Senior Project Manager ​/ Lead Civil Engineer

Senior Project Manager / Lead Civil Engineer Wilmington, NC Job  # of Openings: 1 Senior Project Manager / Lead Civil Engineer (Multifamily Development) Company Overview

Tribute Companies is a leading apartment development firm dedicated to creating high-quality, sustainable residential communities. We handle the entire lifecycle of development, from land acquisition and entitlement to construction and stabilization. We are seeking a seasoned, licensed Civil Engineer to join our internal team to oversee site design, streamline permitting, and bridge the gap between engineering theory and field execution.

As the Senior Project Manager / Lead Civil Engineer, you will be the technical backbone of our development projects. This is not a "desk-only" role; you will be responsible for managing complex site designs, troubleshooting issues in the field, and aggressively managing workflows to ensure projects stay on schedule and under budget. You will lead a team of consultants while serving as the primary face of the company during public hearings and government negotiations.

• Site Design & Technical Oversight: Provide expert-level review of site plans, grading, drainage, and utility designs to ensure maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness for multifamily developments.
• Project Management & Workflow: Own the engineering lifecycle. Manage internal and external engineering resources, set clear milestones, and ensure deliverables meet the fast-paced demands of apartment development.
• Permit Expediting & Government Relations: Act as the primary liaison with local municipalities, planning departments, and utility providers. Navigate the entitlement process to expedite permit timelines and resolve jurisdictional bottlenecks.
• Field Troubleshooting: Visit project sites to solve real-world engineering challenges. Work closely with GCs and site-work contractors to address unforeseen soil conditions, utility conflicts, or grading issues in real-time.
• Pre-Development Pricing: Assist the acquisitions team by providing high-level site-work cost estimates and identifying potential "deal-killer" engineering risks during the due diligence phase.
• Public Representation: Prepare and deliver professional technical presentations for public hearings, planning commissions, and community meetings to secure project approvals.

• Licensure: Current Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in civil engineering, with a heavy focus on site design and project management. Specific experience in multifamily or large-scale residential development is highly preferred.
• Technical Mastery: Deep understanding of site-work components including earthwork, stormwater management, sanitary sewer systems, and water distribution.
• Leadership: Proven track record of managing other engineers and multi-disciplinary consultant teams.
• Communication: Exceptional public speaking skills and the ability to translate complex engineering concepts into "plain English" for government officials and the public.
• Business Acumen: Ability to view engineering through the lens of a developer—prioritizing ROI, speed to market, and construction feasibility.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D and hydrology/hydraulic modeling software.
• Strong competency in project management software (Procore, MS Project, or similar).
• Expertise in local and state building codes and environmental regulations.

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• The opportunity to work on high-profile projects that shape the local skyline.
• A collaborative, fast-paced environment where your technical expertise directly impacts the company’s bottom line.
• Cigna Medical…