Chief Project Delivery Officer​/Deputy Director, Project Delivery and Engineering Branch; Exec.

Chief Project Delivery Officer/Deputy Director, Project Delivery and Engineering Branch (Exec.
4)

Seattle Public Utilities

Seattle

Can you lead one of the largest, most complex public infrastructure portfolios in the Pacific Northwest?

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is hiring a Chief Project Delivery Officer (CPDO) / Deputy Director to lead one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest and most complex capital programs. With more than 100 active capital projects, a $1.9B portfolio and $210M in annual investments, this executive role demands technical expertise, proven leadership, and a commitment to inclusion, accountability, and service excellence.

You’ll lead a workforce of 350 engineers, project managers and technical professionals, delivering infrastructure that protects public health, supports environmental goals and reflects community values. Responsibilities range from reducing sewer overflows and upgrading pump stations to constructing solid waste facilities and managing the landmark Ship Canal Water Quality Project.

SPU is a community-centered utility that provides drinking water, drainage and wastewater, garbage/recycling/compost services to 1.5 million customers in the Seattle region. With over 1,400 employees, SPU maintains systems, improves infrastructure and keeps Seattle clean, focusing on affordable and equitable stewardship of water and waste resources for future generations.

• Lead SPU’s Project Delivery and Engineering Branch, guiding five divisions across project management, technical services, construction, and the Ship Canal Water Quality Program
• Oversee a $1.9 B portfolio of more than 100 active CIPs, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget, and aligned with SPU’s Strategic Business Plan
• Manage high‑impact projects, including:
  • CSO/SSO mitigation in Lake Washington, Puget Sound, and Seattle waterways
  • Pump station upgrades and drainage infrastructure improvements
  • Solid waste transfer station modernization
  • The $710 M Ship Canal Water Quality Project
• Serve as SPU’s chief engineering advisor, supporting executive leadership and partnering with city departments and King County
• Champion a high‑performing, inclusive culture grounded in safety, engagement, innovation and service equity
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state and local engineering, construction and permitting regulations
• Oversee continuity of operations planning (COOP) to maintain service delivery under all conditions, including emergencies
• Track and report on financial performance of the capital program; ensure optimal use of resources for the best return on investment for ratepayers
• Actively engage with elected officials, stakeholders, community groups and the public to build trust and transparency in capital project delivery
• Lead strategic planning and long‑term capital infrastructure decisions as part of SPU’s Executive Team

Education
:
Bachelor’s degree in architecture, business or public administration, civil engineering, construction management, project management or a related field.

Experience
:
Six (6) years of broad executive‑level engineering experience.

• Experience leading capital projects within a municipal or public agency, coordinating across departments and jurisdictions
• Demonstrated success managing large‑scale civil infrastructure programs, including full responsibility for projects exceeding $100 M from planning through construction
• At least five years of supervisory experience, with a track‑record of building and managing high‑performing multidisciplinary teams
• Strong leadership skills in change management, team development and service delivery excellence
• Proven commitment to environmental stewardship, public health, equity and regulatory compliance in utility services
• Collaborative leadership, effective communication and ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders
• Strong customer service orientation and advanced critical‑thinking and problem‑solving capabilities
• A combination of relevant education, training, certifications and experience considered when evaluating qualifications