Design Manager - Water

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Water

Company: Wharton-Smith

Location: Jacksonville, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations - Preconstruction & Project Delivery

Date Posted: 2026-06-12

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead strategic planning and execution for municipal water and wastewater projects during the critical preconstruction and pursuit phases.

• Drive collaborative delivery models, fostering strong relationships with owners, engineers, and internal operations teams to ensure successful project outcomes.

• Oversee constructability reviews, risk analysis, and GMP budget development, leveraging deep industry expertise in water/wastewater infrastructure.

• Facilitate seamless project transitions from design and estimation into the construction execution phase, ensuring alignment on scope, schedule, and budget.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Manager, but the description strongly emphasizes project management responsibilities within the preconstruction phase, particularly for municipal water and wastewater projects. It bridges the gap between pursuit, design, estimating, and operations, requiring a blend of technical understanding, client relationship management, and strategic planning. The "Water" designation in the title is crucial for understanding the sector-specific knowledge required.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead proposal development, including RFQs and RFP responses, ensuring alignment with client needs and Wharton-Smith's capabilities in water and wastewater infrastructure.

• Actively participate in client interviews and presentations, articulating project strategies, value propositions, and team expertise to secure new business.

• Cultivate and maintain robust relationships with municipal owners and engineering consultants, serving as a key point of contact during the pursuit and preconstruction lifecycle.

• Lead and facilitate critical coordination efforts between engineering design teams and estimating departments to ensure constructability, accuracy, and risk mitigation.

• Conduct thorough reviews of project drawings, geotechnical reports, and technical specifications to identify constructability issues and provide actionable feedback.

• Proactively identify and analyze potential project risks during the design and preconstruction phases, developing and implementing mitigation strategies.

• Deliver structured and impactful constructability comments that enhance project efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety.

• Solicit, coordinate, and manage the input and participation of subcontractors and suppliers throughout the preconstruction process.

• Develop, coordinate, and present Gross Maximum Price (GMP) budgets and comprehensive bid packages that accurately reflect project scope and risk.

• Maintain and update preconstruction schedules using Primavera P6, ensuring alignment with operational teams for effective construction planning and execution.

• Lead and manage milestone meetings and stakeholder coordination sessions, ensuring clear communication and alignment among all parties.

• Track and manage preconstruction financials, meticulously monitoring both internal and external costs to maintain budget integrity.

• Drive innovation and implement value engineering solutions to optimize project design, maintain budget objectives, and enhance overall project value.

• Ensure thorough understanding and strict compliance with all municipal funding requirements and regulatory stipulations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on early-stage project involvement, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration, which are core to effective revenue and project operations. The focus on municipal water/wastewater projects indicates a need for specialized knowledge in this sector's regulations, funding mechanisms, and construction complexities.

🎓 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 extensive relevant experience will be considered.

• Continuous professional development in areas such as estimating, collaborative delivery methodologies, and advanced project controls is highly encouraged. Experience:

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

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

• Demonstrated experience in developing or significantly supporting Gross Maximum Price (GMP) pricing initiatives.

• A history of effective collaboration and relationship-building with owners, engineers, and internal operations teams. Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of municipal Water/Wastewater construction practices, standards, and challenges.

• Hands-on experience with collaborative delivery models such as Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) or Progressive Design-Build.

• Proven ability to accurately identify scope gaps, potential cost exposures, and associated risks.

• Proficiency with advanced scheduling software, with a strong preference for Primavera P6.

• Competence in utilizing cost management systems and tools for accurate budget development and tracking.

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

• Familiarity with municipal funding mechanisms and compliance requirements.

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

• Advanced analytical skills for risk assessment and mitigation planning.

• Knowledge of engineering design principles relevant to water and wastewater systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong blend of technical construction knowledge (specifically in water/wastewater), project management experience, and familiarity with collaborative delivery models. Proficiency in P6 and GMP development are critical technical skills for this role in the preconstruction domain.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies of complex municipal Water/Wastewater projects managed from pursuit through the preconstruction phase.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the project's scope, challenges, your specific role, and the implemented strategies for constructability review, risk mitigation, and GMP development.

• Quantify achievements with specific metrics, such as cost savings realized through value engineering, schedule adherence during preconstruction, or successful risk avoidance.

• Include examples of collaborative delivery model engagement, highlighting your contribution to team synergy and stakeholder alignment.

• Demonstrate proficiency in project controls documentation, presenting examples of P6 schedules developed for preconstruction phases and cost tracking reports. Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or detailed descriptions of your process for conducting constructability reviews, including checklists or methodologies used.

• Illustrate your approach to risk identification and mitigation planning specifically within the preconstruction phase of water/wastewater projects.

• Showcase examples of your process for developing and coordinating GMP budgets, including how you engage estimating, operations, and subcontractors.

• Detail your workflow for managing stakeholder communication and coordination meetings throughout the design and preconstruction lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio demonstrating hands-on experience with municipal water/wastewater projects, particularly in preconstruction and collaborative delivery, will be crucial. Candidates should be prepared to detail their processes for constructability, risk management, GMP development, and stakeholder coordination, backed by quantifiable results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated annual salary range for this position is $110,000 - $150,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers or Senior Project Managers with 7+ years of experience in the municipal water/wastewater construction sector in the Jacksonville, Florida area, considering the hybrid work arrangement and the scope of projects ($4M to $500M).

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Robust medical coverage options for employees and their families.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match: Secure your financial future with a competitive employer match.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure work-life balance.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Support for continued education, certifications, and training in construction management and specialized engineering fields.

• Performance-Based Bonuses: Opportunities for additional compensation based on individual and company performance.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Financial protection for employees and their dependents.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

• Potential for travel reimbursement for business-related trips. Working Hours:

Standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, approximately 40 hours per week. Flexibility is expected to meet project deadlines and client needs, which may include occasional extended or evening hours. Up to 25% travel is anticipated for client meetings, site visits, and coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on industry data for similar roles in the specified region and experience level. Benefits are typical for a full-time, exempt position in the construction industry, with a focus on professional development relevant to the role's demands.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction (Specializing in Water & Wastewater Infrastructure)

Company Size: Wharton-Smith is a large enterprise, typically employing between 1,000 and 5,000 individuals, indicating a structured environment with established processes and significant project capacity.

Founded: Founded in 1987, Wharton-Smith has a long-standing history and established reputation in the construction industry, particularly in Florida and the surrounding regions. This longevity suggests a stable company culture focused on long-term relationships and project success.

Team Structure:

• The operations and preconstruction teams are likely structured to support large-scale municipal projects, with specialized roles for estimating, project management, engineering, and field operations.

• Reporting structure would typically involve a direct report to a Director of Preconstruction or a VP of Operations, with close collaboration across various functional departments.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, especially between estimating, design, operations, procurement, and legal/contract administration teams. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, utilizing historical cost data, project performance metrics, and risk assessments to inform preconstruction strategies.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, focusing on streamlining the process from initial pursuit through GMP finalization and handover to construction.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated through project management software, scheduling tools, and collaborative platforms to enhance productivity and accuracy.

Company Website: https://www.whartonsmith.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Wharton-Smith's focus on water and wastewater infrastructure, combined with its size and history, points to a culture that values expertise, reliability, and long-term partnerships. The role requires a candidate comfortable navigating complex municipal procurement and project delivery environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the preconstruction and project delivery function. It's a step beyond direct project management execution, moving into a strategic leadership role focused on winning and shaping projects through the early phases. It requires strong technical acumen combined with client-facing and leadership skills.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a Director of Preconstruction or a senior executive overseeing business development and project pursuits. They will work closely with Estimating Managers, Project Executives, and Operations Managers, providing critical input and guidance.

Operations Impact: This role has a significant impact on the company's revenue generation and profitability by securing profitable projects and ensuring they are well-defined and de-risked before construction begins. Successful preconstruction strategy directly influences project margins and client satisfaction, laying the groundwork for operational success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Manager/Director of Preconstruction: Progression to managing larger, more complex pursuits, leading a team of Design Managers, and having greater strategic input into business development.

• Project Executive/VP of Operations: Transitioning into a broader leadership role with responsibility for overall project execution, client satisfaction, and operational performance for a portfolio of projects.

• Business Development Leadership: Leveraging strong client relationships and industry knowledge to drive new business opportunities and strategic partnerships.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific collaborative delivery models or advanced project controls.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a strategic pivot from pure execution to a more influential preconstruction leadership position. Growth paths are clearly defined towards senior management, operational leadership, or business development, leveraging the foundational skills developed in this role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "hybrid," indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. The primary office location is Jacksonville, Florida. This suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, client meetings, and team synchronization.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Jacksonville, Florida. This location is central to supporting municipal projects in that region and potentially across Florida. Accessibility and local amenities would be typical for a professional office environment in a major metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among preconstruction, estimating, and operations teams, likely featuring meeting rooms equipped for design reviews and client presentations.

• Access to essential operations tools and technology, including P6 scheduling software, cost management systems, and potentially BIM/3D modeling software, will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with senior leadership, project teams, and key external stakeholders (owners, engineers) are inherent to the role, promoting knowledge sharing and professional development.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, approximately 40 hours per week. However, the nature of preconstruction and proposal deadlines necessitates flexibility, potentially requiring extended or evening hours periodically. Travel up to 25% is expected, which may impact the daily work schedule on those occasions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role offers flexibility, but the requirement for travel and potential for extended hours underscores the demanding yet rewarding environment typical of large-scale construction project pursuits.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with minimum qualifications, focusing on water/wastewater experience and collaborative delivery models.

• Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion with a hiring manager or senior preconstruction leader to evaluate your understanding of constructability, risk management, GMP development, and P6 scheduling. You will be asked to provide specific examples from your experience.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, detailing your contributions to winning and shaping municipal water/wastewater projects. Focus on demonstrating your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and impact on project outcomes.

• Stakeholder/Team Interview: Meetings with key cross-functional team members (e.g., estimating, operations, project executives) to assess your collaborative style, communication effectiveness, and cultural fit within Wharton-Smith.

• Final Interview: A concluding discussion with senior leadership to discuss career aspirations, overall fit, and final alignment for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Everything: For each case study, provide specific data points – project value, cost savings, schedule improvements, risk reduction measures, client feedback.

• Structure Your Narratives: Use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for discussing challenges and solutions. Clearly articulate the "why" behind your decisions.

• Highlight Collaborative Delivery: Emphasize your role in CMAR, Design-Build, or similar models, showcasing your ability to foster partnerships between owners, designers, and constructors.

• Demonstrate P6 Proficiency: Be prepared to briefly discuss or show examples of schedules you've developed or managed for preconstruction phases, highlighting how they informed project planning.

• Tailor to Wharton-Smith: Research Wharton-Smith's recent projects and values. Align your portfolio examples to demonstrate how you can contribute to their specific strategic goals in the water/wastewater sector.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to bidding on complex municipal projects, identifying constructability issues, or managing stakeholder expectations during the preconstruction phase.

• Practice articulating your approach to developing a GMP, including how you would gather input, analyze risks, and present the final price.

• Rehearse explaining the benefits and challenges of collaborative delivery models from a Design Manager's perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to rigorously assess technical expertise, strategic thinking, and collaborative capabilities. A well-prepared, data-driven portfolio presentation is critical for success, showcasing practical application of skills in high-stakes preconstruction scenarios.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Primavera P6: Essential for developing and managing preconstruction schedules, tracking milestones, and aligning with construction planning. Proficiency is a key requirement.

• Cost Management Systems: Experience with software for estimating, budgeting, and cost tracking is critical for GMP development and financial oversight.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with platforms like Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, or similar systems for document control, collaboration, and workflow management.

• BIM/3D Modeling Software (e.g., Revit, Navisworks): While not explicitly stated as a requirement, familiarity with these tools is highly advantageous for constructability reviews and visualizing project scope.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software (e.g., Microsoft Excel): Advanced proficiency for data analysis, financial modeling, and custom reporting.

• Data Visualization Tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau): Beneficial for creating clear and impactful reports and presentations to stakeholders.

• Internal Reporting Systems: Expect to utilize company-specific tools for tracking project progress, financials, and key performance indicators.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): Useful for managing client relationships, tracking pursuit progress, and identifying business development opportunities.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Experience with tools that can automate repetitive tasks in proposal generation, document routing, or communication.

• Document Management Systems: Essential for organizing and accessing project-related documents, specifications, and drawings efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Primavera P6 is explicitly required. A strong understanding of cost management systems and general project management software is also vital. Familiarity with BIM and data analytics tools will provide a competitive edge.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams, especially critical in public sector/municipal projects.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and shared goals are pursued effectively across departments.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong, long-term relationships based on reliability and exceptional service delivery.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Continuously seeking better methods, value engineering solutions, and process improvements to optimize project outcomes and maintain competitiveness.

• Safety & Quality: A commitment to the highest standards of safety and quality in all aspects of project planning and execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands seamless collaboration with estimating, operations, procurement, legal, and finance teams, requiring open communication and shared accountability.

• Process Review Culture: An environment where workflows and strategies are regularly reviewed and refined based on project learnings and industry best practices.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, lessons learned, and best practices across project teams and departments to elevate overall company performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Wharton-Smith's values likely emphasize strong ethical conduct, client dedication, and a team-oriented approach, critical for success in the municipal construction sector. The collaborative style is essential for bridging the gap between preconstruction and operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Municipal Procurement: Understanding and complying with complex and often lengthy municipal procurement processes, funding requirements, and regulatory frameworks.

• Balancing Risk and Opportunity: Accurately assessing and pricing project risks while remaining competitive in bids, particularly for large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent communication and buy-in from diverse internal teams (estimating, operations, legal) throughout the preconstruction phase.

• Rapid Design Evolution: Managing project scope and budget effectively when designs are still evolving or subject to change during the pursuit and preconstruction phases.

• Technological Adaptation: Staying current with evolving construction technologies, scheduling software, and collaborative platforms to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Collaborative Delivery Training: Deepen expertise in CMAR, Design-Build, and other integrated project delivery methods.

• Municipal Finance & Procurement Seminars: Enhance understanding of public sector funding mechanisms, grant applications, and contract compliance.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to hone strategic thinking, team leadership, and executive communication skills.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant water/wastewater industry events and obtaining professional certifications in project management or construction management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges inherent in large-scale municipal construction, particularly around complex procurement and risk management. Growth opportunities are geared towards senior leadership and specialized expertise within the firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a GMP for a large ($50M+) municipal water treatment plant project. What are the key inputs, risks, and stakeholder considerations?" (Focus on your structured process, risk identification, and collaborative input gathering.)

• "How do you ensure constructability is effectively addressed during the design phase for water/wastewater infrastructure? Provide a specific example of a constructability issue you identified and how it was resolved." (Highlight your systematic review process and problem-solving skills.)

• "Walk me through a time you had to influence an owner or engineer to adopt a particular design or construction method during preconstruction. What was your strategy and the outcome?" (Demonstrate your persuasive communication and relationship-building skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding, how does Wharton-Smith's approach to collaborative delivery align with your own experience and philosophy?" (Research their project types and public statements on delivery methods.)

• "How do you envision contributing to Wharton-Smith's culture of integrity and client focus in this role?" (Connect your values and work ethic to their stated principles.)

• "How do you measure the success of your preconstruction efforts beyond winning the bid? What KPIs are most important to you?" (Focus on metrics related to risk mitigation, budget accuracy, and smooth handover to operations.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Clearly articulate the strategic objective of each project you present – e.g., winning a key municipal contract, solving a critical infrastructure need.

• Showcase Your Role: Be precise about your specific contributions as Design Manager, focusing on strategic planning, coordination, and problem-solving.

• Emphasize Data & Metrics: Quantify your impact with numbers: dollar values, percentage improvements, schedule adherence, risk reduction figures.

• Detail the Process: Explain how you achieved the results – your methodology for constructability reviews, GMP development, stakeholder engagement, and P6 scheduling.

• Conclude with Impact: Summarize the overall project success and your role in it, linking it back to Wharton-Smith's business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your strategic approach to preconstruction, demonstrate deep technical knowledge of water/wastewater projects, and provide concrete examples of your impact through a well-structured portfolio presentation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Water position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to prominently feature your experience in municipal water/wastewater construction, your proficiency with P6 scheduling, and your success with collaborative delivery models (CMAR, Design-Build). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 compelling case studies that best represent your experience in leading preconstruction for water/wastewater projects. Ensure each case study includes clear objectives, your specific role and actions, quantifiable results, and highlights your strategic contributions.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear communication, data-driven insights, and demonstrating your understanding of constructability, risk management, and GMP development. Be ready to answer technical and behavioral questions.

• Research Wharton-Smith: Understand their project portfolio, company values, and recent achievements, particularly in the water and wastewater sector. Prepare thoughtful questions to demonstrate your engagement and interest.

⚠️ 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.