Senior Road Design Manager- Southeast

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Road Design Manager

Company: Weston & Sampson Engineers Inc

Location: Fort Myers, FL, US; Apex, NC, US; Greenville, SC, US; Columbia, SC, US; North Charleston, SC, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Civil Engineering / Transportation Operations

Date Posted: June 17, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and execution of complex road and highway infrastructure projects, ensuring adherence to critical engineering standards and client specifications.

• Manage and mentor multidisciplinary engineering and design teams, fostering technical excellence and professional development within a project delivery framework.

• Act as a key client liaison, responsible for project success, quality assurance, and consistent performance delivery across all project phases.

• Drive business growth by providing technical leadership, supporting proposal development, and identifying new project opportunities within the Southeast region.

• Oversee project budgets, schedules, and resource allocation, ensuring efficient and profitable project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within civil engineering, specifically focusing on transportation infrastructure design. While the title is "Manager," the core responsibilities lean heavily into technical leadership, project oversight, and client relationship management, typical of senior engineering roles in consulting firms. The "Southeast" focus indicates a client-facing and business development component.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and lead comprehensive road and highway design projects, from initial concept development through final construction completion, for state Departments of Transportation (DOT) and local government entities.

• Oversee and guide technical design teams, ensuring all project deliverables strictly comply with AASHTO, state DOT (specifically NCDOT/SCDOT), and local transportation standards and regulations.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, managing project expectations, ensuring high-quality deliverables, and maintaining strong working relationships for continued business opportunities.

• Conduct thorough reviews of design calculations, engineering plans, technical specifications, and contract documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.

• Mentor, train, and develop junior engineers, designers, and project managers, fostering their technical and professional growth and building a robust internal talent pipeline.

• Actively participate in and support business development efforts, including leading proposal preparation, contributing technical expertise, and identifying potential project leads to expand the firm's transportation practice in the Southeast.

• Manage project scope, budgets, timelines, and resource allocation effectively, proactively identifying and mitigating risks to ensure successful project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical expertise, project management, client relations, and team leadership, which are critical for a senior role in a consulting engineering firm. The specific mention of NCDOT/SCDOT standards highlights the regional focus and the need for practical, hands-on knowledge of these state-specific requirements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline. Experience:

• A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in road and highway design.

• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing large-scale transportation projects for state DOTs or significant municipal clients.

• Proven track record of managing all aspects of design for complex projects, including geometric design, typical sections, drainage/hydraulics, and Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plans. Required Skills:

• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in North Carolina and/or South Carolina is strongly preferred, or the ability to obtain licensure within six months of hire.

• In-depth knowledge and practical application of AASHTO standards and federal highway design guidelines.

• Expertise in state-specific DOT standards, particularly the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) design manuals, plan preparation guides, and associated regulations.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software, including MicroStation, OpenRoads Designer, AutoCAD, and/or Civil 3D.

• Proven ability to effectively manage project budgets, schedules, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, essential for client interaction, team leadership, and technical documentation.

• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities to guide and develop engineering staff. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with business development and proposal management within the transportation engineering sector.

• Familiarity with other Southeast DOT standards beyond NC and SC.

• Experience with public outreach and stakeholder engagement on transportation projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The PE requirement is critical for a Senior Manager role in engineering, signifying the necessary licensure for signing and sealing engineering documents. The emphasis on specific DOT standards underscores the practical, hands-on nature of the role and the expectation of immediate contribution to projects governed by these regulations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant road design projects managed, highlighting project scale, complexity, and your specific role in technical leadership and design oversight.

• Include examples of project deliverables such as key design drawings, calculations, and specifications for geometric design, drainage, and Maintenance of Traffic (MOT).

• Detail your experience in managing project lifecycles, including scope definition, budget adherence, schedule management, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders, including DOT representatives and local government officials.

• Provide evidence of your leadership and mentoring capabilities through examples of team development, problem-solving, and knowledge transfer. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your methodologies for ensuring design quality and compliance with AASHTO and state DOT standards throughout the project lifecycle.

• Articulate your approach to managing project budgets and schedules, including tools and techniques used for tracking progress and controlling costs.

• Describe your experience in developing and reviewing technical specifications, ensuring they meet project requirements and regulatory standards.

• Outline your process for leading design reviews, conducting quality control checks, and implementing corrective actions to address design issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior engineering role, a portfolio should not just list projects but demonstrate the candidate's ability to lead, manage, and deliver complex technical solutions. The focus on specific components like geometric design, drainage, and MOT is crucial for a road design manager.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated salary range for this Senior Road Design Manager position in the Southeast region (FL, NC, SC) is typically between $120,000 - $170,000 annually. This range is highly dependent on the candidate's specific experience, PE licensure in relevant states, demonstrated project management success, and the specific location within the Southeast.

Benefits:

• Employee Ownership: As a 100% employee-owned firm, you will have the opportunity to share in the company's success through stock ownership.

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

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

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

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education, training, certifications, and attending industry conferences.

• Mentorship Programs: Structured programs to support career growth and skill development.

• Flexible Workplace: Emphasis on work-life balance and flexible scheduling where appropriate.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided life and long-term disability insurance.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, aligning with typical business operations for engineering consulting firms. However, the company culture emphasizes flexibility, and project demands may occasionally require extended hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on industry benchmarks for senior-level civil/transportation engineers with significant project management experience in the Southeast US. Benefits are inferred from the company's stated values and typical offerings in the engineering consulting sector, with a strong emphasis on employee ownership as highlighted in their description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, Environmental Consulting, Infrastructure Design. Weston & Sampson operates within the broader AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry, with a strong focus on public sector infrastructure and environmental solutions.

Company Size: Over 1,000 employees. This indicates a large, established firm with diverse capabilities, offering opportunities for specialization and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: 1899. With over a century of history, the company has a deep-rooted reputation for stability, expertise, and long-term client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Road Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated team of transportation engineers and designers, potentially part of a larger Civil Engineering or Transportation division.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Director or Vice President of Transportation or Engineering, with direct oversight of project engineers and CAD technicians.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with environmental, structural, water resources, and planning departments within Weston & Sampson to deliver integrated infrastructure solutions. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on data-driven decision-making for design optimization, traffic analysis, and environmental impact assessments.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Implementing efficient project management processes to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery, adhering to established engineering workflows.

• Automation & Efficiency: Leveraging advanced design software and technology to automate repetitive tasks, improve accuracy, and enhance overall project efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and employee-owned structure suggest a culture that values stability, long-term commitment, and employee well-being. The size implies a structured environment with established processes but also the potential for significant impact and growth within specialized teams.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, acting as a technical expert and project leader. It signifies a move beyond individual contribution to managing teams and client relationships, with significant responsibility for project outcomes and business development.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Road Design Manager will likely report to a senior executive within the Transportation or Engineering division (e.g., Director of Transportation, VP of Engineering). They will, in turn, manage and mentor a team of transportation engineers and designers.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the firm's revenue and reputation through successful project delivery, client satisfaction, and securing new business. Effective management of road design projects contributes to the firm's overall success in winning and completing major infrastructure contracts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to advance into roles with broader regional management responsibilities, overseeing multiple offices or larger client portfolios.

• Business Development Leadership: Opportunity to become a key leader in the firm's business development efforts, taking on roles like Principal-in-Charge or Business Development Manager for the transportation sector.

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepen expertise in specific areas of transportation engineering (e.g., traffic engineering, intelligent transportation systems, sustainable design) or move into a purely technical expert role (e.g., Chief Engineer).

• Leadership Development: Further develop leadership and management skills through company-sponsored training, mentorship, and participation in industry leadership programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Senior Road Design Manager in a firm like Weston & Sampson typically involves moving up the technical leadership ladder, into broader management roles, or into business development and client relationship management. The employee-ownership model also presents unique growth avenues related to the firm's overall business success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, requiring the manager to work from one of the specified Southeast offices (Fort Myers, FL; Apex, NC; Greenville, SC; Columbia, SC; North Charleston, SC). This suggests a traditional office setting that facilitates in-person collaboration, team meetings, and client interactions.

Office Location(s): The presence of multiple offices across Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina provides geographic reach and potential for project diversity within the Southeast region. Candidates should consider which location best suits their personal preferences and career goals.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is expected to be collaborative, with an emphasis on teamwork among engineers and designers.

• Access to modern design software and technology will be standard, supporting efficient project execution.

• Opportunities for interaction with senior leadership, project teams, and clients will be frequent, fostering professional engagement.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, project deadlines and client needs may necessitate occasional overtime. The company's commitment to a flexible workplace suggests that reasonable accommodations for work-life balance will be considered, provided project commitments are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is standard for senior management roles that involve direct team oversight and client engagement. The multiple office locations offer flexibility for the candidate in terms of personal preference and proximity to their network, while also indicating the firm's significant presence in the Southeast.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A phone or video call with an HR representative or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion with senior engineering staff or department leads focusing on technical expertise, project management methodologies, and problem-solving skills. This may include scenario-based questions related to design challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss selected projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to elaborate on your specific contributions, design decisions, challenges overcome, and project outcomes.

• Leadership/Management Interview: Discussion focused on leadership style, team management experience, mentoring approach, and business development capabilities.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive (e.g., VP, Principal) to discuss overall fit, strategic alignment, and confirm expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select Diverse Projects: Choose projects that demonstrate a range of your capabilities, from complex highway widenings to intersection improvements and corridor upgrades.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to illustrate your impact. For example, "Managed a $5M project budget, delivering 5% under budget," or "Reduced design review time by 10% through improved process implementation."

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in leading teams, mentoring junior staff, and making critical design decisions.

• Focus on NCDOT/SCDOT: Emphasize projects executed under these specific DOT standards, showcasing your familiarity and expertise.

• Prepare Concise Summaries: Have a brief, compelling overview for each project, ready to present key details quickly and effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical design challenges and how you would approach them, considering technical constraints, client requirements, and budget limitations.

• Prepare to articulate your leadership philosophy and how you motivate and manage engineering teams to achieve high performance.

• Review common DOT design manual sections and standards relevant to North and South Carolina transportation projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role like this typically involves multiple stages designed to assess technical depth, leadership potential, and business acumen. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical experience and leadership impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in MicroStation and/or AutoCAD is essential.

• 3D Design Software: Experience with OpenRoads Designer (or similar corridor modeling software like Civil 3D) is highly preferred for advanced road design.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools for scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or internal firm-specific systems).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Traffic Analysis Software: Experience with tools like HCS, Synchro, VISSIM, or similar for traffic modeling and analysis.

• Drainage/Hydraulics Software: Proficiency in HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, or other relevant hydraulic modeling software.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate reports from design software and project management tools for internal and client use.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not typically a primary tool for engineers, familiarity with CRM concepts for client management and business development support is beneficial.

• General Office Productivity: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are expected for documentation, analysis, and presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified software (MicroStation, OpenRoads Designer, AutoCAD, Civil 3D) are industry standards for transportation engineering. The emphasis on OpenRoads Designer suggests a leaning towards more advanced 3D modeling capabilities, which is increasingly common in DOT projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in engineering practice and client interactions.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound engineering solutions that meet or exceed client expectations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collective problem-solving is encouraged.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging creative thinking and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency and project outcomes.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building lasting partnerships through reliable service and impactful results.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with other engineering disciplines (structural, environmental, water resources) to ensure holistic project design and execution.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong working relationships with clients (DOT officials, municipal staff), regulatory agencies, and the public.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where team members share expertise, best practices, and lessons learned to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on employee ownership and its long history suggest a culture that values commitment, collaboration, and long-term growth. The IDEA statement indicates a commitment to diversity and inclusion, which should be reflected in team interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Project Portfolios: Balancing the demands of multiple concurrent projects with varying scopes, client requirements, and deadlines across different Southeast states.

• Navigating Evolving DOT Standards: Staying current with the continuous updates and changes in NCDOT, SCDOT, and other regional DOT design manuals and regulatory requirements.

• Mentoring and Developing Talent: Effectively guiding and developing a team of engineers and designers with varying levels of experience, ensuring their technical growth and project readiness.

• Business Development Pressure: Contributing to revenue generation through client engagement, proposal writing, and identifying new project opportunities in a competitive market.

• Geographic Management: Potentially overseeing projects or team members across multiple office locations, requiring strong remote management and communication skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in advanced roadway design techniques, traffic simulation, or sustainable infrastructure solutions.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance management, communication, and strategic planning skills through internal and external programs.

• Industry Conferences and Workshops: Participation in key transportation engineering conferences (e.g., TRB, AASHTO events) for networking and staying abreast of industry trends.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining advanced certifications relevant to transportation engineering and project management.

• Mentorship from Senior Leaders: Guidance from experienced principals and executives within Weston & Sampson to navigate career progression and strategic decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior leader in a consulting firm, involving a mix of technical, managerial, and business development responsibilities. The growth opportunities align with advancing within the firm's leadership structure or specializing further in key areas of transportation engineering.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a complex highway widening project from initial concept through final construction, ensuring compliance with SCDOT standards." (Focus on phased approach, team roles, quality control, client communication.)

• "How have you successfully mentored junior engineers to develop their design skills and project management capabilities? Provide a specific example." (Highlight your mentorship philosophy, practical guidance, and impact on team members.)

• "Discuss a challenging situation you faced with a DOT client regarding design scope or budget, and how you resolved it." (Emphasize problem-solving, negotiation, and client relationship management skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Given our employee-owned structure and history, how do you see yourself contributing to our culture and long-term success?" (Connect your values and work style to the company's stated culture and employee ownership.)

• "How do you foster collaboration within your team and with other departments at Weston & Sampson?" (Discuss your communication strategies and experience working in multidisciplinary environments.)

• "What do you believe are the most critical metrics for measuring the success of a road design project and the performance of your team?" (Focus on project delivery metrics, client satisfaction, team development, and financial performance.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation: Begin with an overview of your career, then dive into 2-3 key projects. For each project, cover: Project scope and objectives, your specific role and responsibilities, design challenges and solutions, technical software used, team size and collaboration, client interaction, and project outcomes (budget, schedule, impact).

• Quantify impact: Use numbers and data to demonstrate your achievements (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, efficiency improvements, client retention).

• Emphasize NCDOT/SCDOT expertise: Explicitly mention how you applied these specific standards and your experience with their processes.

• Be ready for technical deep dives: Anticipate questions about specific design elements (e.g., drainage calculations, geometric controls, MOT phasing) and be prepared to discuss your rationale and methodology.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical competence but also leadership, client management, and business acumen. Tailoring responses to Weston & Sampson's culture and the specific requirements of DOT projects is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Road Design Manager position:

• Navigate to the Weston & Sampson careers page or the provided ADP link and submit your formal application with your resume and cover letter.

• Portfolio Customization: Select 2-3 of your most impactful road design projects that best showcase your experience with state DOTs (especially NCDOT/SCDOT), project management, and team leadership. Prepare a concise executive summary for each.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Road Design Manager," "Transportation Infrastructure," "NCDOT," "SCDOT," "AASHTO," "Project Management," "Geometric Design," "OpenRoads Designer," and "PE License." Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with specific project examples, focusing on your role in design, management, and client relations. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you approach team development and problem-solving.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Weston & Sampson, focusing on their projects in the Southeast, their company culture, and their commitment to employee ownership and IDEA principles. Be ready to articulate why you are a good fit for their organization.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes insights and industry-standard assumptions relevant to operations and engineering roles. All details should be verified directly with Weston & Sampson Engineers Inc. during the application and interview process.