Civil Project Manager - Land Development

San Diego / Cardiff, CA

Salary Range: $120,000 - $140,000

About the Company

Our client is a well-established land development consulting firm with a longstanding presence in Southern California. For decades, the firm has partnered with private developers, landowners, and public agencies to help transform underutilized land into thriving communities, commercial developments, schools, infrastructure improvements, and public amenities.

The firm has built its reputation on delivering high-quality engineering solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to both its clients and employees. Through innovative problem-solving, technical excellence, and a collaborative approach, the organization continues to support a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, and mixed-use land development projects throughout the region.

What makes this opportunity stand out is the firm's commitment to employee growth and long-term success. Leadership fosters a supportive, team-oriented environment where collaboration, accountability, and professional development are highly valued. Employees benefit from direct access to leadership, opportunities to take ownership of projects, and the resources needed to continue advancing their careers.

The San Diego and Cardiff teams play an important role in serving clients across Southern California and continue to support a growing portfolio of land development projects. This is an excellent opportunity for a Project Manager seeking greater project ownership, leadership responsibility, client engagement, and long-term career advancement within a respected consulting firm.

Role Overview

Our client is seeking a Civil Project Manager to join their Land Development team in San Diego / Cardiff.

This individual will be responsible for overseeing the successful execution of land development projects while serving as a key point of contact for clients, consultants, agencies, and internal project teams. The position offers a blend of project management, technical leadership, client relationship management, team development, and business support responsibilities.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead multidisciplinary project teams, mentor engineering staff, strengthen client relationships, and contribute to the continued growth and success of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead land development projects from initial planning and entitlement through final design and construction support.
• Develop and manage project scopes, budgets, schedules, staffing plans, and financial performance.
• Monitor project progress and proactively manage resources to ensure successful project delivery.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, agencies, consultants, and project stakeholders.
• Lead technical design efforts for grading, drainage, utility, and stormwater infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate production teams and oversee project execution, quality control, and design accuracy.
• Analyze and resolve complex engineering challenges through practical and cost-effective solutions.
• Maintain compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations and agency requirements.
• Prepare and support project proposals, change orders, and client deliverables.
• Mentor engineers and designers while supporting professional development and technical growth.
• Participate in business development efforts, client engagement activities, and proposal strategy.
• Support firm initiatives while contributing to a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• Approximately 10+ years of land development engineering experience.
• 3-5+ years of project management experience within a consulting engineering environment.
• California Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred.
• Strong proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D and Bluebeam.
• Extensive experience with land development design, entitlement, permitting, and agency coordination processes.
• Strong understanding of grading, drainage, utility, and stormwater design.
• Proven ability to manage project budgets, schedules, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong leadership, communication, and client relationship management skills.
• Experience mentoring and developing engineering staff.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $140,000 annually, based on experience, qualifications, licensure, and overall project management background.

In addition to a competitive compensation package, our client offers:

• Annual performance bonus opportunities
• Competitive compensation package
• Strong career advancement opportunities
• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments
• Collaborative and team-oriented work environment
• Professional development and technical growth opportunities
• Direct exposure to firm leadership
• Mentorship and leadership development opportunities
• Long-term career stability with an established Southern California consulting firm
• Opportunity to lead meaningful land development projects throughout the region

Why Join?

• Join a respected and established Southern California land development consulting firm
• Lead impactful residential, commercial, and mixed-use development projects
• Play a key role in client management and project delivery
• Work directly with experienced leadership and decision-makers
• Enjoy significant project ownership and autonomy
• Mentor and develop the next generation of engineering professionals
• Build long-term client relationships within a growing market
• Advance your career with a firm committed to employee success and professional growth

If you're looking for an opportunity to join a collaborative land development consulting firm where you can lead projects, mentor engineers, strengthen client relationships, and continue advancing your career, we'd love to hear from you.