Water Project Manager

Company Description CDM Smith is a global, full-service engineering and construction firm delivering integrated solutions in water, environment, transportation, and energy to public and private clients. The company focuses on applying technical expertise and digital innovation to address evolving infrastructure and resource challenges. CDM Smith supports projects across the entire life cycle, from planning and design to construction and operations, with an emphasis on quality, client service, and long-term value. Team members collaborate across disciplines and regions, contributing to impactful projects that shape sustainable communities worldwide. More information about the company, its services, and projects is available at https://www.cdmsmith.com. Water Design Project Manager Location: UAE / GCC Business Unit: Water Services Experience: 15-20 Years Reports To: Regional Water Discipline Lead / Project Director Position Summary CDM Smith is seeking an experienced Water Design Project Manager to lead the planning, design, and delivery of complex water infrastructure projects across the GCC region. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring technical excellence, maintaining client relationships, and delivering projects on schedule and within budget. The role requires extensive experience in municipal and infrastructure projects involving water transmission and distribution systems, wastewater networks, stormwater drainage systems, treatment facilities, pumping stations, reservoirs, and related wet utility infrastructure. Experience working with GCC government agencies, municipalities, utility authorities, and major developers is essential. Key ResponsibilitiesProject Leadership & Management • Lead and manage multidisciplinary water infrastructure projects from concept through detailed design and construction support. • Develop project execution plans, schedules, resource plans, and budgets. • Monitor project performance against scope, schedule, quality, and financial targets. • Manage project risks and implement mitigation strategies. • Ensure compliance with CDM Smith quality management procedures and client requirements. Technical Leadership • Provide technical oversight for: • Water transmission and distribution networks • Wastewater collection systems • Stormwater drainage networks • TSE/recycled water systems • Pumping stations and reservoirs • Water and wastewater treatment facilities • Review and approve design reports, calculations, drawings, specifications, and tender documents. • Lead feasibility studies, master planning, conceptual design, preliminary design, and detailed design activities. • Guide teams in hydraulic and hydrologic modeling and design optimization. Client & Stakeholder Management • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and stakeholders. • Manage relationships with municipal authorities, utility providers, and regulatory agencies. • Lead technical presentations, design reviews, and progress meetings. • Support business development activities, proposals, and client account management initiatives. Team Management • Lead and mentor engineers, modelers, BIM specialists, and CAD technicians. • Coordinate activities across multidisciplinary teams including civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, and environmental disciplines. • Support staff development, technical coaching, and succession planning. • Promote a collaborative and high-performance culture. Design & Authority Coordination • Manage design approvals and NOC processes with local authorities and utility agencies. • Ensure designs comply with regional standards and authority requirements. • Coordinate with contractors, utility agencies, developers, and project stakeholders throughout project delivery. Business Development • Participate in pursuits, technical proposals, and project interviews. • Identify opportunities with existing and new clients. • Support strategic growth of the Water Business Unit across the GCC. Required QualificationsEducation • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering. • Master's Degree in Water Resources, Hydraulic Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related discipline preferred. Experience • 15-20 years of relevant experience in water infrastructure design and project management. • Minimum 10 years of experience delivering major projects within the GCC region. • Proven experience managing multidisciplinary design teams on large-scale infrastructure projects. • Experience with government and municipal clients in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Technical Expertise Strong experience in: • Water transmission and distribution systems • Sewerage and wastewater networks • Stormwater drainage systems • Hydraulic and hydrological modeling • Water treatment plants (WTP) • Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) • Pumping stations and reservoirs • Master planning and infrastructure studies • Design-build and conventional delivery projects Software Skills Proficiency in one or more of: • InfoWorks ICM • WaterGEMS • SewerGEMS • HEC-RAS • HEC-HMS • ArcGIS • AutoCAD Civil 3D • BIM/Revit platforms • Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project Professional Certifications Preferred: • Chartered Engineer (CEng) • PE Registration • PMP Certification • Equivalent international professional registration Key Competencies • Strong project management capabilities • Excellent client relationship and stakeholder management skills • Strategic thinking and problem-solving ability • Commercial awareness and project financial management • Effective communication and presentation skills • Leadership, mentoring, and team development • Ability to work in a fast-paced multinational environment Show more Show less