Design Manager - Water

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Water

Company: Wharton-Smith, Inc.

Location: Jacksonville, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full-time

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

Date Posted: August 24, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a strategic Preconstruction Design Manager role focused on municipal water and wastewater projects, bridging the gap between early pursuit and active construction.

• The position requires a strong understanding of water/wastewater construction practices, collaborative delivery models (CMAR, Progressive Design-Build), and the ability to lead design coordination, constructability reviews, and GMP development.

• The role involves significant stakeholder engagement with municipal owners, engineers, estimating teams, and operations personnel to ensure project success and seamless transitions.

• A key aspect is identifying and mitigating project risks early in the design phase, providing value engineering solutions, and ensuring compliance with municipal funding requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the description clearly indicates a strong project management component, particularly in the preconstruction and early project phases. The role is explicitly positioned for experienced Water/Wastewater Project Managers looking to transition into a more strategic, collaborative delivery function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, budgeting, and risk analysis activities during the pursuit and preconstruction phases for municipal water and wastewater projects.

• Develop and manage preconstruction schedules using P6 and align them with operational construction planning to ensure timely project handoffs.

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

• Drive the development and coordination of Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) budgets and bid packages, soliciting input from subcontractors and suppliers.

• Foster and maintain strong relationships with municipal owners, engineers, and other key stakeholders throughout the preconstruction lifecycle.

• Identify potential project risks and develop strategies for early mitigation, contributing to overall project risk management.

• Partner closely with estimating and operations teams to ensure a smooth and efficient transition from preconstruction to the construction phase.

• Provide innovative value engineering solutions to optimize project costs while meeting or exceeding objectives and maintaining budget.

• Support proposal development efforts, including RFQs and RFP responses, and actively participate in client interviews and presentations.

• Track and manage preconstruction financials, encompassing both internal and external project costs, ensuring financial transparency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive, strategic approach to project initiation and planning, with a significant focus on collaboration and risk management. The role acts as a critical interface between design, estimating, and operations.

🎓 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.

• Ongoing professional development in areas such as estimating, collaborative delivery methods, and 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 prior experience as a Project Manager leading municipal Water/Wastewater projects from inception through completion.

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

• A track record of successfully collaborating with owners, engineers, and internal operations teams in a project environment. Required Skills:

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

• Proficiency with scheduling software, with Primavera P6 (P6) being strongly preferred for preconstruction and project controls.

• Experience in managing or supporting cost management systems and budget development for large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Demonstrated ability to identify scope gaps, potential cost exposures, and develop effective risk mitigation strategies.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, essential for stakeholder engagement and proposal development.

• Familiarity with collaborative delivery models such as Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) and Progressive Design-Build. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in developing and coordinating bid packages with subcontractors and suppliers.

• Ability to perform detailed constructability reviews and provide constructive feedback.

• Skills in value engineering and identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising project objectives.

• Experience with proposal development, including RFQs and RFPs, and client presentation delivery.

• Strong analytical skills for tracking preconstruction financials and project budgets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements clearly delineate a need for deep domain expertise in water/wastewater infrastructure, coupled with practical project management and preconstruction financial acumen. P6 proficiency is a critical technical requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of successful preconstruction planning, including scope definition, risk identification, and early stakeholder engagement strategies.

• Present case studies demonstrating effective collaboration with design teams, estimating, and operations to achieve project milestones and budget targets.

• Include documentation or examples of constructability reviews conducted, highlighting the impact of comments on design refinement and cost control.

• Provide evidence of experience in developing or contributing to GMP budgets, including methodologies for pricing and risk assessment.

• Demonstrate familiarity with project controls, including scheduling (P6) and cost tracking, ideally with examples of how these were used to manage preconstruction phases. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to leading design coordination meetings and ensuring clear communication channels between all project parties.

• Detail your methodology for identifying and documenting project risks during the preconstruction phase and your strategies for mitigation.

• Show examples of how you have implemented value engineering or innovation to optimize project costs and schedules.

• Explain your process for ensuring compliance with specific requirements, such as municipal funding regulations or owner-specific mandates.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should emphasize strategic planning, risk management, and collaborative process leadership in the preconstruction phase, rather than solely execution-focused project management. Demonstrating impact on budget and schedule through documented processes is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers or Senior Project Managers with 7+ years of experience in specialized infrastructure sectors like Water/Wastewater in the Jacksonville, FL area, the estimated salary range is $100,000 - $140,000 annually. This range is influenced by the project size ($4M-$500M), the hybrid work arrangement, and the specialized technical expertise required.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match.

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

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education in construction management and engineering.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Life Insurance and Disability coverage.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Working Hours:

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

• The role offers hybrid flexibility, allowing for a blend of remote and in-office work.

• Occasional extended or evening hours may be required to meet critical project deadlines, proposal submission dates, or client needs.

• Up to 25% travel is anticipated for client meetings, engineer coordination, site visits, and inter-office travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from publicly available compensation data for similar roles in major Florida metropolitan areas, considering the specialized nature of water/wastewater infrastructure and the preconstruction focus. The hybrid nature and travel requirements are factored into the overall compensation package expectation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Wharton-Smith operates within the Construction industry, with a significant specialization in Water and Wastewater infrastructure projects. This focus positions them as a key player in municipal and public works development, contributing to essential community services and infrastructure resilience.

Company Size: Wharton-Smith is a substantial organization, likely falling into the "500-1000+ employees" category based on typical large-scale construction firm operations. This size often translates to a well-established corporate structure, robust project management systems, and opportunities for career advancement.

Founded: Wharton-Smith was founded in 1987. This history suggests a company with deep roots, extensive experience, and a proven track record in the construction sector, particularly in Florida. Their longevity indicates stability and a strong understanding of regional market dynamics.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a Preconstruction or Business Development team, working closely with dedicated Estimating departments and reporting to a Preconstruction Director or Vice President.

• This role operates within a matrixed structure, requiring constant collaboration with Project Executives, Operations Managers, Project Managers, and external consultants (engineers, architects) and clients.

• The team structure emphasizes collaboration, with a clear reporting hierarchy for operational decisions and a shared responsibility for project pursuit and successful handover to construction teams. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are critical for early-stage project viability, risk assessment, and GMP development.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to the preconstruction process, ensuring efficient design development and constructability reviews.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, particularly in leveraging scheduling and cost management tools to streamline processes and improve accuracy.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and specialization in water/wastewater infrastructure suggest a culture that values expertise, reliability, and long-term relationships. The hybrid nature of this role indicates a modern approach to work-life balance within a traditionally on-site industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the preconstruction and project management domain. It is ideal for an experienced Project Manager who has excelled in municipal water/wastewater projects and is ready to transition into a more strategic, client-facing, and collaborative delivery role focused on early project phases. It requires leadership in design coordination and early risk management.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Preconstruction or a Vice President of Business Development. They will work collaboratively with the Operations division, potentially reporting functionally to an Operations Manager or Project Executive for specific project handoffs.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's primary impact is on the successful pursuit and profitability of large-scale municipal projects. By ensuring accurate GMPs, identifying risks early, and fostering strong client relationships, they directly influence the company's revenue pipeline and the financial success of projects before construction even begins. Their role also ensures operational efficiency by facilitating constructible designs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into Senior Design Manager, Director of Preconstruction, or VP of Business Development roles, managing larger teams and more complex pursuits.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in specific water/wastewater technologies or delivery models (e.g., advanced treatment processes, Design-Build).

• Cross-Functional Development: Exposure to and development in areas like advanced estimating, contract negotiation, and strategic business development.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior preconstruction staff and project managers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a strategic pivot from traditional project management, offering a clear path towards leadership in the preconstruction and business development functions of a major infrastructure contractor.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, meaning the work environment blends time spent in a professional office setting with remote work capabilities. The office environment is likely structured to facilitate collaboration, client meetings, and access to necessary resources like estimating software and shared project documentation.

Office Location(s): The primary office base is in the Jacksonville, Florida area. While specific office locations aren't detailed, it's common for large construction firms to have regional offices that support multiple projects and teams.

Workspace Context:

• The office space will likely support collaborative planning sessions, design review meetings, and client presentations, fostering interaction with estimating, operations, and project teams.

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

• The hybrid model allows for focused, individual work remotely, balanced with in-person collaboration critical for complex design and stakeholder engagement.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility, allowing employees to manage their time between remote and in-office work. However, the nature of preconstruction and client demands means that flexibility to work extended hours or travel is essential to meet project milestones and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid aspect suggests a modern workplace that values flexibility while acknowledging the need for in-person collaboration in a client-facing and technically demanding role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Director of Preconstruction or VP) to delve deeper into technical expertise, project experience, and strategic thinking related to water/wastewater preconstruction.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve interviews with key team members from estimating, operations, and potentially other design managers, focusing on collaboration, problem-solving, and constructability review skills. A case study or presentation may be required.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership (e.g., VP of Operations or Business Development) to discuss overall strategic alignment, leadership potential, and long-term fit within Wharton-Smith.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 impactful projects that best showcase your experience in municipal water/wastewater preconstruction, GMP development, and collaborative delivery.

• Focus on Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role in the design coordination, constructability review, risk assessment, and GMP development processes.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate your contribution to cost savings, schedule adherence, risk mitigation, or successful proposal outcomes. For example, "Identified design efficiencies that reduced estimated costs by X%" or "Led constructability review resulting in Y fewer RFIs during construction."

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize your ability to work effectively with owners, engineers, estimating teams, and operations personnel. Provide specific examples of how you facilitated communication and collaboration.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project or by skill area, with clear headings and concise descriptions. Be prepared to walk through your chosen case studies verbally.

Challenge Preparation:

• Constructability Review Exercise: Be prepared to review a set of drawings or specifications and provide detailed, actionable comments as if you were performing a constructability review for a water/wastewater project. Focus on practical issues related to installation, sequencing, and cost.

• Risk Identification & Mitigation: You might be asked to identify potential risks associated with a hypothetical water/wastewater project and propose strategies for mitigation during the preconstruction phase.

• GMP Discussion: Be ready to discuss your approach to developing a GMP, including how you incorporate estimates, subcontractor buy-in, and risk contingencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only technical expertise but also strategic thinking, collaborative abilities, and communication skills critical for a preconstruction leadership role. A strong portfolio that demonstrates process and impact is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Primavera P6 (P6): Essential for developing, managing, and analyzing preconstruction and construction schedules. Proficiency is a stated requirement.

• Cost Management Software: While not explicitly named, expect familiarity with systems used for budget development, tracking, and GMP compilation (e.g., HCSS, Accubid, or similar enterprise-level estimating and cost control platforms).

• Project Management Information Systems (PMIS): Experience with platforms that centralize project documentation, communication, and workflows (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud) is highly beneficial for seamless handover to operations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software (e.g., Microsoft Excel): Crucial for financial tracking, data analysis, and custom reporting related to budgets, costs, and risk assessments.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Familiarity with dashboarding tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for visualizing project performance data and trends may be advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience using CRM tools to manage client relationships, track pursuits, and support proposal development is valuable.

• Document Management Systems: Proficiency with systems for organizing and sharing project documents, drawings, and specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on P6 and cost management tools indicates a need for strong technical proficiency in project controls and financial planning within the construction context. Familiarity with broader PMIS platforms is increasingly important for operations integration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams, particularly in the sensitive preconstruction and bidding phases.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and open communication across departments (preconstruction, estimating, operations) and with external stakeholders to achieve shared project goals.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality work, from accurate GMPs to constructible designs, driving successful project outcomes and client satisfaction.

• Innovation: Encouraging the exploration of new ideas, value engineering solutions, and efficient processes to improve project delivery and maintain competitiveness.

• Safety: A foundational value in the construction industry, ensuring that safety considerations are integrated into all planning and design reviews.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role is inherently collaborative, requiring seamless interaction with estimating, operations, legal, and finance departments to ensure alignment and successful project execution.

• Proactive Communication: A culture that encourages proactive communication and problem-solving, where team members are empowered to raise concerns and propose solutions early.

• Feedback Exchange: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized to refine processes, improve designs, and enhance project outcomes. This applies to internal reviews as well as interactions with external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: Wharton-Smith's values likely reflect a professional, client-focused, and team-oriented approach common in established construction firms, with a particular emphasis on collaborative delivery models and operational excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Pursuits: Effectively managing time and resources across several concurrent preconstruction efforts, each with unique client requirements and deadlines.

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Dynamics: Facilitating consensus and managing expectations among diverse stakeholders, including municipal clients, various engineering consultants, and internal operational teams with potentially differing priorities.

• Early Identification of Unknowns: Accurately assessing risks and scope gaps in early design stages, where information may be incomplete or subject to change, and translating these into actionable mitigation plans and accurate GMPs.

• Transition to Construction: Ensuring a smooth and effective handover of preconstruction knowledge and documentation to the construction operations team to prevent misinterpretations or delays once work begins.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Delivery Methods: Gaining deeper expertise in CMAR, Progressive Design-Build, and other collaborative contracting strategies.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening knowledge in specific water/wastewater treatment technologies, infrastructure challenges, and regulatory environments.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior staff, lead preconstruction teams, and develop strategic business development skills.

• Industry Certifications & Training: Access to training programs, workshops, and conferences focused on construction management, project controls, and water infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to high-stakes preconstruction roles, requiring strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills. The growth opportunities highlight the role's potential for both technical and leadership advancement within the firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a GMP for a large municipal water treatment plant project. What are the key inputs and considerations?"

• "How do you approach constructability reviews? Can you walk me through a time your comments significantly improved a design or saved costs?"

• "How do you build and maintain strong relationships with municipal clients and engineering consultants throughout the preconstruction phase?"

• "Discuss a challenging project pursuit you were involved in. What were the obstacles, and how did you contribute to overcoming them?"

• "How do you collaborate with estimating and operations teams to ensure a seamless project handover and efficient execution?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Wharton-Smith's work in the water/wastewater sector? What attracts you to our company?"

• "How do you align with our company values of integrity, collaboration, excellence, and innovation?"

• "Describe your preferred work style in a hybrid environment. How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with remote and in-office team members?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Clearly articulate the project's objectives, the client's needs, and the overall scope before diving into your specific contributions.

• Focus on Your Role: For each project, clearly define your responsibilities and actions during the preconstruction phase. Use "I" statements to highlight your direct contributions.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (if possible, anonymized or generalized), diagrams, or key document excerpts to illustrate your points. For example, show a sample constructability comment or a section of a risk register.

• Quantify Impact: Present data that demonstrates the positive outcomes of your work. This could include cost savings, schedule improvements, risk reductions, or successful bid wins.

• Address Collaboration: Explicitly discuss how you interacted with different teams and stakeholders, highlighting your communication and problem-solving skills.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, challenges encountered, and alternative approaches you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, deep domain knowledge in water/wastewater infrastructure, and proven collaborative leadership skills in a preconstruction context. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase these abilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 7+ years of experience in municipal Water/Wastewater construction and design. Emphasize your project management experience, specifically on water/wastewater projects, and any contributions to GMP development or preconstruction pricing. Integrate keywords such as "Preconstruction," "Constructability Reviews," "Risk Analysis," "P6 Scheduling," "CMAR," and "Progressive Design-Build."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your skills in design management, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative delivery. Be ready to discuss your role in constructability reviews, GMP development, and risk mitigation. Quantify achievements where possible.

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

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer questions about your experience with P6, GMP development, constructability reviews, client relationship management, and your approach to hybrid work environments. Be ready to present a case study from your portfolio.

⚠️ 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.