Design Manager - Water

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Water

Company: Wharton-Smith

Location: Jacksonville, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Construction Management / Preconstruction Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-10

Experience Level: 7+ Years (Mid-Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead preconstruction strategy and execution for municipal water and wastewater projects, focusing on early-stage planning, design coordination, and risk mitigation.

• Drive collaborative delivery models such as CMAR and Progressive Design-Build, fostering strong relationships with owners, engineers, and internal operations teams.

• Develop and refine GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) budgets and bid packages through detailed constructability reviews, cost analysis, and value engineering initiatives.

• Manage preconstruction schedules using P6, ensuring alignment with construction planning and operational readiness for seamless project transitions.

• Serve as a key liaison between engineering, estimating, and operations departments to ensure project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a strategic preconstruction leader, transitioning experienced Project Managers from daily execution to a more client-facing, collaborative, and foresight-driven function within the water infrastructure sector. The hybrid nature suggests a need for both on-site client engagement and remote coordination.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead proposal development efforts, including RFQs and RFPs, by articulating Wharton-Smith's value proposition and technical capabilities for municipal water/wastewater projects.

• Conduct thorough reviews of project drawings, geotechnical reports, and specifications to identify constructability issues, scope gaps, and potential cost exposures, providing structured and actionable feedback.

• Proactively identify and quantify project risks during the preconstruction phase, developing mitigation strategies in collaboration with estimating, operations, and legal teams.

• Lead coordination efforts with subcontractors and suppliers to solicit bids, ensure competitive pricing, and secure necessary resources for project execution.

• Develop and meticulously manage GMP budgets and bid packages, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project scope and client expectations.

• Maintain and update preconstruction schedules using Primavera P6, integrating them with construction planning to forecast resource needs and project timelines.

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

• Track and report on preconstruction financials, encompassing both internal costs and external expenditures, to maintain budget control and financial transparency.

• Champion innovation and value engineering initiatives to optimize project design, reduce costs, and enhance overall project objectives without compromising quality or functionality.

• Ensure strict adherence to municipal funding requirements and compliance regulations throughout the preconstruction and bidding processes.

• Partner closely with the operations team to guarantee a smooth and efficient handover from the preconstruction phase to the active construction phase, fostering a unified project delivery approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive, analytical, and collaborative approach to preconstruction, moving beyond traditional estimating to encompass strategic planning, risk management, and client relationship building within the municipal water sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

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

• A commitment to ongoing professional development in areas such as advanced estimating techniques, collaborative delivery methodologies, and project controls is highly valued. Experience:

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

• Proven track record as a Project Manager on significant municipal Water/Wastewater projects, demonstrating successful delivery from inception to completion.

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

• A strong history of effective collaboration and relationship building with owners, engineering consultants, and internal operations teams. Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of municipal Water/Wastewater construction methodologies, materials, and best practices.

• Experience with collaborative project delivery models such as Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) and Progressive Design-Build.

• Ability to meticulously analyze project scopes, identify discrepancies, and quantify cost exposures accurately.

• Proficiency in scheduling software, with a preference for Primavera P6, and experience with cost management systems.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly and persuasively.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities for risk assessment and value engineering.

• Client relationship management and presentation skills. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other collaborative delivery methods beyond CMAR and Progressive Design-Build.

• Familiarity with specific municipal funding mechanisms and compliance requirements in Florida.

• Advanced proficiency in cost estimating software and project financial modeling.

• Experience with BIM (Building Information Modeling) for constructability analysis.

• Knowledge of contract negotiation and administration within the construction industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a blend of technical expertise in water infrastructure, practical project management experience, and a strategic understanding of preconstruction processes, particularly within collaborative delivery frameworks. The emphasis on P6 and GMP development indicates a need for advanced project controls and financial acumen.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful management of municipal Water/Wastewater projects from pursuit through GMP development.

• Include detailed case studies of projects where you led or significantly contributed to constructability reviews, value engineering, and risk mitigation efforts.

• Provide examples of how you have collaborated with estimating and operations teams to refine project scope, budget, and schedule.

• Showcase experience in developing and presenting GMP proposals, highlighting accuracy and competitive positioning.

• Evidence of managing preconstruction schedules and integrating them with overall project delivery plans. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your process for conducting comprehensive constructability reviews, including methodologies for identifying potential issues and proposing solutions.

• Document your approach to risk identification, assessment, and mitigation planning within the preconstruction phase.

• Provide examples of your process for soliciting, evaluating, and coordinating subcontractor and supplier bids.

• Showcase your methodology for developing and presenting GMP budgets, including breakdown structures and justification for estimates.

• Detail your process for ensuring compliance with municipal funding requirements and other regulatory obligations.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of preconstruction skills. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their methodologies for key processes like constructability reviews, risk assessment, and GMP development, supported by concrete project examples.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated annual salary range for this position in Jacksonville, Florida, is between $110,000 and $150,000. This range is based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers or experienced Project Managers with a minimum of 7 years of specialized experience in municipal water/wastewater construction, considering the hybrid work arrangement and the project scope ($4M to $500M). Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's qualifications, experience, and demonstrated ability to lead complex preconstruction efforts.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401(k)).

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Life and disability insurance coverage.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing.

• Reimbursement for approved business travel expenses.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Working Hours:

Standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, approximately 40 hours per week. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for flexibility. However, candidates must be prepared for extended or evening hours periodically to meet critical proposal deadlines, project milestones, or urgent client needs. Travel, estimated at up to 25%, is required for client meetings, engineer coordination, site visits, and corporate engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for similar roles in the Jacksonville, FL area, factoring in the specified experience level and the specialized nature of municipal water/wastewater preconstruction management. Benefits are typical for a full-time exempt position in the construction industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction (Specializing in Water & Wastewater Infrastructure)

Wharton-Smith operates within the heavy civil construction sector, with a specialized focus on municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities, infrastructure, and related utilities. Their work is critical to public health and environmental sustainability, often involving complex engineering challenges and stringent regulatory requirements. This industry demands precision, reliability, and a deep understanding of both construction processes and client needs.

Company Size: Wharton-Smith is a significant player in the construction industry, likely falling into the medium to large enterprise category (hundreds to a few thousand employees). This size implies established processes, a robust organizational structure, and the capacity to handle large-scale, complex projects. For operations professionals, this means access to resources, potential for structured career paths, and exposure to a wide array of projects and technologies.

Founded: Wharton-Smith was founded in 1984. This long history signifies stability, extensive experience, and a deep-rooted understanding of the construction market, particularly in the regions they serve. It suggests a company that has weathered economic cycles and built a reputation for reliability and expertise.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role sits within the preconstruction or business development arm, closely integrated with estimating and project operations. The team likely consists of experienced estimators, schedulers, and fellow preconstruction managers.

• Reporting: This role typically reports to a Director of Preconstruction, VP of Operations, or a similar senior leadership position overseeing business development and project pursuit.

• Collaboration: Expect extensive cross-functional collaboration with estimating, project management, field operations, legal, and business development teams. Strong partnerships with municipal owners and engineering firms are also paramount.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Emphasis on using historical cost data, market intelligence, and risk analysis to inform pricing and project strategies.

• Collaborative Delivery: A strong focus on CMAR, Design-Build, and other integrated project delivery methods that foster early collaboration and shared risk/reward.

• Process Optimization: Continuous improvement of preconstruction processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and client satisfaction.

Company Website: whartonsmith.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's specialization in water infrastructure and its established history suggest a culture that values technical expertise, long-term relationships, and a commitment to delivering essential public works projects. The hybrid nature of this role indicates a modern approach to work-life balance within a demanding industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Senior Level (Design Manager / Senior Project Manager)

This role represents a significant step for an experienced Project Manager looking to specialize in the preconstruction phase of large-scale municipal infrastructure projects. It requires a blend of technical construction knowledge, strategic planning abilities, and strong client-facing skills. As a Design Manager, you are expected to lead the strategic development of project bids, influence design decisions for constructability and cost-effectiveness, and manage complex stakeholder relationships.

Reporting Structure:

The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Preconstruction or Business Development department, such as a Director of Preconstruction, Vice President of Preconstruction, or a Senior Vice President of Operations. This reporting line provides access to executive decision-making and strategic guidance.

Operations Impact:

This role has a direct and substantial impact on Wharton-Smith's revenue generation and profitability. Successful preconstruction management leads to winning profitable projects, optimizing project costs from the outset, and establishing strong client partnerships that drive repeat business. The Design Manager's ability to accurately assess scope, manage risk, and develop competitive GMPs is critical to the company's financial health and market position in the water infrastructure sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Progression to roles such as Director of Preconstruction, VP of Business Development, or Senior Project Executive overseeing larger program portfolios.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific delivery methods (e.g., Progressive Design-Build, Integrated Project Delivery) or specific project types within water infrastructure.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior estimators, project engineers, and assistant project managers, developing future talent within the organization.

• Strategic Influence: Greater involvement in company-wide strategic planning, market expansion, and process improvement initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Design Manager role is a critical stepping stone for operations professionals aiming for leadership positions in the construction industry, particularly within specialized sectors like water infrastructure. The growth path emphasizes strategic influence and broader operational oversight.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Environment

The position is based in the Jacksonville, Florida area, offering a hybrid work arrangement. This means a blend of working remotely and from a Wharton-Smith office location, as well as on-site client or project locations as needed. This model supports flexibility while maintaining essential face-to-face collaboration.

Office Location(s):

Primary work location will be within the Jacksonville, Florida metropolitan area. Specific office assignments may vary, and candidates should be prepared to travel to various project sites, client offices, and potentially corporate or regional hubs as required by project demands.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Office environments are likely designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, project war rooms, and shared workspaces that facilitate team interaction and brainstorming.

• Tools & Technology: Access to essential operational tools, including high-performance computing for scheduling (P6) and cost management software, as well as standard office productivity suites.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for interaction with estimating teams, project management staff, and senior leadership, fostering a dynamic and engaged work environment. The hybrid nature requires proactive communication and effective use of virtual collaboration tools.

Work Schedule:

The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday. However, the demands of preconstruction and project deadlines may necessitate periodic extended hours, including evenings and weekends. Flexibility is key to success in this role, ensuring that client needs and project timelines are consistently met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a significant perk, offering flexibility. However, candidates must be prepared for the inherent demands of the construction industry, which often require extended hours and travel to meet project objectives and client expectations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or a Talent Acquisition Specialist will review applications, focusing on alignment with the core requirements (experience in water/wastewater, P6, GMP development).

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager (likely a Director of Preconstruction) to assess technical knowledge, experience with collaborative delivery, and understanding of preconstruction workflows. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and your role in them.

3. Technical/Team Interview: This may involve a panel interview with members of the estimating and operations teams. Expect questions focused on constructability reviews, risk analysis, value engineering strategies, and P6 scheduling. You may be asked to walk through a sample project or problem.

4. Portfolio Review Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work, highlighting key projects, your contributions to GMP development, constructability improvements, risk mitigation strategies, and client relationship management. Focus on quantifiable results and lessons learned.

5. Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership (e.g., VP of Operations) to discuss strategic fit, long-term career aspirations, and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 impactful projects that best represent your experience in municipal water/wastewater preconstruction and collaborative delivery.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the scope, your specific role and responsibilities, key challenges, solutions implemented (e.g., constructability improvements, value engineering savings), and quantifiable outcomes (e.g., budget savings, schedule acceleration, risk reduction).

• Process Focus: For each case study, explain the methodology you employed for GMP development, risk assessment, and stakeholder coordination.

• Visual Aids: Utilize clear visuals such as project photos, simplified drawings, schedule excerpts, and budget summaries to enhance your presentation.

• Storytelling: Frame your experience as a narrative that demonstrates your problem-solving skills, leadership, and impact on project success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Constructability Scenario: Be ready to analyze a hypothetical project scenario or set of drawings and provide detailed constructability comments, identifying potential issues and proposing practical solutions.

• Risk Identification Exercise: Prepare to brainstorm potential risks for a given water/wastewater project type and outline your approach to assessing and mitigating them.

• Value Engineering Pitch: Practice presenting a value engineering proposal for a common water infrastructure component, justifying the proposed changes based on cost savings and constructability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application of skills and the ability to articulate value through a well-prepared portfolio. Candidates should expect to demonstrate deep knowledge of water/wastewater projects and collaborative delivery methods.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Primavera P6: Essential for detailed project scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking during the preconstruction phase. Proficiency is a key requirement for aligning preconstruction timelines with construction planning.

• Cost Estimating Software: Experience with industry-standard software for developing detailed cost estimates and GMP proposals. While specific software isn't named, familiarity with platforms used in large-scale construction is expected.

• Microsoft Project: May be used for initial project planning or for smaller scopes, though P6 is preferred for complex municipal projects.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel for data analysis, financial modeling, and reporting; Word for proposal writing and documentation; PowerPoint for presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Cost Management Systems: Tools used to track project costs, budget variances, and financial performance throughout the preconstruction lifecycle.

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to analyze historical cost data, market trends, and bid results to inform estimates and strategies.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating or interpreting project dashboards that visualize key performance indicators (KPIs) related to budget, schedule, and risk.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): Likely used for managing client relationships, tracking proposal progress, and identifying new business opportunities.

• Document Management Systems: Platforms for organizing and sharing project documents, specifications, drawings, and correspondence.

• Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Procore): Essential for facilitating communication and document sharing in a hybrid work environment and across project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Primavera P6 and advanced Excel skills are critical. Familiarity with cost management systems and CRM platforms used in the construction industry will enhance a candidate's suitability. The ability to leverage technology for data analysis and collaboration is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, partners, and internal teams, particularly critical in public works projects.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where cross-functional teams (estimating, operations, engineering) work seamlessly towards shared project goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and methods to enhance constructability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in preconstruction and delivery.

• Client Focus: Demonstrating a strong commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of municipal clients, building long-term relationships based on reliability and performance.

• Safety & Quality: Prioritizing safety in all planning and execution, and maintaining the highest standards of quality in project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Transparent: Engaging stakeholders early and often, maintaining open lines of communication regarding project status, risks, and proposed solutions.

• Data-Driven: Utilizing data, historical information, and analytical insights to inform decision-making and present well-supported recommendations.

• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on identifying challenges and developing practical, effective solutions that balance cost, schedule, and quality objectives.

• Partnership Approach: Working collaboratively with owners and engineers as partners in project success, rather than solely as a contractor.

📝 Enhancement Note: Wharton-Smith likely values a culture that combines technical excellence with strong interpersonal skills, emphasizing integrity, collaboration, and a client-centric approach, particularly relevant in the municipal infrastructure sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Project Scope: Managing the intricacies of large-scale municipal water/wastewater projects, which often involve unique technical challenges and stringent regulatory compliance.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively navigating the diverse and sometimes competing priorities of municipal owners, engineering firms, internal operations teams, and subcontractors.

• Market Volatility: Adapting to fluctuating material costs, labor availability, and economic conditions that can impact project bidding and execution.

• Technological Adoption: Staying current with and effectively integrating new technologies in scheduling, cost management, and design visualization to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Delivery Methods: Deepen expertise in CMAR, Progressive Design-Build, and other innovative project delivery models through specialized training and project experience.

• Technical Specialization: Further develop technical knowledge in specific areas of water/wastewater treatment processes, infrastructure design, or construction techniques.

• Leadership Training: Access to leadership development programs focused on strategic planning, team management, and executive communication.

• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to pursue relevant certifications, such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or specialized certifications in construction management or engineering.

• Networking: Participation in industry conferences and association meetings to build professional networks and stay abreast of industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges inherent to large-scale infrastructure projects but also offers significant opportunities for professional growth, specialization, and leadership development within a stable and respected firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting a constructability review on a municipal water treatment plant project. What are the key areas you focus on?" (Focus on structured approach, identifying potential issues, and proposing solutions.)

• "How do you approach risk identification and mitigation in the preconstruction phase of a large-scale infrastructure project? Provide an example." (Emphasize proactive identification, quantification, and collaborative mitigation strategies.)

• "Walk me through your experience developing a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) proposal. What were the critical elements you ensured were included, and how did you validate your pricing?" (Highlight attention to detail, cost breakdown, assumptions, and competitive analysis.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to balance competing interests between an owner, an engineer, and your operations team during the preconstruction phase. How did you achieve alignment?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and finding mutually beneficial solutions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Wharton-Smith's work in the water/wastewater sector, and why are you interested in this role specifically?" (Research recent projects, company values, and articulate a genuine interest.)

• "How do you see the hybrid work model impacting your ability to collaborate with project teams and clients?" (Discuss strategies for effective communication and engagement in a hybrid setting.)

• "Describe your experience working with collaborative delivery methods like CMAR or Progressive Design-Build. What are the key success factors from your perspective?" (Showcase understanding of these models and your role in their successful implementation.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by key skill demonstrated (e.g., GMP Development, Risk Mitigation, Client Relationship).

• Key Metrics: For each project, highlight quantifiable achievements: cost savings from value engineering, schedule efficiencies gained, risks successfully mitigated, and client satisfaction metrics.

• Process Explanation: Clearly articulate the specific processes you followed for constructability reviews, estimating, risk analysis, and stakeholder coordination.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals (drawings, charts, photos) to illustrate your points and make the presentation engaging.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; focus on the most impactful aspects of your experience and be prepared for follow-up questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of municipal water/wastewater projects, proficiency in preconstruction processes, experience with collaborative delivery, and strong communication skills. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase tangible results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Carefully select and prepare 3-4 key projects that best illustrate your experience in municipal water/wastewater preconstruction, GMP development, and collaborative delivery. Tailor your presentation to highlight your specific contributions and quantifiable achievements relevant to the job description.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience in water/wastewater construction, your proficiency with P6 and estimating processes, and your success in collaborative project delivery models. Use keywords from the job description to highlight relevant skills and accomplishments.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project experience, methodologies for constructability reviews, risk management, and GMP development. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to present your portfolio confidently.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Wharton-Smith's recent projects, company culture, and their approach to water infrastructure projects. Understand their commitment to collaborative delivery and how your skills align with their strategic goals.

⚠️ 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.