OVERVIEW: McKim & Creed is looking for a Water/Wastewater Utilities Group Manager. This is a senior hybrid role combining technical leadership, project execution, QA/QC oversight, client engagement, and strategic market development. The role will require strong leadership and direct integration into our Pensacola-based utility team. It will be supported by broader teams across Florida and our full company footprint, while giving you room and clear expectations to establish a meaningful presence along the northern Gulf Coast. The role offers both autonomy and accountability
DURING YOUR WORK DAY, YOU WILL:- Lead the planning, design, and delivery of municipal water/wastewater projects while strengthening McKim & Creed's visibility, relationships, and client base along the northern Gulf Coast.
- You will play a central role in both technical execution and strategic outreach as we grow our footprint locally.
Primary ResponsibilitiesTechnical & Project Delivery- Lead engineering design, permitting, and coordination for water, wastewater, and related public infrastructure projects.
- Mentor entry and junior engineers and guide design staff throughout the project lifecycle.
- Perform and oversee calculations, reports, technical markups, and QA/QC reviews.
- Serve as Engineer of Record where appropriate.
- Manage project scope, schedule, and budget performance.
- Oversee project administration tasks, including weekly timesheet reviews for project teams, participation in regular internal coordination meetings, and monthly project accounting reviews (invoicing, revenue markups, and financial forecasting).
- Track accounts receivable for assigned projects and follow up as needed to resolve untimely or outstanding payments.
- Ensure that project risks, scope deviations, and budget concerns are identified early and communicated proactively to leadership and clients.
Client Engagement & Market Development- Maintain regular contact with municipal clients
- Initially support, and ultimately lead, proposal development, fee preparation, and technical approaches.
- Proactively identify and pursue new opportunities that align with McKim & Creed's strengths by staying current on capital improvement plans, monitoring public meeting agendas, and tracking upcoming solicitations and funding programs.
- Represent the firm locally through client meetings, project site visits, public/agency meetings, and community engagement.
- Maintain an active presence in industry and professional associations (e.g., AWWA, APWA, SAME, WEF or similar groups), including participation in meetings, committees, and events to strengthen relationships, visibility, and awareness of emerging opportunities.
- Maintain a regular external presence in the Bay County market through client touchpoints, attendance at key municipal/public meetings, and ongoing community engagement.
Team Coordination & Growth- Work closely with the Pensacola Group Manager, Louisiana Group Manager, and their utility teams for production support, QA/QC, and project collaboration.
- Help evaluate and recruit local technical staff as the workload grows.
- Participate in weekly project workload meetings on Monday mornings.
- Participate in optional lunch-and-learns, fellowship activities, and culture-building events.
- Reinforce and model McKim & Creed's project management processes, QA/QC procedures, and communication standards within the local team.
Expected Ramp-Up & Support StructureCandidates will be the local technical and relationship lead, not solely responsible for production or administrative load, and they will have full access to:
- Pensacola/Louisiana (and beyond) utility engineers
- CAD/designers and production resources
- Senior technical leads for peer review
- Regional leadership support from Pensacola and corporate
- Proposal and marketing support for pursuits (marketing managers prepare RFQ packages, but technical content comes from the PM)
Support resources are available, but responsibility for project leadership, client satisfaction, and project outcomes will rest with the Utilities Group Manager.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:- BS in Civil or Environmental Engineering.
- PE license in Florida or ability to obtain via reciprocity within 6 months.
- 6+ years of progressive experience in utility engineering, including at least 2 years in a lead or project management role.
- Experience with team leadership, permitting, and municipal client interaction.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and design software such as AutoCAD Civil3D.
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving and criminal record.
WHAT WILL MAKE YOU STAND OUT:- 10+ years of experience with Florida municipal utility systems.
- Strong client network along the northern Gulf Coast.
- Demonstrated success managing multi-disciplinary teams and complex projects from planning through construction.
- Familiarity with FDEP permitting, utility service coordination, and regulatory compliance.
WHAT WE OFFER:Join a company that puts its employees first. Ranked as one of the Best Firms to Work For, here are just some of the reasons to become part of the McKim & Creed team:
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): All employees are owners & benefit from profits earned
- Competitive pay + paid holidays, bereavement and parental, medical, and military leave
- Multiple office locations to work from: Stick close to home or travel for a change of scenery
- Growth opportunities & training: Grow confidently in your career with our mentoring & training options
- Professional development: Tuition reimbursement, early career professional program, online courses & more
- Work that makes a difference: See the direct impact your work has on our communities
- Collaborative, supportive team: People to help you solve problems, cheer successes & encourage you along the way
