Deputy Project Manager - Tolling Operations

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Deputy Project Manager to support our Tolling Operations Team!

This position will sit out of our Costa Mesa, CA office.

As Deputy Project Manager, you will support the Implementation Project Manager in leading the end-to-end implementation of a state-of-the-art tolling back-office system for a major tolling authority or transportation agency. Working for WSP, you will coordinate multidisciplinary teams, subcontractors, and vendors to deliver a complex, high-stakes project involving software configuration, system integration, data migration, testing, go-live, and transition to operations. This role requires strong project controls, stakeholder management, and technical aptitude in tolling environments to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery while meeting performance, revenue, and compliance requirements.

Include some or all of the following. Manager may assign other duties as needed.

• Support the Project Manager in all phases of the project lifecycle: planning, requirements refinement, design, development/configuration, integration, testing (SAT/UAT), deployment, customer care, and handover to operations.
• Oversee day-to-day project execution, including schedule management, resource allocation, risk identification/mitigation, issue resolution, and change control processes.
• Coordinate with internal teams (software development, integration, QA, cybersecurity, data analytics) and external partners (subcontractors, toll equipment vendors, roadside system integrators, payment processors, and interoperability hubs).
• Manage key project deliverables such as system requirements specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), test plans, data migration strategies, and operational readiness plans.
• Monitor and report project status, including progress against baseline schedule, budget variance, earned value metrics (EVM), KPIs (e.g., transaction accuracy, system uptime, reconciliation rates), and executive-level dashboards.
• Facilitate regular project meetings, including internal status reviews, client progress meetings, risk registers, and steering committee updates.
• Support procurement and contract management activities for subcontractors and vendors, including scope definition, performance monitoring, invoice verification, and change order negotiation.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, industry standards (e.g., ISO 17575 for tolling interfaces, PCI DSS for payments), regulatory obligations, and client-specific SLAs.
• Identify and manage project risks and dependencies, particularly those related to legacy system integration, high-volume transaction processing, customer account migration, and interoperability with state/national networks.
• Assist in stakeholder engagement with the client (tolling authority), end users (customer service teams), and other agencies to align expectations and resolve issues.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and supporting knowledge transfer to operations and maintenance teams post-go live.
• Step in to lead project elements or the overall project in the Project Manager's absence.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and under strict deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion properly.
• Must be able to pass background and drug screenings.
• Proven experience supporting large-scale system implementations (e.g., enterprise software, ERP, billing/revenue systems, or transaction processing platforms).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills, with experience presenting to senior executives and clients.
• Ability to travel up to 25–40% for client meetings, site visits, and testing activities.
• Familiarity with tolling back-office functions: transaction processing, account management, video/image review, billing/invoicing, payment…