Senior Project Manager - GIS

J. A. Watts, Inc. (JWI) is a woman-owned professional services firm that believes in treating its clients and employees like family at every level of our company. Our family culture is what we're known for, and we work to stay true to who we are. That's how we manage our projects and how we recruit THE Best People in our industry. Our clients come from all walks of life, and so do we, which makes us stronger together.This role is responsible for understanding the overall projectprogram scope and managing all aspects of the assigned project or group of projects, including but not limited to the design, planning, implementation, construction, closeout, stakeholder coordination, cost control, client satisfaction, team performance, and quality functions. The Senior Project Manager shall lead by example and personify the Company's Mission, Vision, and Values; taking ownership of their assigned project(s) or program. The Senior Project Manager will work directly with the Vice President of Special Projects primarily in support of asset management projects and initiatives. referred location is in the Chicagoland area. Travel is anticipated to be infrequent; however, may be required occasionally.Duties and ResponsibilitiesEnsure that GIS technology is being used properly and efficientlyUnderstand current GIS demands and determine how best to meet themManage and oversee technical projects, determine goals and objectives, and ensure project milestones are metMonitor project specifics on an ongoing basis and ensure compliance with project objectives from JWI and clientsCoordinate different GIS activities among various groups, agencies, departments, or individualsAdminister GIS resources within the office, including hardware, software licensing and staffingParticipate in business development - developing proposals, presentations and budgetingMentor GIS users and GIS professionalsReview project quality assurance plans as neededBecome an active member in outside associations related to GIS and Asset ManagementAct as the primary interface with the client and lead the project team through the entire project processResponsible for high level planning and programming analysis work including preparation of technical documents, testing plans, and proposalsEstablish and implement project objectives, policies, procedures, roles and reporting structure, and performance standards within boundaries of company policy and contract specificationsCollaborate with clients, sub-consultants, and contractors to define work procedures and resolve complaints and construction problemsStrategize with Client Lead, Director, or Executive on opportunities for business development with existing and new clientsRepresent company in project meetings and attend strategy meetingsSchedule and lead job meetingsAssemble and distribute meeting minutesExecute the implementation of the JWI Playbook and ensure adherence to the practices outlined for JWI project managementEnsure effective communication is always maintained within the team structure and Senior ManagementComplete weekly and monthly reports concerning work progress, costs, and schedulingProduce project schedule; coordinate schedule updates and distribute internally and externallyManage all financial aspects of project contract(s), including labor, expenses, and staffing projections, to protect company's interestMaintain a positive relationship with the client at all timesOversee project budgets, create, and manage project forecasts, schedules and expenses; anticipate potential changes to budget, schedule, and expenses and provide guidance and analysis of changesResponsible for interviewing, recommending, and negotiating contractual service agreements. Prepare, negotiate, and authorize revisions, changes, and additions to contractual agreements with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers, and subcontractorsManage project staff and jobsite construction activitiesInvestigate potential situations and implement corrective measures as necessary; develop contingency plans to mitigate potential riskProvide guidance, oversight, coaching, and mentoring to other project staffResponsible for ensuring that project deliverables are on time, within budget, and at the required level of qualityPrepare and monitor punch list items; manage the close out process to completionProduce and review design plans, specifications, and cost estimatesPerform other duties as may be requireddirected Requirements A Bachelors of Science, preferably in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Business, or other scientific fieldHave or be eligible to obtain GISP, AICP, Professional Engineer or other professional certification within 1 year of employmentA minimum of 8 years of practical GIS experienceProficient in use of ArcGIS, ArcGIS extensions and Microsoft 365 ApplicationsExpertise in data analysisDemonstrated ability to serve as a GIS project leader including development of technical approach, budget, scheduling, and quality assuranceExcellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to write reports that summarize spatial analyses and communicate findings with charts, tables and narrativeSelf-motivated, success oriented and organizedKnowledge and understanding of contract management and budgetingestimatingExperience in engineering design or construction management preferredFamiliarity with asset management software such as IBM Maximo and ArcGIS preferredExperience working with agencies such as IDOT, CDOT, Tollway, CTA, RTA, Metra, etc. preferredAbility to identify industry trends and determine where company capabilities can be marketed to existing and potential clientsExperience as a leader managing a team of direct reports, mentor, and problem solver with a commitment to excellenceExtensive knowledge and understanding of contract management and budgetingestimatingAdvanced interpersonal, administrative, and organizational skills; including the ability to work with diverse personalities to negotiate and resolve conflictExcellent communication, leadership, and influencing skillsActive participation in industry organizations a plusExperience using MS Office suite and industry related project management softwareCompany BenefitsMedical, Dental, Vision insurance options for employee and familyHealth Savings and Flexible Spending Account options availableCompany-provided group life, short and long-term disability, and voluntary life optionsMatching 401(k) retirement planPaid time off and holidaysStudent debt repayment resources available ID Theft protectionProfessional development and tuition assistanceCompany-sponsored social eventsEqual Opportunity Employer VeteransDisabledAn Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Salary Description $100,000 - $120,000 annually

Created: 2025-02-27