Water Project Manager

Company Description CDM Smith is a global, full-service engineering and construction firm delivering integrated solutions in water, environment, transportation, and energy to public and private clients. The company focuses on applying technical expertise and digital innovation to address evolving infrastructure and resource challenges. CDM Smith supports projects across the entire life cycle, from planning and design to construction and operations, with an emphasis on quality, client service, and long-term value. Team members collaborate across disciplines and regions, contributing to impactful projects that shape sustainable communities worldwide. More information about the company, its services, and projects is available at https://www.cdmsmith.com.Water Design Project Manager

Location: UAE / GCCBusiness Unit: Water ServicesExperience: 15-20 YearsReports To: Regional Water Discipline Lead / Project DirectorPosition SummaryCDM Smith is seeking an experienced Water Design Project Manager to lead the planning, design, and delivery of complex water infrastructure projects across the GCC region.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring technical excellence, maintaining client relationships, and delivering projects on schedule and within budget.The role requires extensive experience in municipal and infrastructure projects involving water transmission and distribution systems, wastewater networks, stormwater drainage systems, treatment facilities, pumping stations, reservoirs, and related wet utility infrastructure. Experience working with GCC government agencies, municipalities, utility authorities, and major developers is essential.Key ResponsibilitiesProject Leadership & ManagementLead and manage multidisciplinary water infrastructure projects from concept through detailed design and construction support.Develop project execution plans, schedules, resource plans, and budgets.Monitor project performance against scope, schedule, quality, and financial targets.Manage project risks and implement mitigation strategies.Ensure compliance with CDM Smith quality management procedures and client requirements.Technical LeadershipProvide technical oversight for:Water transmission and distribution networksWastewater collection systemsStormwater drainage networksTSE/recycled water systemsPumping stations and reservoirsWater and wastewater treatment facilitiesReview and approve design reports, calculations, drawings, specifications, and tender documents.Lead feasibility studies, master planning, conceptual design, preliminary design, and detailed design activities.Guide teams in hydraulic and hydrologic modeling and design optimization.Client & Stakeholder ManagementServe as the primary point of contact for clients and stakeholders.Manage relationships with municipal authorities, utility providers, and regulatory agencies.Lead technical presentations, design reviews, and progress meetings.Support business development activities, proposals, and client account management initiatives.Team ManagementLead and mentor engineers, modelers, BIM specialists, and CAD technicians.Coordinate activities across multidisciplinary teams including civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, and environmental disciplines.Support staff development, technical coaching, and succession planning.Promote a collaborative and high-performance culture.Design & Authority CoordinationManage design approvals and NOC processes with local authorities and utility agencies.Ensure designs comply with regional standards and authority requirements.Coordinate with contractors, utility agencies, developers, and project stakeholders throughout project delivery.Business DevelopmentParticipate in pursuits, technical proposals, and project interviews.Identify opportunities with existing and new clients.Support strategic growth of the Water Business Unit across the GCC.Required QualificationsEducationBachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.Master's Degree in Water Resources, Hydraulic Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related discipline preferred.Experience15-20 years of relevant experience in water infrastructure design and project management.Minimum 10 years of experience delivering major projects within the GCC region.Proven experience managing multidisciplinary design teams on large-scale infrastructure projects.Experience with government and municipal clients in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait.Technical ExpertiseStrong experience in:Water transmission and distribution systemsSewerage and wastewater networksStormwater drainage systemsHydraulic and hydrological modelingWater treatment plants (WTP)Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP)Pumping stations and reservoirsMaster planning and infrastructure studiesDesign-build and conventional delivery projectsSoftware SkillsProficiency in one or more of:InfoWorks ICMWaterGEMSSewerGEMSHEC-RASHEC-HMSArcGISAutoCAD Civil 3DBIM/Revit platformsPrimavera P6 and/or Microsoft ProjectProfessional CertificationsPreferred:Chartered Engineer (CEng)PE RegistrationPMP CertificationEquivalent international professional registrationKey CompetenciesStrong project management capabilitiesExcellent client relationship and stakeholder management skillsStrategic thinking and problem-solving abilityCommercial awareness and project financial managementEffective communication and presentation skillsLeadership, mentoring, and team developmentAbility to work in a fast-paced multinational environment