Senior Project Manager

Overview

Join to apply for the Senior Project Manager role at Ayres Associates
. We are seeking a confident and motivated Senior Project Manager to lead and manage projects within our Stream and Stormwater Group. This role will be responsible for managing client relationships, directing project teams, and ensuring successful delivery of projects on time and within budget. The ideal candidate will be both a strategic leader and a hands-on problem solver with proven experience working in engineering consulting and successfully delivering projects.

This position is based in Fort Collins, Colorado, and will involve collaboration with our river and stormwater engineering staff to deliver technically sound, sustainable solutions for resilient drainage system design, stream stabilization, post-wildfire recovery, and groundwater assessments for municipal, state, federal, and private-sector clients.

• Lead complex hydrology and hydrologic engineering projects from concept to completion, ensuring technical excellence and client satisfaction.
• Act as a strategic partner to clients, building trusted relationships and uncovering opportunities to add value.
• Manage the five phases of project delivery: initiating, planning, execution, monitoring & control, and closing.
• Oversee project execution, ensuring compliance with contracts and quality standards, and delivering projects within defined financial performance metrics.
• Partner closely with technical leads to develop a project plan that identifies the resources and time needed to successfully deliver the scope of work.
• Identify and mitigate project risks, proactively addressing challenges and developing mitigation strategies.
• Drive project delivery innovation through new technologies, ways of working, sustainable practices, and creative solutions.
• Serve as primary client contact and coordinate with internal experts and external stakeholders.
• Support business development, including proposals, fee estimates, presentations, and marketing materials.
• Negotiate contracts and change orders within established limits.
• Identify and pursue new project opportunities with existing and prospective clients.
• Provide supervision or mentoring for less experienced project managers.
• Champion accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, hydrology, geology, environmental studies, or closely related discipline, or in project management.
• 10+ years of experience in engineering consulting, with at least 5 years in a project management role.
• Proven ability to independently monitor project budgets to a successful outcome and manage multiple projects and lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and client management skills, including experience developing and maintaining clients and obtaining new and repeat work.
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software.
• If not located in Fort Collins, ability to travel to the office at least once a week.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

• Professional registration in related discipline (e.g., PE, PG, CFM, CEM) or project management (e.g., PMP, PgMP).
• Experience in watershed health projects, stream restoration, post-fire mitigation, water resources, hydraulic or hydrologic engineering.
• Progressive experience managing engineering projects in Colorado, with the ability to create and maintain working relationships with clients, funding partners and permitting agencies.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short and long-term disability and life insurance.
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and 401K with company match.
• PTO on hire, paid holidays including two floating holidays, and a flexible work schedule.
• Professional development opportunities.