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Water Resources Department Manager

HNTB
full-time
Detroit, MI
Posted 10/22/2026

Job Description

What We're Looking For

At HNTB, you can invest in a career that is meaningful and rewarding to you while making a difference for Michigan communities that matter to all of us. As part of a nationwide firm, HNTB Michigan has delivered solutions for some of the largest and most innovative infrastructure projects across the state. With our historic growth and several office locations across the state, it is an exciting time to join our team of passionate professionals and employee owners working to build a better tomorrow.

Join our Michigan Design Group and be an integral part of growing our Transportation Design Group. This opportunity entails being responsible for leading the HNTB Michigan Water Resources Department in the design, development, and delivery of project tasks while managing scope, budget, and quality control. The ideal candidate will bring a strong reputation and experience leading hydraulic design projects for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and is highly motivated, collaborative, proactive, demonstrates sound technical excellence, and has a focus on delivering high-quality work.

This position coordinates project priorities, staffing schedules, and staff assignments to ensure clients are provided the proper resources at the appropriate time. Responsible for technical coaching and mentoring and efficient, productive utilization of staff in providing high-quality service.

In addition, this opportunity entails serving as a Sr. Project Manager responsible for managing assigned project(s) throughout their full lifecycle including developing the scope and technical sections of proposal and procurement documents to participating in contract negotiations and overseeing the delivery of the project plan to successfully accomplish HNTB’s 4 for 4 performance: delivery of quality work, on time, on budget and to the client’s satisfaction on every project. This position proactively manages the budget, schedule, technical requirements, contractual obligations, and client communications in support of the project’s objectives. Provides high level technical tasks while managing and reviewing design related specifications, calculations, reports and plans. Coordinates with internal and external partners including cross-discipline and functional teams to address and problem solve design related issues or concerns. As a Sr. Project Manager you will be responsible for serving as a water resources design lead or managing multi-disciplinary project team(s) on one or more project(s).

What You'll Do:

  • Develops, monitors and manages the department's operating budget in support of the group or office operating budget and forecast updates.

  • Responsible for the management, growth and professional development of discipline-specific engineering department. Coordinates department activities establishes priorities and assign staff to projects. Ensures staff development, mentoring and training needs are being met. Collaborates with other departments or groups within the office on work-sharing needs and opportunities.

  • Supports the implementation of the firm's strategic plan and HNTB's Sophisticated Sales Approach (SSA) process on project pursuits in the department and office, including development of department-level strategic planning strategies.

  • Supports the implementation of the firm's contracting (SCA) process through project delivery and contracting activities including scope, work plan and fee reviews for all contracting activities impacting the department.

  • Supports the implementation of the firm's project delivery (SDA) process including Work Planning, Monthly Project Reviews and other project performance methods to ensure quality work, on time, on schedule, to the client's satisfaction.

  • Assists in marketing responsibilities, including client discovery, proposal generation, interviews, and win-to-work activities

  • Maintains client contacts to ensure client satisfaction. Leads and assists in sales and marketing efforts for department's growth.

  • Recruits, hires, develops and retains department staff, including development of plan for staff reporting, performance and compensation reviews, and succession.

  • Manages assigned project management activities (project scope, schedule, budget and quality management) and performs technical discipline tasks including research, reports, design, specifications and plan preparation.

  • Leads multiple teams including the direct and indirect supervision of at least 15 but typically 17-20 or more employees.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

What You'll Need:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 10 years of practical experience including 2 years of supervisory experience.

What We Prefer:

  • Experience with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects

  • Strong reputation and client relationships in the Michigan transportation and water resources market

  • Demonstrated experience managing staff and large teams.

  • 15 years practical experience

  • 4 years supervisory experience

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in Michigan or PE licensed in another state with the ability to become licensed in Michigan within 6 months

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

  • Desire to mentor staff

  • Project Management Professional (PMP)

Additional Information

Click here for benefits information: HNTB Total Rewards

Click here to learn more about Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

#AK #Water

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Locations:

Detroit, MI

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NOTICE TO THIRD-PARTY AGENCIES:

HNTB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies. Any staffing/employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume to this site does so with the understanding that the applicant's resume will become the property of HNTB. HNTB will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion and without any fee owed to the submitting staffing/employment agency, person or entity. Staffing/employment agencies who have fee agreements with HNTB must submit applicants to the designated HNTB recruiter to be eligible for placement fees.

Job Type: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full time

Job Category: Engineering Group

ReqID: R-31437

About the job

Job Type

full-time

Location

Detroit, MI

Categories

LeadershipWater / Environmental

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