Design Manager - Water

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Water

Company: Wharton-Smith

Location: Jacksonville, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Preconstruction & Design Management (Water/Wastewater)

Date Posted: 2026-07-24T04:00:00

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead strategic preconstruction planning and design coordination for municipal water and wastewater projects, ranging from $4M to $500M.

• Drive proposal development, client interviews, and stakeholder engagement to secure and advance project opportunities.

• Conduct thorough constructability reviews and risk analysis to identify and mitigate potential project challenges early in the lifecycle.

• Develop and manage Grand Unified Model (GMP) pricing and bid packages, ensuring alignment with estimating and operations teams.

• Foster strong relationships with municipal owners and engineers, acting as a key liaison throughout the preconstruction phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a strategic preconstruction function, emphasizing early project involvement and collaborative delivery models, rather than traditional project execution. The "Design Manager" title, coupled with "Project Manager" in the description, indicates a focus on the front-end of projects, bridging the gap between design, estimation, and eventual construction operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the development of proposals, RFQs, and RFP responses, ensuring comprehensive and competitive project submissions.

• Lead client interviews and presentations, effectively communicating Wharton-Smith's capabilities and project strategies.

• Cultivate and maintain robust relationships with municipal owners and engineering firms to build trust and facilitate collaboration.

• Orchestrate seamless coordination between internal engineering disciplines and the estimating team during the design development stages.

• Critically review project drawings, geotechnical reports, and specifications to identify constructability issues and provide actionable feedback.

• Proactively identify and develop strategies to mitigate project risks throughout the preconstruction lifecycle.

• Deliver structured and insightful constructability comments that enhance project efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Solicit, coordinate, and integrate subcontractor and supplier input into the preconstruction planning process.

• Develop and manage detailed GMP budgets and comprehensive bid packages for project procurement.

• Maintain and update preconstruction schedules using P6, ensuring alignment with operational construction planning timelines.

• Lead milestone meetings and coordinate stakeholders to ensure all parties are informed and aligned on project progress and objectives.

• Track and manage preconstruction financials, including internal resource costs and external expenses.

• Drive innovation and value engineering initiatives to optimize project costs and meet client objectives without compromising quality.

• Ensure thorough understanding and compliance with all applicable municipal funding requirements and regulations.

• Partner closely with the operations team to facilitate a smooth and efficient transition from preconstruction to active construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on collaborative delivery methods like CMAR and Progressive Design-Build, requiring the candidate to not just manage but also to actively influence design and cost through early engagement and expert reviews.

🎓 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 industry experience will be considered.

• A commitment to continuous professional development in estimating, collaborative delivery methodologies, and advanced project controls is highly encouraged. Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of dedicated experience in the municipal water and wastewater construction or design sector is essential.

• Proven track record in a Project Management capacity on municipal water and wastewater projects.

• Demonstrated experience in developing or significantly supporting Grand Unified Model (GMP) pricing strategies.

• A history of successfully collaborating with owners, engineers, and internal operations teams on complex projects. Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of municipal water and wastewater construction practices and methodologies.

• Expertise in CMAR (Construction Manager at Risk), Progressive Design-Build, and other collaborative project delivery models.

• Ability to accurately identify scope gaps and potential cost exposures within project designs.

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

• Competence in cost management systems and tools for accurate financial tracking.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement and reporting. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific municipal procurement processes and funding requirements.

• Familiarity with advanced risk assessment and mitigation techniques in infrastructure projects.

• Knowledge of value engineering principles and their application in water/wastewater systems.

• Experience with proposal writing and presentation for public sector clients.

• Understanding of environmental regulations impacting water and wastewater projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 7+ years specifically in municipal Water/Wastewater construction, coupled with experience in collaborative delivery and GMP pricing, indicates a senior-level preconstruction role focused on strategic project acquisition and early-stage planning.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of successful proposal development and bid package creation for municipal water/wastewater projects.

• Case studies showcasing contributions to GMP development, including scope definition, cost estimation, and risk assessment.

• Documentation of constructability review processes and the impact of identified improvements on project outcomes.

• Evidence of stakeholder engagement strategies and successful relationship management with owners and engineers.

• Examples of risk mitigation plans developed during the preconstruction phase and their effectiveness. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your process for identifying and documenting constructability issues during the design review phase.

• Illustrate your methodology for collaborating with estimating and operations teams to refine project scope and cost.

• Provide examples of how you have managed preconstruction schedules and coordinated milestone meetings with multiple stakeholders.

• Detail your approach to value engineering and innovation, with specific examples of implemented solutions.

• Document your process for ensuring compliance with municipal funding requirements and project-specific regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a strong portfolio demonstrating hands-on experience in the preconstruction lifecycle, particularly with collaborative delivery models and GMP development, will be critical for showcasing capabilities in this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager or experienced Project Manager with 7+ years in municipal water/wastewater construction in the Jacksonville, FL area, the estimated salary range is $110,000 - $150,000 annually. This estimate considers the specialized nature of water/wastewater projects, the required experience level, and the hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

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

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

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Hybrid work flexibility to balance office and remote work. Working Hours:

• Standard work schedule: Monday through Friday.

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

• Approximately 25% travel is anticipated for client meetings, engineer coordination, site visits, and corporate/regional office travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on the provided experience level, location (Jacksonville, FL), and the specialized nature of the water/wastewater construction industry. The hybrid work arrangement and travel requirements are factored into the overall compensation and work-life balance considerations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction (Specializing in Water/Wastewater Infrastructure)

Company Size: Wharton-Smith is a significant player in the construction industry, likely falling into the mid-to-large enterprise category based on the project sizes mentioned ($4M to $500M). This size suggests a structured organization with established processes and a broad project portfolio.

Founded: Wharton-Smith was founded in 1974, indicating a long-standing history and established reputation in the construction sector, particularly in Florida and the Southeastern United States.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a dedicated Preconstruction or Business Development team, working closely with Estimating and Project Operations departments.

• Reporting structure may involve a VP of Preconstruction or a senior executive overseeing business development and project acquisition.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, requiring seamless integration with project managers, superintendents, engineers, and client representatives. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, utilizing project data, cost analysis, and scheduling information to inform preconstruction strategies.

• Emphasis on collaborative delivery models (CMAR, Design-Build) to foster teamwork and optimize project outcomes from the outset.

• Proactive risk management and constructability reviews to ensure project feasibility and mitigate potential issues before construction begins.

• Strong focus on building and maintaining long-term relationships with municipal clients and engineering partners.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the company's founding year and specialization, Wharton-Smith likely fosters a culture of expertise, reliability, and long-term client partnerships within the municipal infrastructure sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into strategic preconstruction management. It's a transition from direct project execution to a role focused on winning and shaping projects before they break ground. It signifies a move towards higher-level decision-making and business development within the construction lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Preconstruction, Business Development, or Operations division, such as a Director of Preconstruction or VP of Operations. This position will have significant influence over project pursuits and early-stage planning.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is crucial for Wharton-Smith's success. By leading effective preconstruction efforts, they directly influence the company's ability to win profitable projects, manage risks effectively, and set projects up for successful execution by the operations teams. Their strategic input shapes the financial viability and technical feasibility of major water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific water/wastewater technologies or complex delivery methods.

• Leadership: Advance to roles like Director of Preconstruction, VP of Business Development, or oversee larger, more complex project portfolios.

• Operations Transition: Potentially transition back into a senior Project Executive role with a strong preconstruction foundation for even larger projects.

• Skill Development: Pursue certifications in project controls, contract management, or advanced collaborative delivery methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for experienced project managers to move into a more strategic, front-end focused position, leveraging their operational knowledge to drive business growth and impact project success from the earliest stages.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "hybrid," indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. This suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, particularly for team meetings, client presentations, and internal strategy sessions.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the Jacksonville, Florida area. Travel is expected, potentially to other Wharton-Smith offices, client sites, or engineering firm locations within the region and occasionally outside.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for focused work at home, complemented by collaborative office days for team synergy and strategic discussions.

• Access to necessary technology and software for project management, scheduling (P6), cost control, and communication will be provided.

• Opportunities for informal and formal interactions with estimators, operations managers, and business development professionals to foster a cohesive team approach.

Work Schedule: The standard Monday-Friday schedule offers a predictable structure, but the inherent demands of preconstruction and client relations mean flexibility is key. This includes potential for occasional extended hours or weekend work during critical proposal periods or client engagement phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests an emphasis on results and efficiency, allowing professionals to manage their time effectively while ensuring critical in-person collaboration and client engagement occurs as needed.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience in municipal water/wastewater and collaborative delivery.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your project experience, understanding of preconstruction processes, and ability to manage client relationships. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and your role in them.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage will likely involve a deeper dive into your technical skills, including P6 scheduling, GMP development, constructability reviews, and risk analysis. You may be asked to present on a past project or case study. Collaboration and problem-solving skills will be assessed.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, to discuss strategic fit, long-term career goals, and alignment with Wharton-Smith's company culture and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 key municipal water/wastewater projects that best showcase your contributions to preconstruction, design management, and GMP development.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities and contributions in each project, focusing on the "Design Manager" aspects.

• Showcase Process: Detail your methodology for constructability reviews, risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, and value engineering. Use flowcharts or diagrams if helpful.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the results of your work – e.g., cost savings from value engineering, risk reduction percentages, successful proposal wins, or improved project schedules.

• Address Collaborative Delivery: Emphasize your experience with CMAR, Progressive Design-Build, or similar models, detailing how you fostered collaboration between design, estimating, and operations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical preconstruction scenario, such as a complex municipal project with tight deadlines and budget constraints.

• Prepare to articulate your strategy for building rapport with a new municipal client or resolving a design conflict between engineers and operations.

• Practice presenting a concise overview of a past project, focusing on the preconstruction phase and your key contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio that vividly illustrates your process, impact, and proficiency in collaborative delivery models will be essential for demonstrating your qualifications beyond a standard resume.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Primavera P6 (P6): Essential for detailed project scheduling and planning during the preconstruction phase, requiring proficiency in creating, managing, and analyzing complex schedules.

• Cost Management Systems: Proficiency with systems used for developing and tracking GMP budgets, bid packages, and preconstruction financials. Specific software may vary, but a strong understanding of cost control principles is key.

• Microsoft Project: Likely used for less complex scheduling or as a supplementary tool.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel for data analysis, Word for documentation, and PowerPoint for presentations is critical.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Estimating Software: Familiarity with software used for quantity take-offs and cost estimation is beneficial.

• Business Intelligence Tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau): While not explicitly mentioned, experience with data visualization tools can enhance reporting and stakeholder communication.

• Internal Reporting Dashboards: Ability to utilize and contribute to company-specific reporting tools for project progress and financial tracking.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): Experience in utilizing or contributing data to CRM systems for tracking client interactions, proposals, and business development pipelines.

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

• Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack): Essential for seamless communication and coordination in a hybrid work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in P6 is explicitly called out as preferred, making it a critical skill. A strong understanding of cost management and estimation tools is also paramount for this preconstruction-focused role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, engineers, and subcontractors, fostering long-term relationships.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasizing a unified approach where design, estimating, and operations work synergistically towards common project goals.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Encouraging creative solutions and value engineering to overcome challenges and optimize project delivery.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality water and wastewater infrastructure projects that meet or exceed client expectations.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of preconstruction responsibilities and driving projects to successful outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively bridging the gap between design, estimating, and operations to ensure all perspectives are considered early in the project lifecycle.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and transparent communication channels with all stakeholders, including clients, engineers, internal teams, and subcontractors.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Encouraging the exchange of ideas and constructive feedback during design reviews and team meetings to continuously improve project plans.

• Relationship-Focused: Building strong, trust-based relationships with municipal owners and engineers, positioning Wharton-Smith as a reliable partner.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on collaboration and relationship-building suggests a company culture that values partnership and integrated project delivery, essential for success in municipal infrastructure projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing competing stakeholder interests: Navigating the diverse needs and expectations of municipal clients, engineers, and internal operations teams.

• Accurate GMP development under uncertainty: Developing reliable cost estimates and schedules for projects with evolving designs and potential unknowns in water/wastewater infrastructure.

• Keeping pace with evolving technology and regulations: Staying current with advancements in water/wastewater treatment technologies and changing environmental or municipal regulations.

• Managing travel demands: Balancing the required travel with personal commitments and maintaining work-life integration.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

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

• Specialized Water/Wastewater Technology Courses: Staying abreast of the latest innovations in water treatment, distribution, and collection systems.

• Project Controls and Risk Management Certifications: Pursuing certifications to enhance skills in scheduling, cost control, and risk mitigation.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to hone leadership, negotiation, and strategic planning skills for advancement within the company.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced senior leaders within Wharton-Smith's preconstruction and operations teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in large-scale infrastructure preconstruction, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through dedicated learning and development initiatives.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting a comprehensive constructability review on a municipal wastewater treatment plant project. What are the key areas you focus on, and how do you ensure your feedback is actionable?" (Focus on structured approach, specific elements, and communication strategy).

• "Walk me through a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between a client's budget constraints and an engineer's design specifications. How did you facilitate a resolution, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight problem-solving, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills).

• "How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with municipal clients and public engineers, especially in a competitive bidding environment?" (Emphasize long-term partnership building, trust, and communication). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Wharton-Smith's approach to collaborative delivery and its role in municipal water/wastewater projects?" (Research company website, projects, and values).

• "How do you see the role of a Design Manager contributing to Wharton-Smith's overall success and reputation in the market?" (Connect your skills to company goals and impact).

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment and how you ensure effective collaboration with remote and in-office team members." (Demonstrate adaptability and communication strategies). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an executive summary of your role and key contributions, then detail your process for 1-2 representative projects.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals (e.g., project photos, process diagrams, schedule snippets, cost breakdowns) to illustrate your points.

• Quantify: Always try to quantify your achievements with data (e.g., "Identified cost savings of X%", "Reduced schedule risk by Y%", "Contributed to winning Z proposals").

• Storytelling: Frame your project examples as narratives, highlighting challenges, your approach, and the successful outcomes.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle disagreements, and your understanding of risk.

📝 Enhancement Note: Focus on demonstrating not just what you did, but how you did it, and the tangible results of your efforts, particularly in the context of collaborative delivery and municipal infrastructure projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Water position:

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

• Tailor your resume: Emphasize your 7+ years of experience in municipal water/wastewater construction, your project management accomplishments, and your proficiency with P6 and GMP development.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies showcasing your preconstruction, constructability review, risk assessment, and collaborative delivery experience. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Research Wharton-Smith: Familiarize yourself with their project portfolio, company values, and their approach to collaborative delivery models in the water/wastewater sector.

• Practice your pitch: Be ready to articulate your understanding of the role, your key qualifications, and how you can contribute to Wharton-Smith's success during interviews.

⚠️ 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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