SENIOR ENGINEERING MANAGER – ROADS

Job Description

An Exceptional Leadership Opportunity:

We are seeking a dynamic leader to fill this critical role that serves as the backbone of our county’s infrastructure development for the Public Works Roads Division. This position offers an outstanding opportunity to advance your career in engineering and leadership while making a lasting impact on community infrastructure that serves thousands of residents daily. You’ll be stepping into a well-established program with strong foundations, ready for visionary leadership to guide it into the future. This role offers the perfect blend of technical expertise, leadership responsibility, and community impact for an experienced engineering professional ready to take the next step in their career.

As the Senior Engineering and Construction Manager, you will:

• Lead Strategic Infrastructure Programs – Take charge of our comprehensive Road Division Engineering and Construction program, overseeing the delivery of our $16-$20M Annual Construction Program and $3-5M in annual Stormwater Capital Improvement Projects through our Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
• Direct a Substantial Team – Provide leadership and guidance to approximately 45 full-time professional and technical staff across five key divisions: Design, Project Management, Surveying, Real Estate Services, and Construction, plus developmental interns.
• Manage Complex Engineering Projects – Oversee the complete project lifecycle from initial engineering designs, plans, and specifications through construction delivery on complex transportation, road, bridge, and stormwater capital improvement projects valued at $12-$16 million annually.
• Navigate Multi-Stakeholder Coordination – Coordinate programs and projects with other County Departments, Public Utilities, State agencies, and the public while solving complex and often controversial engineering and infrastructure challenges.
• Drive Operational Excellence – Manage critical project components including site and construction surveying, base-mapping, right-of-way management, property acquisition, utility easements, and comprehensive utility coordination.
• Ensure Accountability and Quality – Oversee staff performance management, resolve complex service complaints, conduct alternatives analyses to balance public and private interests, and represent the department in legal proceedings when required.
• Manage Resources and Budget – Develop and execute the Engineering and Construction annual budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for staffing, professional development, training, and equipment needs.

What you Bring:

• Professional Engineering Credentials: Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Washington State, or actively securing Washington State comity, demonstrating your commitment to professional excellence and regulatory compliance.
• Educational Excellence: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, or related field from an accredited institution, with preference for master’s degree in engineering disciplines.
• Proven Leadership Experience: Minimum 2 years of supervisory or lead experience managing engineering teams, with demonstrated ability to set priorities, motivate staff, and drive project success.
• Comprehensive Engineering Background: Either 6+ years of relevant engineering experience working under a PE , or equivalent combination of education and professional licensure that demonstrates deep technical competency.
• Project Management Expertise: Proven ability to manage complex project portfolios, coordinate professional services, and deliver results within scope, schedule, and budget constraints.
• Advanced Communication Skills: Demonstrated experience in public presentations, technical testimony, and stakeholder engagement, with ability to translate complex engineering concepts for diverse audiences.
• Strategic Procurement Experience: Understanding of professional services procurement, contract negotiation, and consultant management in the public sector environment.
• Preferred Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Construction Manager (CMAA) credentials that enhance your project delivery capabilities.

*Engineering means the “practice of engineering” as defined in RCW 18.43.020.

For the complete job description: https://www.kitsap.gov/hr/JobClassifications/Engineering%20and%20Construction%20Manager.pdf

For more information About Public Works