Transportation Program Manager

Job Description

We are seeking a highly qualified Transportation Program Manager with a transportation/infrastructure background to support our growing Midwestern operations. The ideal candidate is a Registered Professional Engineer in Illinois (or eligible for licensure through reciprocity) with a strong background in civil or structural engineering and the ability to lead complex transportation programs in collaboration with state and local agencies. This position is based in the greater Chicago, Illinois area, and candidates must be willing to relocate to the region if they are not currently local.

With high-level goals established, the Transportation Program Manager provides leadership and technical oversight for complex transportation and infrastructure programs from planning through design, construction, and project closeout. The successful candidate will oversee large-scale transportation programs involving highways, bridges, rail, transit, and other public infrastructure while ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

The Program Manager serves as the primary liaison between clients, project teams, municipalities, state transportation agencies, regulatory agencies, contractors, and other stakeholders to facilitate communication, resolve technical and programmatic issues, and ensure successful project delivery. Responsibilities include managing program scope, schedules, budgets, resource allocation, risk management, and quality assurance while providing regular project status updates to clients and executive leadership.

The role includes providing technical leadership and strategic guidance on transportation and infrastructure initiatives, supporting construction management activities, identifying opportunities for program and process improvements, and developing recommendations that enhance project delivery and client outcomes. The Program Manager prepares and reviews technical reports, presentations, proposals, contracts, and other project documentation while ensuring adherence to firm standards, industry best practices, and applicable regulations.

This position collaborates with business development teams to identify new opportunities, develop technical proposals, respond to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and participate in client presentations and interviews. The Program Manager also meets with current and prospective clients to understand organizational needs and develop long-term strategic partnerships.

The successful candidate provides technical leadership, mentoring, and professional development to junior staff while fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. Participation in Communities of Practice (CoPs), professional organizations, industry conferences, and technical committees is encouraged to support technical excellence, innovation, and continued growth within the transportation practice. Performs other duties as required.

• Bachelor's degree.
• 15 years of related experience.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Registered professional engineer in Illinois – civil engineer or structural engineer preferred
• Program management experience required (5 years or more)
• Construction management experience
• Experience with Local or State Agencies
• Experience with roadway, rail/transit, or bridges
• Good communications skills, especially written, needed
• Fluency in English required

• Expert knowledge of corporate governance practices, organization design principles, accounting principles, finance, supply chain management, and organization management.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to understand highly complex technical, professional and business materials.

10% or less

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other…