Project Manager - Life Cycle
$111.6k - $187.4k
Mid, Senior
Bachelor's
Detroit, MI, USA
Hybrid
Project & Program ManagementProject Management
About the job
Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction, Business, or another related discipline of study from an accredited college or university, unless education is substituted with extensive experience at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer or designee.
- A Professional Engineer license in Michigan, Project Management Professional certification from a recognized accredited body, or the ability to obtain one of these credentials within 12 months of joining GLWA.
- At least four years of project management or related experience in the field or job assignment.
- A valid Michigan driver's license and the ability to drive a motor vehicle on all terrain.
- Ability to work irregular hours and commute to GLWA facilities and work sites.
- Follow security and safety policies and procedures while carrying out work duties.
Responsibilities
- Manage CIP and/or non-CIP projects throughout all phases, including business case development, initiation, study, design, construction, procurement, operations turnover, and closeout.
- Communicate verbally and in writing with organizational staff, consultants, and contractors, and build strong relationships with project stakeholders.
- Communicate with and manage project activities involving stakeholders, project disciplines, and regulatory agencies or authorities having jurisdiction.
- Manage project scope, schedule, and budget for delivery, and report and coordinate these with the CIP Program Controls Team.
- Coordinate projects and details, and build and maintain relationships with operations and maintenance, procurement, asset management, engineering, leadership, and administrative staff.
- Develop realistic baseline forecasts for overall project cost and schedule and for individual projects with the project team.
- Ensure adherence to department engineering and project-management standards and guidelines, and participate in their improvement.
- Ensure project teams follow the CIP Program's standard methodologies for project and quality management, project controls, permitting and regulatory management, and project assurances as described in the Program Management Plan.
- Coordinate projects through GLWA's public advertisement and procurement process.
- Manage evaluation, tracking, and mitigation of project risks, and communicate cost or schedule implications to leadership.
- Manage the process for monitoring and enforcing contractor adherence to GLWA's Program Management Plan.
- Ensure the CIP Program's change-management procedures are followed.
- Monitor and manage project performance against planned baselines and approved changes.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to develop project charters covering scope, schedule, and budget to avoid scope creep.
- Analyze variances and initiate mitigative actions to ensure timely completion of assigned projects.
- Track and communicate project cost-control expectations and deliverables to consultants and contractors.
- Participate in educational opportunities and professional or community organizations to stay current with industry trends.
- Participate in strategic planning, including annual CIP development.
- Manage multiple projects and balance or allocate resources between projects.
- Prepare and present status reports to management as needed.
- Advise leadership team members about projects and respond to requests for project information.
- Coordinate meetings and tasks with other business units across the organization.
- Provide mentoring in areas of expertise to other team members.
- Facilitate project initiation, management, and closeout processes.
- Perform related work duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
- At least 10 years of experience as a design engineer on projects related to water or wastewater treatment or transport.
- At least 10 years of experience as a project manager assigned to construction, industrial, or infrastructure projects.
- Engineering experience across multiple disciplines, including coordination, management, or interface work involving civil/site, process/mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and controls, chemical, sanitary, or environmental engineering.
About the company
GLWA is a regional water and sewer utility serving about 3.9 million people across 126 municipalities in seven counties. It operates the regional system under a long-term lease with the City of Detroit and started regional operations in 2016, handling treatment plants, transmission mains, and sewer interceptors. It provides wholesale water and wastewater services to member communities, which then serve end users. Its structure combines multiple counties and Detroit representation with centralized capital planning to ensure stable, affordable, and compliant service while investing in infrastructure.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Detroit, Michigan
Founded
2016
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- May 19, 2026 refinancing saved $91.7 million and funded $240 million capital needs.
- May 13, 2026 completed 14 Mile repairs restored service and bolstered resiliency credibility.
- Michigan SRF backed GLWA’s $175 million wastewater and $104.7 million water main projects.
What critics are saying
- Two major 2026 main breaks exposed aging PCCP across GLWA’s backbone network.
- February 2026 rate hikes triggered affordability backlash and sustained political pressure.
- PFAS litigation and EGLE’s 2027 NPDES permit threaten costs and operating limits.
What makes Great Lakes Water Authority unique
- GLWA serves 40% of Michigan drinking water and 30% of wastewater customers.
- May 13, 2026, GLWA installed Michigan’s first acoustic fiber optic monitoring system.
- Its Detroit-area monopoly spans 88 member partner communities and major regional mains.
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Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
- Employee Discounts