Project Manager / Design Manager (Scranton / Wilkes-Barre)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Project Manager / Design Manager (Scranton / Wilkes-Barre)

Company: GHD Group Pty Ltd

Location: Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering & Project Management

Date Posted: January 20, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead complex, multidiscipline design efforts within the water and wastewater sector, focusing on delivering robust engineering solutions.

• Organize and manage technical teams to ensure successful project execution, adherence to design briefs, and achievement of desired project outcomes.

• Drive process design engineering initiatives, specifying methods and equipment for efficient and high-quality manufacturing or materials processes.

• Manage project delivery for small to medium-scale projects, ensuring alignment with established program management plans and client expectations.

• Foster client relationships, manage contract service providers, and contribute to business development in a priority growth area.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary location is listed as Bloomsburg, PA, the role is strategically focused on supporting the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area, indicating a strong emphasis on local client engagement and potential for future office establishment in that region. This implies a need for strong local market understanding and business development acumen.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engineering Solutions Design: Develop and validate engineering designs for water and wastewater infrastructure, ensuring functionality, performance, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness while meeting organizational and regulatory standards.

• Engineering Standards Specification: Contribute to the analysis of engineering data, draft specifications, and evaluate the effectiveness of standards to inform ongoing project work and supplier/contractor engagement.

• Project Management: Oversee the end-to-end delivery of small to medium-sized projects, managing scope, schedule, budget, and resources within a defined program management framework.

• Process Design Engineering: Analyze process requirements, specify necessary plant, machinery, and equipment, and continuously improve manufacturing or materials processes to meet cost and quality parameters.

• Contract Management: Manage day-to-day relationships with contract service providers, ensuring deliverables meet contractual obligations and project objectives.

• Personal Capability Building: Proactively develop personal skills through training, coaching, and continuous learning, staying abreast of technological advancements, regulatory changes, and industry best practices in engineering and project management.

• Engineering Inspections: Conduct site inspections to assess the quality of engineering works and the integrity of installations, specifying remedial actions as needed to ensure compliance.

• Client & Customer Management: Cultivate and manage relationships with key municipal and private-sector water clients, acting as a primary point of contact and supporting senior colleagues on larger accounts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical design leadership and project management execution. The emphasis on "organizing the technical team to complete the task" and "controlling the design path" suggests a hands-on approach to design management, while "delivering small- or medium-scale projects" points to managing project lifecycles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience encompassing technical design, project administration, and project management, with a strong track record in managing the design delivery of larger, multi-discipline projects.

• Demonstrated experience specifically within the water and wastewater, industrial/process plants, facilities, or building sectors is essential.

Required Skills:

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage project scope, schedule, budget, and resources effectively.

• Design Engineering Leadership: Expertise in leading multidiscipline engineering teams through the design process for complex infrastructure projects.

• Water & Wastewater Systems: In-depth understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes, distribution, and collection systems.

• Client Relationship Management: Strong capabilities in building and maintaining positive relationships with clients, understanding their needs, and ensuring satisfaction.

• Technical Team Organization: Skill in organizing, directing, and motivating technical personnel to achieve project objectives.

• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills to identify and resolve complex technical and project-related challenges.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities to effectively liaise with internal teams, clients, and stakeholders.

• Process Design Engineering: Ability to analyze information and specify appropriate processes, equipment, and methods for engineering solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• PE License: EIT certification is preferred, and actively seeking or holding a Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly desirable.

• Scheduling Software Proficiency: Familiarity with project scheduling tools (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project) to manage project timelines effectively.

• Cost Estimating Techniques: Knowledge of engineering and capital cost estimating methodologies for project budgeting and financial planning.

• Contract Management: Experience in managing contracts and service providers.

• Knowledge of Engineering Standards: Understanding of industry-specific engineering standards and specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an EIT and pursuit of a PE license suggests a strong emphasis on technical engineering credentials and a commitment to professional development within the engineering discipline, particularly for the water and wastewater sectors.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 complex, multi-discipline water/wastewater design projects where you held significant project management or design leadership responsibilities.

• For each project, clearly articulate your role, the project's objectives, the challenges encountered, and the specific solutions implemented.

• Demonstrate your ability to manage technical teams, control design paths, and solve problems to achieve desired project results.

• Include examples of how you have ensured designs meet functionality, performance, aesthetic, and cost requirements, adhering to relevant standards.

Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or examples of how you have previously managed engineering standards and specifications, including their analysis and evaluation.

• Include examples of project management plans or summaries that illustrate your approach to delivering projects within scope and budget.

• If applicable, present examples of contract management plans or your approach to managing service providers.

• Showcase any documentation that highlights your personal capability building efforts, such as professional development plans or training records.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Project Manager / Design Manager" title and focus on design delivery, a portfolio emphasizing successful project execution, technical problem-solving, and team leadership in water/wastewater projects is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process for managing design phases and ensuring quality control.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

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

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional Development: Support for continuing education, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP): As an employee-owned company, GHD offers opportunities for employees to share in the company's success.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Standard coverage options.

• Potential for Travel Reimbursement: For local client site visits.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek is approximately 40 hours.

• Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines or client needs, with potential for occasional overtime.

• The role is primarily on-site, requiring regular presence in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area and potential travel to client job sites.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry data for similar roles in the specified region and experience level. GHD's status as an employee-owned company is a significant benefit that should be highlighted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Architecture, and Construction Services, with a strong focus on Water, Energy, and Urbanization sectors.

Company Size: GHD is a global professional services firm with over 11,000 employees across more than 200 offices on five continents, making it a large, established organization.

Founded: GHD was founded in 1928, bringing decades of experience and a legacy of innovation to its clients.

Team Structure:

• The Northeast Engineering Design Organization operates as a key regional division within GHD.

• This role is within a team focused on water and wastewater projects, likely comprising engineers, designers, project managers, and technical specialists.

• The reporting structure will likely involve reporting to a senior regional manager or director, with direct management and collaboration with a multidiscipline technical team.

Methodology:

• GHD emphasizes a commitment to creating positive water outcomes through innovative solutions and client collaboration.

• Data-driven decision-making and a focus on sustainability are core to their approach.

• Project delivery is guided by established program management plans and a focus on technical excellence.

• The company culture encourages individual achievement while recognizing the strength of a diverse workforce.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: GHD's scale and global presence, combined with its employee-ownership model and commitment to sustainability, create a unique culture. The emphasis on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area as a "priority growth area" suggests an entrepreneurial spirit within this regional team, seeking to build a strong local footprint.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a mid-to-senior level role within the engineering and project management career path. It requires significant technical expertise and proven project leadership capabilities. It bridges the gap between purely technical design roles and senior management positions.

Reporting Structure: The Project Manager / Design Manager will report to a senior leader within GHD's Northeast Engineering Design Organization, likely a Director or Senior Principal. They will be responsible for leading and directing project teams, which may include junior engineers, designers, and potentially administrative support.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the successful delivery of critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects, contributing to public health, environmental sustainability, and community resilience. Through effective project management and design leadership, this role influences project profitability, client satisfaction, and GHD's reputation in the Northeast Pennsylvania market. The focus on business development in a growth area means the role can also impact GHD's regional expansion strategy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of water and wastewater engineering through challenging projects.

• Project Management Advancement: Progression to managing larger, more complex, and higher-value multi-discipline projects.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into senior leadership roles within the region, such as Practice Leader or Regional Manager, overseeing broader portfolios and teams.

• Business Development: Opportunity to contribute significantly to business development efforts, client acquisition, and market expansion in Northeast Pennsylvania.

• Mentorship: Ability to mentor junior engineers and project managers, developing leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual title "Project Manager / Design Manager" signifies a role that requires both strong technical design oversight and robust project execution skills. Growth opportunities likely involve taking on larger project portfolios or moving into more strategic management and business development roles within the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the primary physical office mentioned is in Bloomsburg, the role is based in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area. This suggests a potential for a hybrid work arrangement where an employee might work remotely from a home office part of the time, with significant on-site presence required for client meetings, site visits, and team collaboration within the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre region. The long-term vision hints at a future physical office space in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Office Location(s):

• The role is based in the Scranton / Wilkes-Barre, PA area.

• While the closest physical office is in Bloomsburg, PA (298 East 5th Street, Suite 1, Bloomsburg, PA 17815), the focus is on serving clients in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment will likely be collaborative, involving regular interaction with a multidiscipline engineering team, clients, and potentially contractors.

• Access to GHD's global network of expertise and digital tools will be available.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility is expected to meet project demands, which may include occasional evenings or weekends, especially during critical project phases.

• The emphasis on client service means responsiveness and availability during core business hours are important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation with a focus on a specific geographic area (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre) but a listed office in another town (Bloomsburg) indicates a need for candidates comfortable with local travel and potentially working from a home office, with strategic client-facing activities and site visits being paramount.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications for basic qualifications and fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Hiring Manager (likely a senior leader in the Northeast region) to assess technical expertise, project management experience, and alignment with role requirements.

• Technical/Team Interview: Potential interviews with other senior engineers or project managers to evaluate technical depth, problem-solving skills, and collaboration style. This may involve a technical challenge or case study.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their most relevant projects, detailing their role, challenges, and outcomes.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or a panel interview to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 key projects that best showcase your leadership in water/wastewater design and project management. Prioritize projects that demonstrate complexity, successful outcomes, and your specific contributions.

• Structure: For each project, clearly define the project's scope, your role and responsibilities, key challenges (technical, logistical, client-related), your problem-solving approach, design solutions implemented, and measurable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, successful commissionings).

• Visuals: Use slides with diagrams, flowcharts, photos, and key data points to illustrate your projects effectively.

• Metrics: Quantify your achievements wherever possible. For example, "Managed a $5M wastewater treatment upgrade project, delivering it 10% under budget and on schedule."

• GHD Alignment: Frame your experience in the context of GHD's values and focus areas (e.g., sustainability, client collaboration, innovation).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for hypothetical project scenarios. You might be asked: "How would you approach managing a project with conflicting stakeholder requirements?" or "Describe your process for identifying and mitigating risks in a complex water infrastructure design."

• Practice articulating your project management methodology and design decision-making process.

• Brush up on current trends and challenges in the water and wastewater industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should be ready to dive deep into project specifics, demonstrating not just what they did, but how they did it and the impact it had. Focus on showcasing leadership, technical acumen, and client management skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D), GIS platforms (e.g., ArcGIS), and potentially specialized water/wastewater modeling software (e.g., EPANET, HEC-RAS, InfoWorks WS Pro).

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Cost Estimating Tools: Familiarity with software or methodologies for developing engineering and capital cost estimates.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate project progress reports, financial summaries, and technical documentation.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not explicitly stated, experience with client relationship management tools or principles is beneficial for client management.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing and storing project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software is not listed, strong project management and CAD/GIS skills are implied. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience with tools used for scheduling, cost estimation, and technical design in civil/environmental engineering.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment: GHD's brand promise, "The Power of Commitment," suggests a culture where dedication to clients, projects, and colleagues is highly valued.

• Innovation: A drive to find innovative solutions to complex challenges facing the water sector.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on working together globally and locally, leveraging collective expertise to achieve positive outcomes.

• Sustainability: A core focus on making water, energy, and urbanization sustainable for future generations.

• Individual Achievement: Recognition of individual contributions within a diverse workforce.

Collaboration Style:

• GHD promotes a collaborative environment where individuals are empowered to contribute their expertise.

• Expect a team-oriented approach, with strong cross-functional collaboration among engineers, designers, project managers, and potentially specialists from other disciplines.

• Open communication and knowledge sharing are likely encouraged to address complex challenges.

• The role requires effective collaboration with clients, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's "Power of Commitment" brand promise likely translates into a work ethic that values dedication, reliability, and delivering on promises to clients and colleagues. The employee-owned structure may also foster a sense of shared responsibility and investment in the company's success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Design and Project Management: Effectively managing both the intricate details of engineering design and the broader scope of project delivery requires strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Geographic Focus: Building a strong presence and client base in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre region while being based remotely from a main office presents a unique market development challenge.

• Managing Diverse Teams: Leading multidiscipline teams with varying expertise and potentially different communication styles requires strong interpersonal and leadership skills.

• Client Expectations: Meeting and exceeding client expectations in a competitive consulting market, especially for critical infrastructure projects.

• Staying Ahead of Regulations: Keeping up-to-date with evolving environmental regulations and engineering standards in the water sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in complex project delivery, risk management, and contract negotiation.

• Technical Specialization Courses: Access to training and certifications in advanced water/wastewater treatment technologies, hydraulic modeling, or specific engineering disciplines.

• Leadership Development Programs: GHD likely offers programs to develop future leaders within the organization, focusing on strategic thinking, team leadership, and business acumen.

• Industry Conferences and Networking: Support for attending relevant industry events to stay current and build professional networks.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders and to mentor junior staff, fostering professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's strategic importance in a growth market presents both challenges in establishing a footprint and significant opportunities for career advancement and impact within GHD.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex water/wastewater project you managed from design through completion. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the final outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving, team leadership, and design oversight.)

• "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration across a multidiscipline engineering team, especially when working remotely or with varied technical backgrounds?" (Highlight your communication strategies and team-building approaches.)

• "Imagine a scenario where a critical design element is found to be non-compliant with new regulations mid-project. How would you handle this situation?" (Demonstrate your understanding of risk management, problem-solving, and client communication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about GHD's work in the water sector, and what interests you about our commitment to sustainability?" (Research GHD's recent projects, market position, and sustainability initiatives.)

• "How would you contribute to developing GHD's footprint in the Northeast Pennsylvania market?" (Think about client engagement strategies, local networking, and business development.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select impactful projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best represent your capabilities as both a Project Manager and Design Manager.

• Structure with STAR method: For each project, outline the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Clearly articulate your specific role and contributions.

• Quantify achievements: Use data and metrics to demonstrate project success (e.g., budget adherence, schedule performance, efficiency improvements).

• Highlight problem-solving: Emphasize technical challenges encountered and how you or your team devised innovative solutions.

• Focus on leadership: Show how you organized and motivated your team to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss specific technical aspects of water/wastewater projects and demonstrate your ability to manage both the technical design integrity and the overall project lifecycle, with a clear understanding of GHD's business objectives in the region.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Project Manager / Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Tailor your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 6+ years of experience in managing design delivery for water/wastewater projects, emphasizing your project management and design leadership skills. Use keywords from the job description and operations industry terms.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your capabilities. Be ready to discuss them in detail, focusing on your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. Practice your presentation.

• Research GHD: Familiarize yourself with GHD's global presence, their work in the water sector, their commitment to sustainability, and their strategic growth areas, particularly in Northeast Pennsylvania.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review common civil/environmental engineering design principles and project management methodologies relevant to water and wastewater infrastructure.

⚠️ 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.