Dry Utility Project Manager

Overview

NV5 is a provider of engineering and consulting services to public and private sector clients, delivering solutions through six business verticals: Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 helps clients plan, design, build, test, certify, and operate projects that improve the communities where we live and work.

As engineers, architects, construction/program managers, environmental professionals and beyond, we play a significant role in shaping our communities through the services we provide. We are looking for passionate, driven individuals to join our team focused on Delivering Solutions and Improving Lives .

Dry Utility Project Managers oversee the design and construction of energy infrastructure projects while serving as the primary relationship manager for key clients. In addition to providing project leadership, this role is responsible for developing new business opportunities, expanding existing client relationships, and maintaining a portfolio of active work.

Successful candidates will possess a demonstrated ability to manage and grow client portfolios valued between $3 million and $7 million annually, generate repeat business, and identify opportunities for additional services across utility, energy, and infrastructure programs. This is a seller-doer role requiring both project delivery excellence and business development leadership.

The ideal candidate is a resource multiplier who can leverage internal technical teams to produce high-quality work while maintaining strong client relationships and achieving profitable portfolio growth.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and maintain accountability for project scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk, and client satisfaction across multiple concurrent projects and programs.
• Lead matrixed project teams to deliver project milestones, deliverables, and commitments on schedule and within budget.
• Provide clear direction, priorities, and decision-making support to engineering, design, and construction teams.
• Monitor and manage key performance indicators (KPIs), critical path activities, project risks, resource loading, and issue resolution.
• Analyze project and portfolio performance, including financial metrics, resource utilization, backlog, forecasting, profitability, and client satisfaction.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders, executive leadership, and cross-functional project teams.
• Serve as the primary client relationship manager, building trusted partnerships and acting as the primary point of contact for client organizations.
• Manage project execution activities including procurement support, contract administration, invoice review and approval, change management, construction coordination, and project documentation.
• Develop, maintain, and expand strategic relationships with clients, industry partners, third-party consultants, contractors, and vendors.
• Lead business development and project acquisition efforts by identifying opportunities, expanding existing client relationships, developing account strategies, and collaborating with Marketing and technical teams on proposals, presentations, and interviews.
• Manage and grow a portfolio of client accounts, identifying opportunities for additional services and recurring project work while meeting revenue and profitability objectives.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of applicable client standards, regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and design and construction methodologies.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams by leveraging technology, project management platforms, collaboration tools, automation, and AI-enabled solutions to improve communication, productivity, and project outcomes.
• Champion the adoption of innovative technologies and AI applications that improve project delivery efficiency, reporting, forecasting, resource utilization, and client service.
• Provide technical guidance, field support, construction observation, and issue resolution during project execution and construction phases.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve project management systems, operational workflows, administrative processes, and quality control procedures.
• Support annual revenue, profitability, and business growth objectives through effective client management, project execution, and staff leadership.
• Maintain and grow a portfolio of client relationships generating $3M-$7M in annual project revenue.
• Bring an existing network of utility, energy, municipal, or infrastructure clients with active project opportunities.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new project opportunities from existing and prospective clients.
• Develop account growth strategies and annual client development plans.
• Lead proposal development, project interviews, fee negotiations, and contract execution.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to establish growth targets and market expansion initiatives.
• Maintain regular engagement with client decision-makers and key stakeholders.
• Achieve annual revenue and gross margin objectives for assigned accounts.
• Manage project portfolio performance, including revenue forecasting, backlog management, profitability, and resource planning.
• Monitor project financial performance to ensure targeted utilization, realization, and margin goals are achieved.
• Drive scope expansion and change order opportunities where appropriate.
• Support strategic staffing decisions to maximize project profitability and resource utilization.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of project management experience in energy, utility, civil infrastructure, or related engineering consulting environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing client portfolios with annual revenues between $1M and $3M.
• Proven success generating repeat business and expanding client accounts.
• Established relationships within utility, public agency, energy, pipeline, electric distribution, transmission, water, or related infrastructure markets.
• Experience developing proposals, negotiating contracts, and securing professional services work.
• Strong understanding of consulting business metrics including utilization, realization, backlog, revenue forecasting, and profitability.
• Demonstrated experience in public utility design and construction, including electric distribution and transmission systems, natural gas infrastructure, water/wastewater systems, and other linear infrastructure projects.
• Advanced proficiency with project planning, scheduling, and portfolio management tools, including Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, and related project controls platforms.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to build collaborative relationships, influence stakeholders, develop teams, and foster a positive, client-focused culture.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint), with the ability to effectively analyze, communicate, and present project and business information.
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and client-facing communication skills, including experience leading executive-level discussions, project interviews, and business development activities.
• Valid California driver's license and ability to travel to client sites, project locations, and industry events as required.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field; equivalent combinations of education, technical training, and relevant industry experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of emerging artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and digital delivery technologies, with the ability to implement solutions that improve project execution, team productivity, client service, and business performance.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated history of developing and maintaining client relationships that generate recurring annual revenue.
• Existing book of business or active client relationships that can transition with candidate.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering, design, and construction management teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and emerging technologies applicable to engineering, design, construction, and project management.
• PMP Certification
• PE License
• MBA or advanced business education is a plus.

The pay range for this California position is $100,000- $145,000 per year; however, base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience of the candidate. Full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. This information is provided per California Senate Bill 1162. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.