US Major Projects Leader at GHD in Phoenix, Arizona

Job Description:

Job Description



At GHD, we don't just believe in the power of commitment, we live and breathe it every day.



That's why we pledge to support and empower all our people to make a positive impact when working hand in hand with our business to drive change. We'll help you accelerate your career and empower you with the right technology and training as you bring ideas and projects to life.


Together with your colleagues, clients and partners, you'll make an impact that is felt by all. See where your commitment could take you.
Our vision is to ensure energy, water and urbanization are made sustainable for generations to come. You can lead the way into a new future for our industry, inspiring the next generation of driven and committed people in the process.


GHD has an immediate opportunity for a US Major Projects Leader. The Americas Project Management Office (PMO) at GHD provides governance and assurance for our Project Directors and Project Managers. The PMO oversees and evaluates the effectiveness of project management practices across North America, ensuring our Project Directors and Project Managers have the tools, resources, and support needed to deliver high-quality work. Serving as the voice of the Project Manager, the PMO is dedicated to career and competency development, and supporting our project teams to manage their projects successfully. This position can be based in most GHD offices across the continental United States. We support a hybrid work model.



As GHD is growing in North America, our projects are becoming larger and more complex. As a Major Projects Leader in the United States, you will be responsible for providing leadership to our Project Management teams through all phases of the project such that clear plans are in place to project setup and delivery of major projects in the United States. The major projects will include D/DB and Alternative Delivery (such as IPD, PDB and P3) in the Water, Transportation, Buildings and/or Energy markets. Additional responsibilities will include providing input in the recruitment of key Major Projects staff, and leading periodic reviews of Major Projects.



Work which you will be involved includes:
• Developing and implementing a Major Project delivery practice across North America
• Supporting Major Projects in every phase of the project lifecycle including positioning, set-up, delivery and project closeout.
• Work with the PMO, Engineering Design Office (EDO) and regional project teams to socialize, promote, instruct and advance the understanding of progressive and traditional DB project delivery and the necessary skills, behavior, and expectations of Major Projects delivery teams.
• Serve as a Project Director on select Major Projects in the United States
What you will bring to the team:
• Project Management Expertise: Proven experience in leading remote design teams and sub consultants to manage delivery of complex, large-scale multi-disciplinary projects, across multiple industries or sectors, on time and within budget.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of engineering, construction, and/or environmental processes with strategies to develop defined scopes of work in response to client RFPs.
• Risk Management: A strong understanding and ability to report on mitigation strategies for risks associated with delivery of professional services relating to schedule, budget, contract and resourcing.
• Financial Acumen: Ability to estimate project delivery costs manage large budgets, including forecasting, cost control, and financial reporting.
• Contract Management: Knowledge of contract structures and experience in negotiating terms with contractors, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations impacting project delivery, especially in construction or environmental sectors.
• Quality Assurance and Control: Ensuring that project outcomes meet quality standards and stakeholder expectations.
• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication skills to engage with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, regulatory bodies, and community members.
• Project Planning: Ability to formulate and communicate project schedules that align with design sequencing, regulatory approvals, and agreed project milestones.
• People Management: As a recognized authority in the delivery of major projects, you will provide leadership and encourage a culture of support and continued professional development.



Successful candidates will possess the following:

• A Degree in Engineering
• Professional Qualification - PMP and DBIA certification, or similar
• Minimum of 15 years of project management experience, leading multi-discipline engineering teams in the preparation of complex facility studies and designs.
• At least 10 years of experience in Design-Build or Progressive Design Build for public, private and/or industrial clients with consulting engineering/design experience dealing with contracting partners or clients.
• Experience in leading engineering design services from project tender phase through design execution and construction completion on large scale complex projects in traditional DBB or alternative delivery (ie. DB, PDB, P3, IPD) with professional fees in excess of $5M and total capex of in excess of $100M on time and within budget.
• Experience in leading value engineering initiatives or construction phase services for Design Build contracts.
• Experience in providing designs within a firm having an established Quality Assurance and Quality Control program that is registered to a standard equal to or higher than ISO - 9001.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing project management practices and tools/systems within a consulting engineering firm.
• Success in winning major project opportunities within a consulting firm and negotiating commercial terms with successful outcomes.
• Strong experience and knowledge of contract and commercial terms.
• Proven ability to make and communicate tough decisions in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate a self-awareness about how their decisions and attitude can impact the team members and the success of a project.
• Demonstrated leadership and proven ability to develop, mentor and lead professional technical staff.


As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or veteran status

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About Us



Take on some of the world's toughest challenges - with GHD supporting you every step of the way.
We'll give you control over your career, empower you to find innovative solutions and help you create a lasting impact.

See where your commitment could take you with GHD.

Our Pledge to You
At GHD, we don't just believe in the power of commitment, we live and breathe it every day.

That's why we pledge to empower our people to make a positive impact. Combining our deep technical expertise with the capabilities of our clients and partners, we respond to some of the most complex challenges facing our planet today.

See where your commitment could take you.
That's the #PowerOfCommitment

Who we are
GHD is a global professional services company that leads through engineering, architecture, and construction expertise. We are an employee-owned company with over 11,000 diverse and skilled individuals, across more than 200 offices spanning five continents.
The Power of Commitment is our brand promise. It's what makes us different. We are bound to our stated vision and determination to address humanity's most urgent needs: to make water, energy and urbanisation sustainable for generations to come.