Design Manager - Water

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Water

Company: Wharton-Smith

Location: Jacksonville, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full-time

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

Date Posted: September 17, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Strategic leadership in the pursuit and preconstruction phases of municipal water and wastewater infrastructure projects, focusing on early project strategy and design collaboration.

• Drive constructability reviews, cost development, and owner engagement to ensure successful project outcomes and seamless transitions into construction operations.

• Lead coordination between engineering, estimating, and operations teams to identify and mitigate project risks proactively.

• Develop and manage GMP budgets, bid packages, and preconstruction schedules using P6, aligning with operational teams for robust construction planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a strategic preconstruction and collaborative delivery leader, bridging the gap between design and execution. It's ideal for experienced Project Managers seeking to leverage their technical expertise in a more upfront, planning-intensive capacity within the critical water and wastewater infrastructure sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead proposal development, RFQ, and RFP responses for municipal water and wastewater projects, contributing to new business acquisition.

• Conduct thorough constructability reviews of drawings, geotechnical reports, and specifications, providing structured, actionable feedback to design teams.

• Lead risk identification and mitigation strategies throughout the preconstruction lifecycle, ensuring project viability and cost control.

• Develop and coordinate Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) budgets and comprehensive bid packages in collaboration with estimating and operations.

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

• Foster and maintain strong relationships with municipal owners, engineers, and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment and facilitate collaborative delivery.

• Drive value engineering and innovation initiatives to optimize project costs while meeting or exceeding project objectives and municipal funding requirements.

• Partner closely with the operations team to guarantee a smooth and efficient handover from preconstruction to the construction phase, ensuring continuity and shared understanding.

• Lead milestone and stakeholder coordination meetings, ensuring clear communication and timely decision-making across all project parties.

• Track preconstruction financials, meticulously managing both internal and external costs throughout the pursuit and design phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a critical role in de-risking projects before construction begins, emphasizing the need for strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills. The focus on GMP development and P6 scheduling indicates a need for deep project controls and financial acumen.

🎓 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 as a pathway to qualify.

• Ongoing professional development in areas such as advanced estimating techniques, collaborative delivery models (CMAR, Design-Build), and sophisticated project controls is highly encouraged. 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.

• Demonstrated experience in developing or significantly contributing to the development of GMP pricing structures.

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

• Comprehensive understanding of municipal Water/Wastewater construction practices and standards.

• Expertise in collaborative delivery models such as Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) and Progressive Design-Build.

• Proven ability to identify and articulate scope gaps, potential cost exposures, and project risks.

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

• Strong command of cost management systems and principles.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, essential for client presentations and team coordination. Preferred Skills:

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

• Familiarity with municipal funding mechanisms and compliance requirements.

• Advanced knowledge of value engineering principles and application in infrastructure projects.

• Experience in proposal writing and presentation for competitive bids.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on municipal water/wastewater experience, CMAR/Design-Build, GMP pricing, and P6 scheduling indicates a need for a candidate with a deep understanding of large-scale public infrastructure projects and advanced project delivery methods.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documented experience in leading or significantly contributing to the preconstruction phase of water and wastewater projects, showcasing strategic planning and risk mitigation.

• Case studies demonstrating successful collaboration with owners and engineers, highlighting improved project outcomes through early engagement.

• Examples of constructability reviews and value engineering proposals that led to tangible cost savings or schedule efficiencies.

• Evidence of developing or managing GMP budgets, including justification for cost estimates and bid package strategies.

• Demonstrations of P6 scheduling for preconstruction phases, illustrating how schedules were developed, maintained, and communicated to stakeholders. Process Documentation:

• Workflow designs and optimization strategies for the preconstruction phase, detailing how processes were improved for efficiency and accuracy.

• Implementation examples of collaborative delivery models, illustrating the practical application of CMAR or Progressive Design-Build principles.

• Metrics and performance analysis from past preconstruction efforts, showcasing how risks were managed and budgets were controlled.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to showcase their strategic planning, risk management, and collaborative delivery capabilities through concrete project examples. A portfolio that quantifies impact (cost savings, risk reduction, schedule improvements) will be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 7+ years of experience in municipal water/wastewater infrastructure in the Jacksonville, Florida area, the estimated salary range is between $110,000 and $150,000 annually. This range accounts for the specialized nature of the role, the project sizes involved ($4M - $500M), and the hybrid work arrangement. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and holiday schedule.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training and certifications in advanced project management and construction techniques.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Life and disability insurance coverage. Working Hours:

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

• Flexibility is expected to meet project deadlines, proposal requirements, and client needs, which may include occasional extended or evening hours.

• A hybrid work arrangement is offered, allowing for a balance between remote work and in-office collaboration.

• Up to 25% travel is required, potentially including travel outside the immediate geographic region for client meetings, engineer coordination, site visits, and corporate office attendance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from research on similar roles in construction management and project management within the civil infrastructure sector in the Jacksonville, FL metropolitan area, considering the specified experience level and the complexity of municipal water/wastewater projects.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction (Specializing in Water & Wastewater Infrastructure)

Company Size: Wharton-Smith operates as a significant player in the construction industry, likely employing between 500-1000+ individuals, indicating a robust organizational structure with established processes and a broad project portfolio. This size suggests opportunities for both specialized development and cross-functional exposure within operations and preconstruction teams.

Founded: Wharton-Smith was founded in 1987, bringing over three decades of experience and a deep-seated understanding of the construction market, particularly in Florida and the surrounding regions. This long history implies a stable company culture, established client relationships, and a proven track record of successful project delivery in complex environments.

Team Structure:

• The operations and preconstruction teams are likely structured to support large-scale infrastructure projects, with specialized roles in estimating, scheduling, project management, and design coordination.

• Reporting likely follows a hierarchical model, with the Design Manager potentially reporting to a Director of Preconstruction or Senior Vice President of Operations, and in turn, collaborating closely with Project Managers and Superintendents on the operational side.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, requiring seamless integration between preconstruction (design, estimating, scheduling) and operations (field execution, project management, safety) teams to ensure a unified approach to project delivery. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are crucial for accurate budgeting, risk assessment, and constructability reviews, leveraging historical project data and market intelligence.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are central to managing the preconstruction phase efficiently, ensuring timely delivery of proposals, GMPs, and project plans.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed through advanced software like P6 for scheduling and integrated cost management systems to streamline processes and improve accuracy.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Wharton-Smith's long-standing presence in the water and wastewater sector suggests a company with deep expertise and a strong commitment to public infrastructure. The hybrid role and company size imply a dynamic yet structured environment where strategic planning and operational execution are tightly integrated.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the preconstruction and project management domain, specifically focused on the strategic planning and early-stage development of complex water and wastewater projects. It signifies a transition from direct project execution to a leadership role that influences project success from its inception through design and into construction.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leadership role within Preconstruction or Operations, such as a Director of Preconstruction or VP of Operations. They will work in close partnership with Project Managers, Estimators, Schedulers, and Field Operations personnel, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills to navigate these relationships effectively.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's influence is substantial, directly impacting project profitability, risk exposure, and overall success by shaping the project's foundation during preconstruction. Effective design management leads to more accurate GMPs, reduced change orders during construction, and a smoother operational handover, ultimately contributing to Wharton-Smith's reputation and financial performance in the competitive municipal infrastructure market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific collaborative delivery models (CMAR, Design-Build) or advanced project controls within the water/wastewater sector.

• Leadership: Advance into roles such as Director of Preconstruction, Senior Project Executive, or Business Development leadership within the water/wastewater division.

• Skill Development: Pursue certifications in project management (PMP), scheduling (Primavera P6 advanced), or construction risk management, and gain exposure to new technologies and methodologies in infrastructure development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth into higher-level strategic and leadership positions within a specialized and critical sector of the construction industry. The emphasis on collaborative delivery models suggests that developing expertise in these areas will be highly valued.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as hybrid, suggesting a blend of remote work and in-office presence at a Wharton-Smith office in the Jacksonville, Florida area. This provides flexibility while ensuring opportunities for face-to-face collaboration with project teams, estimators, and operations leadership.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Jacksonville, Florida, with potential travel to other Wharton-Smith regional offices, client sites, and engineer offices as required by project needs.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for focused, independent work remotely, complemented by collaborative sessions in the office for strategy development, team meetings, and client presentations.

• Access to essential operations tools and technology, including project management software, scheduling platforms (P6), cost management systems, and communication tools, will be provided.

• Opportunities for interaction with operations teams, estimating departments, and senior leadership will be frequent, fostering a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment critical for successful preconstruction. Work Schedule:

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

• The role requires flexibility to adapt to project demands, proposal deadlines, and client needs, which may necessitate occasional extended hours or weekend work.

• Travel is anticipated, up to 25% of the time, to support various project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, combined with required travel, suggests an environment that values flexibility and autonomy while emphasizing the importance of in-person collaboration for critical project phases.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, focusing on municipal water/wastewater experience and preconstruction leadership.

• Technical Interview: A discussion with hiring managers and/or senior preconstruction/operations personnel to delve into your experience with GMP development, P6 scheduling, constructability reviews, risk analysis, and collaborative delivery models. Expect scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your strategic approach to preconstruction, problem-solving skills, and impact on project success.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and Wharton-Smith's operational ethos.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the tangible results of your contributions – e.g., cost savings achieved through value engineering, risks mitigated, schedule efficiencies gained, or improved bid competitiveness.

• Process Focus: Detail the specific processes you employed for constructability reviews, risk assessments, and GMP development. Explain how you collaborated with different teams and stakeholders.

• P6 & Cost Management: Be prepared to discuss your experience with P6 scheduling for preconstruction and how you integrated cost management into your planning. If possible, showcase visual examples.

• CMAR/Design-Build Expertise: Highlight your experience with collaborative delivery methods, explaining your role in facilitating owner-engineer-contractor alignment and decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

• Constructability Challenge: You may be asked to review a set of preliminary drawings or a project scope and identify potential constructability issues, cost concerns, or risks, and propose solutions.

• P6 Scenario: A question may involve how you would approach scheduling a complex preconstruction phase or resolve a scheduling conflict using P6.

• Risk Mitigation Strategy: Prepare to discuss how you would approach identifying and mitigating risks for a specific type of water/wastewater project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should meticulously prepare their portfolio to showcase quantifiable achievements and a deep understanding of preconstruction processes, particularly concerning P6 scheduling and collaborative delivery models. Be ready to articulate strategic decision-making and problem-solving approaches.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Primavera P6: Essential for preconstruction scheduling, baseline development, progress tracking, and schedule analysis. Proficiency in this tool is a key requirement.

• Cost Management Systems: Experience with software used for estimating, budget development, and tracking internal/external project costs is critical.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with platforms for document control, communication, and task management within a project lifecycle.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Estimating Software: Proficiency with industry-standard estimating tools for developing detailed cost breakdowns and GMPs.

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to leverage data from historical projects, market intelligence, and project performance for informed decision-making.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating and interpreting reports that track preconstruction financials, schedules, and risk matrices.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not explicitly stated, experience with CRM systems can be beneficial for managing stakeholder relationships and tracking business development efforts related to proposals and RFPs.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for document sharing, communication, and team coordination.

• Document Management Systems: Systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documents, drawings, and specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong command of Primavera P6 is a non-negotiable requirement for this role, highlighting its importance in managing complex preconstruction schedules. Familiarity with estimating and cost management software will also be crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Trust: Upholding high ethical standards in all dealings with clients, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams, fostering a culture of reliability.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Emphasizing a unified approach to project delivery, where seamless communication and mutual support between preconstruction and operations are paramount.

• Innovation and Efficiency: Continuously seeking better ways to plan, estimate, and schedule projects, driving value engineering and optimizing processes to enhance project outcomes.

• Commitment to Quality: Dedication to delivering high-quality water and wastewater infrastructure that meets stringent public standards and client expectations.

• Safety First: A fundamental commitment to safety in all aspects of planning and execution, ensuring the well-being of all personnel.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working closely with estimating, operations, and engineering teams from the earliest stages of project pursuit to ensure holistic project planning.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and direct communication channels to address challenges, share insights, and make informed decisions collaboratively.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages identifying potential issues early and working together to develop and implement effective solutions, rather than reacting to problems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Wharton-Smith likely values a collaborative and results-oriented culture, where a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure are key. The emphasis on teamwork between preconstruction and operations is a defining characteristic.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the diverse needs and priorities of municipal clients, engineering firms, regulatory bodies, and internal operations teams.

• Navigating Evolving Municipal Requirements: Staying abreast of changing regulations, funding mechanisms, and technical standards in the water and wastewater sector.

• Early-Stage Risk Identification and Mitigation: Accurately forecasting and planning for unforeseen challenges in complex infrastructure projects with limited initial design information.

• Transitioning from Design to Construction: Ensuring a seamless and efficient handover from the preconstruction phase to the operational execution team, minimizing knowledge gaps.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

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

• Project Controls Specialization: Advanced training in Primavera P6, cost engineering, and risk management specific to large-scale infrastructure projects.

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

• Mentorship and Leadership Development: Exposure to senior leaders within Wharton-Smith, offering opportunities for mentorship and pathways to leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex infrastructure challenges and grow within a specialized field. The company's commitment to professional development supports continuous learning and career advancement in areas critical to modern construction management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a significant constructability issue during preconstruction and how you resolved it, including the impact on cost and schedule." (Focus on your process, collaboration, and quantifiable results.)

• "Walk us through your approach to developing a GMP for a complex municipal water treatment plant project. What were the key inputs, risks, and considerations?" (Highlight your understanding of cost development, risk analysis, and collaborative input.)

• "How do you ensure seamless communication and alignment between design teams, estimating, and field operations during the preconstruction phase?" (Emphasize your stakeholder management and communication strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Wharton-Smith's work in the municipal water and wastewater sector, and why are you interested in this specific role?" (Research their recent projects and demonstrate genuine interest.)

• "How do you approach building relationships with municipal owners and engineers? Can you provide an example?" (Showcase your client-facing skills and relationship-building capabilities.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to influence stakeholders with differing opinions during a project's early stages. How did you achieve consensus?" (Demonstrate your negotiation and persuasive skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, clearly define the project's scope, your specific role, the challenges faced, the strategies you employed (especially regarding P6, GMPs, and constructability), and the measurable outcomes.

• Visuals: Use concise slides with key data points, charts, or diagrams to illustrate your points. If possible, include anonymized examples of schedules or budget breakdowns.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a designated timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your contributions and demonstrating your strategic thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their experience with P6 scheduling, GMP development, and collaborative delivery models using specific project examples. Demonstrating a strategic mindset and strong communication skills will be crucial for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Water position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and any supplemental materials to highlight your specific experience in municipal water/wastewater construction, preconstruction leadership, GMP development, and P6 scheduling. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 7+ years of relevant experience, your degree, and your proficiency with key tools like Primavera P6 and collaborative delivery methods (CMAR, Design-Build). Use keywords found in the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience through the lens of the primary responsibilities and required skills. Prepare specific examples for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your strategic approach to preconstruction.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Wharton-Smith's portfolio of water and wastewater projects, their company history, and their stated values to demonstrate your understanding and alignment during the interview process.

⚠️ 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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