Senior Project Manager-Heavy Civil and Infrastructure-Nashville

Certerra is a growing national provider of testing, inspection, and certification services that support innovation in new product development, quality assurance, for project delivery, and engineered solutions for asset management. We are passionate about contributing to the sustainable development of the communities we serve. We are a national firm with a global reach serving national and international clients from 30+ offices located in 10 states and are ranked on ENR’s Top 500 list alongside the nation’s top firms. With a 60-year history, Certerra has a passion for high-end services, constant innovation, and investment in the development of world-class laboratory facilities, and interactive management technologies. Each member of our staff is committed to service, innovation, and the success of our clients.

We are seeking a highly motivated and client-focused Senior Project Manager to lead the growth, management, and execution of Construction Materials Testing (CMT) and Special Inspection services for major heavy civil and infrastructure projects. This role serves as a primary client contact responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships with public and private sector clients while overseeing proposal development, project pursuits, and technical service delivery.

The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience supporting transportation, water/wastewater, dam, utility, and other large-scale infrastructure projects and has a proven ability to identify opportunities, prepare winning proposals, and successfully manage projects from pursuit through completion.

Primary Responsibilities

Client Development & Relationship Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, contractors, engineering firms, municipalities, and transportation agencies.
• Develop and maintain long-term client relationships that drive repeat business and strategic growth.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within transportation, infrastructure, water resources, utility, and public works markets.
• Participate in client meetings, industry events, pre-bid conferences, and professional organizations to promote company services.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop account strategies and market expansion initiatives.
• Monitor client satisfaction and proactively address concerns to ensure exceptional service delivery.

Proposal Development & Project Pursuits

• Lead preparation of proposals, qualifications packages, fee estimates, and technical scopes of work for construction materials testing and inspection services.
• Perform quantity take-offs and estimate staffing, equipment, and testing requirements from plans and specifications.
• Review project plans, geotechnical reports, bid documents, and construction schedules to develop accurate project budgets and resource forecasts.
• Coordinate proposal efforts with technical staff, project managers, and executive leadership.
• Track active pursuits and maintain proposal pipelines to support business development objectives.
• Support contract negotiations and project kickoff activities following successful award.

Project Management & Technical Oversight

• Manage multiple heavy civil and infrastructure projects simultaneously from award through completion.
• Oversee project budgets, schedules, staffing plans, and financial performance.
• Coordinate laboratory, field testing, and inspection resources to support project requirements.
• Ensure compliance with project specifications, ASTM, AASHTO, DOT, agency, and regulatory requirements.
• Review project deliverables, testing reports, and client communications for technical accuracy and quality.
• Monitor project risks and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Support project teams in resolving technical and operational challenges.

Market Focus Areas

Projects may include:

• Transportation and highway construction
• State and local DOT projects
• Bridges and structures
• Water and wastewater treatment facilities
• Pump stations and utility infrastructure
• Dams and levees
• Airports and rail projects
• Industrial and energy infrastructure
• Municipal public works programs

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, Geology, or a related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 8–15 years of experience in construction materials testing, special inspections, geotechnical engineering, or construction quality assurance.
• Minimum of 5 years of project management and client management experience.
• Demonstrated success in proposal preparation, fee development, project pursuits, and business development activities.
• Strong understanding of construction materials testing, inspection services, and quality assurance programs.
• Experience supporting large public infrastructure projects and agency clients.
• Proven ability to manage project financial performance, staffing, and client expectations.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities.

Preferred Experience

• Extensive experience with TDOT, municipal, federal, or transportation agency projects.
• Familiarity with DOT construction specifications, materials acceptance programs, and quality assurance requirements.
• Experience supporting design-build and CM/GC project delivery methods.
• Existing relationships with transportation agencies, engineering consultants, contractors, and public-sector clients.
• Experience managing multi-million-dollar testing and inspection contracts.

Preferred Certifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred but not required.
• NICET Level III or IV – Construction Materials Testing.
• ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I.
• ICC Special Inspector Certifications.
• State DOT certifications for concrete, soils, asphalt, and aggregate testing.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentive opportunities.
• Business development and project performance bonus potential.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, and retirement savings plans.
• Professional development, certification reimbursement, and leadership training opportunities.
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing infrastructure and engineering services organization.
• The opportunity to lead impactful projects that shape transportation, water, and public infrastructure throughout the region.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This Company is dedicated to both the letter and the spirit of the equal opportunity employment laws. All applicants and all employees will be evaluated based on their ability, competence, and performance of the essential functions of their positions. There will be no discrimination based on race, sex, national origin, religion, age 40 and over, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other classification which may be protected by federal, state, or local laws. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we specifically offer equal opportunity for all employees or job applicants who may have a physical or mental disability. Such people will be hired based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the job in question. Likewise, their work will be evaluated on their performance of these essential functions. We will offer reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities, to the extent that Company resources allow without undue hardship. As part of our equal employment policy, there will be no wage differentials based on gender, between men and women employed in the same establishment, on jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which are performed under similar working conditions.