a new project pursuit, especially those unique to municipal projects or specific delivery methods.

• GMP Development Strategy: You might be asked to outline your process for developing a GMP based on preliminary designs and limited information.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare for questions about handling disagreements with engineers or owners regarding design decisions or constructability issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely rigorous, with a strong emphasis on portfolio presentation and practical problem-solving relevant to heavy civil and water/wastewater construction. Demonstrating a clear understanding of preconstruction processes and collaborative delivery models will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Primavera P6 (P6): Essential for preconstruction scheduling, milestone tracking, and alignment with construction planning. Proficiency in developing, analyzing, and maintaining complex schedules is critical.

• Estimating Software: While specific software isn't named, familiarity with industry-standard estimating platforms used in heavy civil construction is expected. This may include platforms for quantity takeoff, cost assembly, and bid management.

• Cost Management Systems: Experience with systems used to track and manage project costs, budgets, and financial performance.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with platforms for organizing, sharing, and version-controlling project documents, drawings, and specifications.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Reporting Tools: Wharton-Smith likely uses internal systems for reporting project status, financials, and key performance indicators (KPIs). The ability to extract and present data effectively is key.

• Spreadsheet Software (Excel): Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, financial modeling, and creating custom reports is a standard requirement.

• Presentation Software (PowerPoint): Essential for client presentations, proposal development, and internal project reviews.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Software (e.g., Salesforce, Dynamics 365): While not explicitly stated, a CRM might be used for managing client relationships, tracking pursuits, and sales pipeline management, especially if involved in business development aspects.

• Project Management Information Systems (PMIS): Potentially integrated systems that link project management, scheduling, cost control, and document management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of P6 highlights its importance, suggesting that candidates should be highly proficient. While advanced GTM analytics tools are less likely to be central, strong data analysis and reporting skills using common business software are assumed. The focus is on tools that support project planning, cost control, and client communication within the construction lifecycle.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in construction, expecting all team members to prioritize safety in every decision and action.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings with clients, subcontractors, and employees, crucial for building trust in municipal projects.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering an environment where individuals work together, share knowledge, and support each other to achieve common project goals.

• Quality & Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality construction that meets or exceeds client expectations and industry standards.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and methods to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve project outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Project Delivery: Embracing collaborative approaches like CMAR and Design-Build, requiring open communication, shared problem-solving, and mutual respect among all project stakeholders.

• Proactive Communication: Emphasis on transparent and timely communication, especially between preconstruction and operations, to ensure alignment and address issues before they escalate.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture that encourages providing and receiving constructive feedback to drive process improvements and individual growth.

• Client-Centric Approach: Prioritizing client needs and objectives, working diligently to build strong, long-term relationships based on trust and successful project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values and collaboration style are typical for established construction firms, emphasizing safety, integrity, and collaboration. The Design Manager role will need to embody these values, particularly in their interactions with internal teams and external clients/engineers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Municipal Procurement: Understanding and adhering to the often complex and stringent procurement processes and funding requirements of municipal clients.

• Balancing Design Evolution and Cost Control: Effectively managing scope changes and design development while maintaining tight control over GMP budgets and project timelines.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and alignment between the design/preconstruction phase and the execution/operations phase, which can sometimes have differing priorities.

• Market Competition: Competing effectively in the municipal infrastructure market against other established firms, requiring strong proposal development and client relationship skills.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Staying abreast of evolving construction technologies and delivery methods to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Delivery Methods: Deepen expertise in complex delivery models like Design-Build and CM-GC, potentially leading to specialized roles or certifications.

• Technical Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific water/wastewater treatment technologies or infrastructure types, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Leadership Training: Opportunities for leadership development programs focused on strategic planning, team management, and executive decision-making.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Support for attending industry events to stay current on best practices, network with peers, and learn about new trends and technologies.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from senior leaders within Wharton-Smith to guide career development and provide strategic insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the heavy civil and municipal construction sector. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering clear paths for career advancement within both technical and leadership tracks.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for leading a constructability review on a large municipal wastewater treatment plant project. What are the key elements you focus on?" (Focus on structured approach, stakeholder involvement, and actionable feedback.)

• "Walk me through a time you successfully managed a significant scope change during the preconstruction phase that impacted the GMP. How did you handle it?" (Highlight your negotiation, cost control, and communication skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Wharton-Smith's work in the water and wastewater sector, and why are you interested in joining our team?" (Research their major projects and demonstrate alignment with their mission.)

• "How do you see the hybrid work model fitting into your workflow, and how would you ensure effective collaboration with your team and operations counterparts?" (Discuss strategies for managing remote work and maintaining team cohesion.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Lead with Impact: Start your portfolio presentation with your most impressive and relevant project, clearly stating the project's scale, your role, and the key outcomes.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your strategic approach, the execution, and the measurable results.

• Highlight Collaboration: Explicitly mention how you collaborated with different teams (estimating, operations, engineering) and stakeholders (owner, consultants).

• Quantify Everything: Use numbers and data to demonstrate your impact (e.g., budget savings, risk mitigation percentages, schedule improvements).

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific aspects of water/wastewater systems, P6 scheduling, or GMP development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing a blend of technical expertise in water/wastewater infrastructure, strategic preconstruction leadership, and strong interpersonal skills. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring candidates to articulate their value proposition clearly and concisely.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Wharton-Smith careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your experience in municipal water/wastewater projects, preconstruction management, GMP development, P6 scheduling, and collaborative delivery models. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather 2-3 detailed case studies of relevant projects, focusing on your contributions to constructability, risk mitigation, budgeting, and client relations. Ensure you can articulate your process and quantifiable results.

• Research Wharton-Smith: Familiarize yourself with their recent projects, company values, and their specific expertise in the water and wastewater sector. Understand their approach to collaborative delivery.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough, focusing on clear articulation, concise explanations, and highlighting key achievements relevant to the Design Manager role. Be ready to answer strategic and situational questions.

⚠️ 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.