Full Job Description
We are seeking a highly qualified Deputy Program Manager with a strong transportation and infrastructure background to support our growing Midwestern operations. The ideal candidate will have experience managing complex transportation projects and multidisciplinary efforts, with the ability to utilize their management experience to coordinate teams, manage project delivery, and work effectively with state and local agencies. A background in civil or structural engineering is preferred. A Registered Professional Engineer (PE) license in Illinois, or eligibility for licensure through reciprocity, is preferred but not required.
*This position is based in the greater Chicago, Illinois area, and candidates must be willing to relocate to the region if they are not currently local*
The Deputy Program Manager provides leadership and oversight for complex transportation and infrastructure programs from planning through design, construction, and project closeout. This position is responsible for managing and coordinating multidisciplinary efforts, ensuring that project teams, technical disciplines, and stakeholders are aligned with overall program goals.
The successful candidate will utilize their management experience to lead large-scale transportation efforts involving highways, bridges, rail, transit, and other public infrastructure. Responsibilities include managing project schedules, budgets, resource allocation, risk management, quality assurance, and overall project delivery while ensuring projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
The Deputy Program Manager serves as a key point of contact for clients, project teams, municipalities, state transportation agencies, regulatory agencies, contractors, and other stakeholders. The role will facilitate communication across disciplines, resolve technical and programmatic issues, monitor project progress, and ensure effective coordination throughout the program.
The role includes providing management and technical leadership across transportation projects, supporting construction management activities, and identifying opportunities to improve program processes and project delivery. The Deputy Program Manager will prepare and review technical reports, presentations, proposals, contracts, and other project documentation while ensuring adherence to firm standards, industry best practices, and applicable regulations.
This position will also support business development activities, including identifying new opportunities, developing technical proposals, responding to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and participating in client presentations and interviews. The Deputy Program Manager may meet with current and prospective clients to understand their needs and develop long-term strategic relationships.
The successful candidate will provide leadership, mentoring, and guidance to project staff while fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. The position requires strong communication, organization, and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to manage competing priorities and effectively lead transportation program efforts.
Participation in Communities of Practice (CoPs), professional organizations, industry conferences, and technical committees is encouraged to support technical excellence, innovation, and continued growth within the transportation practice. Performs other duties as required.
Skills & Abilities
37 Strong knowledge of corporate governance practices, organization design principles, accounting principles, finance, supply chain management, and organization management.
37 Excellent written and oral communication skills.
37 Ability to understand highly complex technical, professional and business materials.
Qualifications
37 Bachelor's degree.
37 7 years of related experience.
37 Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Amount of Travel Required
10% or less
Additional Pay Range Information
CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate's salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.
Additional Compensation
All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.
Visa Sponsorship Available
No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position
Agency Disclaimer
All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Team will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.
Pay Range Max
USD $167,731.00
Pay Range Min
USD $95,846.00