Design Manager - Water

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Water

Company: Wharton-Smith

Location: Jacksonville, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction & Engineering Operations (Preconstruction Focus)

Date Posted: May 21, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the preconstruction phase for high-value municipal water and wastewater projects, focusing on strategic 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.

• Lead constructability reviews, value engineering initiatives, and GMP budget development to ensure project feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

• Manage preconstruction schedules and financial tracking, ensuring alignment with overall project delivery objectives.

• Support proposal development and client presentations, acting as a key liaison between Wharton-Smith and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Manager, but the description clearly indicates a strong emphasis on preconstruction project management within the water and wastewater sector. The hybrid nature and the focus on supporting projects from pursuit through GMP development suggest a strategic role that bridges design, estimating, and operations. The ideal candidate will transition from traditional project execution to a more client-facing and strategic preconstruction leadership position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Proposal Development & Client Engagement:

  • Actively support the development of proposals, RFQs, and RFP responses for municipal water and wastewater projects.
  • Participate in client interviews and presentations, articulating Wharton-Smith's capabilities and project strategies.
  • Cultivate and maintain robust relationships with municipal owners and engineering firms, establishing trust and collaboration.

• Design & Constructability Leadership:

  • Lead the coordination between engineering teams (internal and external) and estimating departments during the design phase.
  • Conduct thorough reviews of drawings, geotechnical reports, and specifications to identify constructability challenges and potential scope gaps.
  • Provide structured, actionable, and meaningful constructability comments to optimize design for efficient execution.

• Risk Management & Cost Control:

  • Proactively identify and analyze project risks during the early design stages, developing mitigation strategies.
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) budgets and comprehensive bid packages.
  • Track preconstruction financials, including internal labor costs and external subcontractor/supplier expenses.

• Scheduling & Project Controls:

  • Maintain and coordinate preconstruction schedules, utilizing P6 (Primavera P6) for detailed planning and alignment with operational construction timelines.
  • Lead milestone and stakeholder coordination meetings, ensuring clear communication and timely decision-making.

• Value Engineering & Innovation:

  • Drive innovation and value engineering solutions to meet budget targets and project objectives without compromising quality or scope.
  • Ensure a deep understanding and compliance with specific municipal funding and regulatory requirements.

• Transition to Construction:

  • Partner closely with the operations team to ensure a seamless and effective handover from preconstruction to the construction phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a nuanced role that requires deep technical understanding of water/wastewater infrastructure combined with strong project management, client relations, and financial acumen. The emphasis on CMAR and Progressive Design-Build indicates a need for experience with collaborative delivery models, which often involve more upfront risk and reward sharing.

🎓 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 formal education and extensive, relevant work experience will be considered.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience specifically in municipal Water/Wastewater construction or design.

• Proven track record as a Project Manager on significant municipal Water/Wastewater projects, demonstrating leadership and successful project delivery.

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

Required Skills:

• Water/Wastewater Expertise: Deep understanding of municipal water and wastewater treatment processes, infrastructure, and construction practices.

• Preconstruction Strategy: Proficiency in strategic planning, scope definition, and risk assessment during the early project lifecycle.

• Constructability Review: Ability to meticulously review designs and specifications for buildability, efficiency, and cost optimization.

• GMP Budget Development: Experience in creating, analyzing, and defending GMP estimates and bid packages.

• Risk Analysis & Mitigation: Skill in identifying potential project risks and developing proactive mitigation plans.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, engineers, and internal teams.

• P6 Scheduling: Proficiency in using Primavera P6 for preconstruction scheduling, critical path analysis, and resource planning.

• Value Engineering: Expertise in identifying and implementing cost-saving measures without compromising project integrity.

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

• Cost Management Systems: Familiarity with tools and processes for tracking and managing project costs.

• Proposal Development: Ability to contribute effectively to the creation of compelling RFQ and RFP responses.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Familiarity with advanced cost management software and reporting tools.

• Strong understanding of municipal procurement processes and funding mechanisms.

• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are specific to municipal water/wastewater projects, emphasizing both technical knowledge and management capabilities. The explicit mention of P6 and collaborative delivery models like CMAR and Progressive Design-Build are critical keywords for operations professionals in this space. The "7+ years" suggests a role that requires significant autonomy and strategic input.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant municipal water/wastewater projects managed from pursuit/preconstruction through GMP development. Detail your specific role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Constructability & Value Engineering Examples: Provide specific instances where your constructability reviews or value engineering proposals led to tangible cost savings, schedule improvements, or risk reduction. Quantify these impacts where possible.

• GMP Development Contributions: Illustrate your involvement in developing or supporting GMP pricing. This could include sample budget breakdowns, scope definition documents, or explanations of how you managed cost escalations.

• Collaborative Delivery Experience: Highlight projects utilizing CMAR, Progressive Design-Build, or similar models, detailing your contributions to early contractor involvement, risk sharing, and integrated team dynamics.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing and optimizing preconstruction workflows, from initial client engagement to final GMP submission.

• Implementation & Automation: Describe how you have implemented new processes or leveraged technology (e.g., scheduling software, cost management tools) to improve efficiency in preconstruction.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Explain how you track key performance indicators (KPIs) for preconstruction activities, such as bid accuracy, scope completeness, and client satisfaction, and how you use this data for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on preconstruction and design management, a portfolio demonstrating tangible results in cost savings, risk mitigation, and successful project pursuits is crucial. The emphasis on collaborative delivery models means showcasing how you've navigated complex stakeholder environments and integrated different project phases.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the location (Jacksonville, FL), experience level (7+ years), and specialized industry (municipal water/wastewater construction), a competitive salary range for a Design Manager/Preconstruction Project Manager is estimated to be between $110,000 - $145,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the Southeast US, considering the complexity of municipal projects and the required expertise in collaborative delivery models and P6 scheduling.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage options.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with potential company match, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay to promote work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education, certifications, and training in estimating, project controls, and collaborative delivery methods.

• Hybrid Work Arrangement: Flexibility to work remotely part of the week, balancing work and personal life while maintaining team presence.

• Travel Reimbursement: Coverage for business-related travel, including site visits and client meetings.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Income protection and security for employees and their families.

Working Hours:

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

• The role embraces a hybrid work model, allowing for flexibility and a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

• Occasional extended or evening hours may be required to meet proposal deadlines, client demands, or critical project milestones.

• Up to 25% travel is anticipated, including local site visits, client meetings, and occasional travel to other company offices or project locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is a crucial piece of information for operations professionals. It's based on a combination of general construction management salaries, specific experience level, and the high-demand nature of specialized roles in water/wastewater infrastructure. The benefits listed are standard for the industry and crucial for attracting experienced talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Wharton-Smith operates within the Construction industry, with a significant specialization in Water and Wastewater Infrastructure. This sector is critical for public services and requires a strong focus on safety, quality, regulatory compliance, and long-term asset management. The company's expertise in municipal projects means navigating complex public procurement processes and stakeholder expectations.

Company Size: Wharton-Smith is a large enterprise, likely employing over 1,000 individuals. This scale suggests a robust organizational structure, established processes, and opportunities for professional development within a well-resourced company. For operations professionals, this means access to advanced tools, established best practices, and a broad network of colleagues and expertise.

Founded: Wharton-Smith was founded in 1910, indicating a long-standing history and deep-rooted experience in the construction industry. This longevity suggests stability, a proven track record of successful project delivery, and a culture that values enduring relationships and quality craftsmanship.

Team Structure:

• Operations & Preconstruction Integration: The Design Manager will work within a preconstruction team that is closely integrated with the broader estimating and operations departments. This structure emphasizes a seamless transition from planning to execution.

• Reporting Hierarchy: This role likely reports to a Director of Preconstruction or a Vice President of Operations, with direct interaction and collaboration with Project Executives, Senior Project Managers, and Estimators.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect extensive collaboration with design engineers (both internal and external), subcontractors, suppliers, municipal owners, and regulatory bodies. The hybrid nature of the role necessitates strong communication skills across dispersed teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The company likely emphasizes the use of data from past projects, market trends, and cost analysis to inform preconstruction strategies and proposals.

• Collaborative Delivery Focus: A strong commitment to collaborative delivery models (CMAR, Design-Build) suggests a culture that values teamwork, shared risk, and transparent communication.

• Process Optimization: Continuous improvement in estimating, scheduling, and constructability review processes is likely a core operational value, driven by efficiency and risk reduction.

Company Website: whartonsmith.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the company's history and size provides context for the role's potential impact and the resources available. The focus on water/wastewater infrastructure highlights the critical nature of the work and the specialized knowledge required. The integration of preconstruction with operations is a key operational dynamic.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager position represents a significant mid-to-senior level role within the operations and preconstruction functions. It requires a transition from direct project execution to strategic leadership, focusing on early-stage project development, client relationship management, and risk assessment. Candidates are expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, influencing project pursuits and shaping project strategies from conception.

Reporting Structure: The role typically reports to a senior leader within the preconstruction or operations division, such as a Director of Preconstruction or a Vice President of Operations. This structure provides visibility to executive leadership and opportunities for strategic input. Direct collaboration will occur with estimators, project managers, and operations leads.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a pivotal role in securing profitable projects and setting them up for successful execution. By ensuring accurate GMPs, identifying risks early, and fostering strong client relationships, this role directly impacts Wharton-Smith's revenue, profitability, and market reputation in the municipal water/wastewater sector. Effective preconstruction management minimizes costly changes and delays during construction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into roles such as Director of Preconstruction, Vice President of Operations, or Executive Leadership within the company.

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepen expertise in specific collaborative delivery models, complex infrastructure types, or project controls, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunities to mentor junior estimators and project managers, and to participate in advanced training programs focused on leadership, negotiation, and advanced project management techniques.

• Business Development: As relationships with owners and engineers strengthen, there may be opportunities to take on a more active role in business development and strategic client acquisition.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis helps candidates understand the career trajectory and the strategic importance of the role. It emphasizes the move from tactical execution to strategic influence, which is a key differentiator for operations professionals seeking advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, meaning it involves a combination of working from a physical office location and remote work. This arrangement is designed to offer flexibility while maintaining essential in-person collaboration and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is in the Jacksonville, Florida area. This likely includes corporate offices or regional hubs that house estimating, preconstruction, and operations support staff. The specific office details and available amenities would be confirmed during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is expected to facilitate collaboration among preconstruction, estimating, and operations teams. Open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and project war rooms are common in such environments.

• Technology & Tools: Access to robust IT infrastructure, including high-performance workstations, reliable network connectivity, and specialized software for scheduling (P6), cost management, and design review.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with colleagues, fostering a strong team dynamic and facilitating knowledge sharing on complex projects. The hybrid model requires proactive communication strategies to ensure all team members are connected.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday.

• The hybrid model allows for flexibility in where work is performed, subject to project needs and team coordination.

• While core hours may exist, the nature of preconstruction and proposal deadlines often requires adaptability and occasional work outside of standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is a significant factor for many operations professionals. Detailing the expected office environment and how it supports collaboration, even in a hybrid setting, is important.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Director or VP) focusing on your experience with municipal water/wastewater projects, CMAR/Design-Build, P6, and your approach to preconstruction strategy. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges and successes.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with key team members, including senior estimators, project managers, and operations leads. This assesses your collaborative style and technical depth.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, showcasing key projects, your contributions to constructability reviews, GMP development, and risk mitigation. Focus on quantifiable results.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term career goals, and finalize offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state the scale ($4M-$500M), your specific role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings achieved, schedule improvements, risk reduction percentage).

• Showcase Process: Detail your involvement in the preconstruction process, from initial proposal to GMP finalization. Highlight how you integrated design, estimating, and operations.

• Highlight Collaboration: Use examples to demonstrate your ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with owners, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams.

• P6 & Cost Management Focus: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with P6 and any cost management systems, providing examples of how you used them to optimize schedules and budgets.

• Tailor to Wharton-Smith: Research Wharton-Smith's recent projects and values. Frame your experience within the context of their typical project types and preferred delivery methods.

Challenge Preparation:

• Constructability Scenario: You may be given a set of drawings or a project scenario and asked to identify potential constructability issues and suggest solutions.

• GMP Discussion: Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing a GMP, including how you account for risk, contingencies, and subcontractor buy-out.

• Risk Identification Exercise: You might be asked to outline the key risks for a specific type of water/wastewater project and propose mitigation strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to best present their qualifications and prepare for the interview stages, particularly the portfolio review, which is critical for operations roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Primavera P6: Essential for preconstruction scheduling, critical path analysis, resource leveling, and long-term project planning. Proficiency is a must.

• Cost Management Software: Experience with systems for developing, tracking, and managing GMP budgets, bid packages, and cost forecasting. Specific software may vary, but a strong understanding of principles is key.

• Estimating Software: Familiarity with industry-standard estimating platforms used for quantity take-offs and cost compilation.

• Design Software (e.g., AutoCAD, BIM): Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications. Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) is increasingly valuable for constructability reviews.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, financial modeling, and custom reporting.

• Microsoft Project: May be used for less complex scheduling tasks or for integration with P6.

• Power BI / Tableau (or similar): While not explicitly mentioned, experience with data visualization tools for reporting on preconstruction metrics and financial performance would be a strong asset.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM System (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): Experience utilizing CRM systems for tracking client interactions, managing relationships with owners and engineers, and supporting business development efforts.

• Project Management Information Systems (PMIS): Familiarity with platforms that integrate document control, communication, and scheduling data.

📝 Enhancement Note: Listing specific software tools like P6 is critical. For operations roles, familiarity with the technology stack is a key differentiator and directly impacts efficiency and effectiveness.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams, particularly crucial in public municipal projects.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where open communication and shared problem-solving are paramount, especially within the hybrid work model and across diverse project stakeholders.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality work, from accurate GMPs to constructible designs, ensuring the long-term success and reputation of Wharton-Smith.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Continuously seeking better ways to perform preconstruction tasks, leveraging technology and value engineering to optimize project outcomes and drive efficiency.

• Safety & Compliance: Prioritizing safety in all planning and operations, and ensuring strict adherence to municipal regulations and funding requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Wharton-Smith likely promotes a culture where preconstruction, estimating, and operations teams work seamlessly together, sharing knowledge and ensuring smooth project transitions.

• Open Feedback Loops: Encouraging a feedback culture where constructive criticism is welcomed and used for continuous improvement of processes and project strategies.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned from past projects, and insights on new technologies or methodologies to elevate the collective expertise of the operations team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the company's core values and how they translate into day-to-day operations is vital for cultural fit and long-term success in any role, especially in operations where collaboration is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Municipal Procurement: Understanding and complying with diverse and often stringent municipal funding requirements, bidding processes, and regulatory frameworks.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing the expectations and competing interests of municipal owners, engineers, subcontractors, and internal operations teams in a collaborative environment.

• Estimating Accuracy for Large Projects: Ensuring the precision of GMPs for large-scale water and wastewater projects, which often involve complex systems, significant unknowns, and potential for scope creep.

• Adapting to Evolving Delivery Models: Staying current with best practices in CMAR, Progressive Design-Build, and other collaborative delivery methods to maximize their benefits.

• Hybrid Work Coordination: Maintaining team cohesion, efficient communication, and project momentum in a hybrid work environment, ensuring all team members are aligned and supported.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Collaborative Delivery Training: Opportunities to gain deeper expertise in managing projects under CMAR, Design-Build, and other integrated project delivery models.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant water/wastewater industry conferences and pursuing professional certifications (e.g., CCM, PMP, specific engineering licenses).

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leadership and experienced professionals for guidance, career advice, and skill development in areas like negotiation, strategic planning, and client management.

• Technical Deep Dives: Opportunities to enhance knowledge in specialized areas of water/wastewater engineering and construction technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: Acknowledging potential challenges helps candidates prepare for the realities of the role and demonstrates foresight. Highlighting growth opportunities shows a commitment to employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading constructability reviews for a $100M water treatment plant project. What are the key elements you focus on?" (Prepare to discuss your process, key stakeholders, and types of feedback.)

• "How have you managed risk in a preconstruction phase for a CMAR project? Provide a specific example of a risk you identified and mitigated." (Be ready to detail your risk assessment methodology and mitigation strategies.)

• "Walk me through your process for developing a GMP. What factors do you consider, and how do you ensure its accuracy and competitiveness?" (Focus on your understanding of cost build-ups, contingencies, and market conditions.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you see as Wharton-Smith's strengths in the municipal water/wastewater sector?" (Demonstrate you've researched their projects and market position.)

• "How do you see the hybrid work model impacting team collaboration, and what strategies would you employ to ensure effective communication?" (Show your understanding of remote/hybrid team dynamics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, follow a clear story: Project Overview -> Your Role & Responsibilities -> Key Challenges -> Solutions Implemented -> Quantifiable Results -> Lessons Learned.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the tangible benefits your work brought to the project and the company (e.g., cost savings, schedule acceleration, risk reduction, enhanced client satisfaction).

• Showcase P6 & Cost Management: Be prepared to briefly demonstrate how you used P6 for scheduling or discuss your approach to cost management, perhaps with anonymized examples of budget breakdowns.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design elements, construction methods, or financial details related to your portfolio projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Providing specific example questions and preparation strategies tailored to the role's demands (preconstruction, water/wastewater, CMAR, P6) will significantly help candidates prepare.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with municipal water/wastewater projects, CMAR/Progressive Design-Build, GMP development, P6 scheduling, and constructability reviews. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your expertise in preconstruction, cost management, and risk mitigation. Quantify your achievements and be ready to discuss your contributions in detail.

• Research Wharton-Smith: Familiarize yourself with their water/wastewater project portfolio, company history, and stated values. Understand their approach to collaborative delivery.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions focusing on strategy, collaboration, problem-solving, and your experience with the required tools and methodologies. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

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

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