Deputy Program Manager - Water (Louisiana)

Burns & McDonnell's rapidly growing Water Practice is in search of Deputy Program Managers for key assignments across the United States. This position requires self-driven individuals responsible for program management and capital program assistance services of large capital programs or strategic consulting/advisor engagements. The candidate will focus on working with Senior Leadership to develop business, building engineering and construction capabilities, and managing major initiatives for wastewater and water utilities. This includes helping to grow the Water Practice in a dynamic and profitable manner based on Burns & McDonnell’s core values of client satisfaction, commitment, dedication, integrity, safety, and overall outstanding service.

Specific areas of responsibility include the following\:

• Provide managerial and technical direction to professional and support staff during project execution, including project controls, data management, capital project delivery, public outreach, regulatory compliance, and construction management.
• Establish project teams, coordinate activities of multiple disciplines, and ensure the efficient, cost-effective utilization of staff.
• Program planning, budgeting, and the establishment of critical objectives.
• Manage all aspects of project communication.
• Must be able to manage for results, maximize project profitability, manage billable hours on projects and achieve stated targets and standards for financial performance.
• Support and lead negotiating compliance schedules and terms with regulatory agencies; develop and present program issues to regulatory agencies as well as the general public.
• Assist in the development of already established clients and new clients.
• Establishing and negotiating scope, schedule, and fees with clients and sub-consultants.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and instruction to less experienced staff. Assist in recruitment, mentoring, and retention of junior staff.
• Lead internal and external project risk reviews and consult with Risk Department as required.
• Participate in and attend industry-associated conferences and/or committees.
• Develop relationships with other consultants and contractors to build possible teaming arrangements for future pursuits.
• Promote and follow Burns & McDonnell safety protocols on all projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Program Description\:

Shreveport\:

The WTR practice is seeking candidates interested in serving as Deputy Program Manager in Shreveport, Louisiana. Since 2019, Burns & McDonnell has served as the City’s program manager for the Clean Water Shreveport (CWS) program, representing a total water and wastewater capital investment of more than $2 billion over the next 20 years through the City’s Department of Water & Sewerage. The CWS capital program includes specific projects covering a wide range of technical elements, including wastewater collection, conveyance, pumping, storage, and treatment, as well as drinking water distribution, pumping, storage, and treatment. The integrated team of approximately 30 full-time-equivalent (FTE) professionals consists of staff from BMcD and three local subconsultants. Services provided include program management and administration; program/project controls; public outreach and communications; system planning; asset data management; utility engineering; project delivery, including design and construction administration; and regulatory and financial consulting. BMcD services on the CWS program are currently provided by staff across a wide range of disciplines and locations in the WTR, CDB, and 1898 practices. The CWS program is expected to continue for at least another decade. Beginning in 2024, Burns & McDonnell was selected to deliver a new Renew Shreveport program with the Public Works Department that includes $125 million in roadway, drainage, and bridge projects over the next 5 years. BMcD TRN staff will support the Renew Shreveport program under the onsite BMcD program management team. Shreveport’s capital programs will continue for at least another decade due to needs, funding commitments and regulatory compliance requirements. Our services are expected to continue through regular contract renewals.

The candidate will provide overall program leadership in support of the Program Manager to deliver the Clean Water Shreveport and Renew Shreveport programs. This is a full-time position working from the program management office in Shreveport, Louisiana. Required skills include water/wastewater engineering, project/program management, the ability to drive tasks, activities, and projects from concept to completion, and the ability to work collaboratively with client and team stakeholders. Preferred experience includes familiarity with public utilities; water/wastewater regulatory actions such as Consent Decrees; utility financial planning and budgeting; and presenting complex information to non-technical audiences. Specific day-to-day responsibilities will be determined through collaboration with the Program Manager.