Senior Research Project Manager Jobs in Riverside, CA

At David Evans and Associates, our Land Development team is recognized for thoughtful innovation and responsive service. Our technical expertise and deep understanding of the built and natural environments drive our commitment to creating enduring legacies that resonate with local values. Whether transforming vacant land into vibrant communities or reusing underutilized spaces, our services are customized to realize your vision from entitlement to ribbon cutting. By delivering comprehensive land planning, urban development, landscape architecture, civil engineering, and environmental stewardship, DEA is consistently helping our clients deliver award winning projects that set new industry standards and enhance our communities. 

The Land Development Business Unit is seeking a Senior Project Manager in Tustin, Los Angeles, Ontario, or Santa Clarita, CA.

The Senior Project Manager is responsible for leading the delivery of land development projects while contributing to client relationships and supporting business growth across Southern California.

This role works closely with senior leadership to support project execution, client engagement, and business development efforts, with increasing responsibility over time as part of a planned leadership transition.

Project Delivery and Technical Leadership

• Lead Land Development projects from planning through design and construction support, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to DEA's quality standards.
• Oversee project setup, scope management, budgeting, invoicing, and contract administration.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to project teams, ensuring high-quality deliverables and effective collaboration.
• Proactively identify and manage project risks, ensuring successful outcomes for clients and project teams.

Client Engagement and Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, agencies, and project partners.
• Serve as a key point of contact for clients, ensuring a high-quality experience aligned with DEA's standards.
• Support Client Leaders in managing strategic accounts and identifying opportunities for expanded services.
• Participate in client meetings, presentations, and ongoing engagement efforts to strengthen relationships.

Business Development Contribution

• Support and lead project pursuits, including proposal development, scope definition, and interview preparation.
• Partner with senior leadership to develop and execute client and project pursuit strategies.
• Begin building a personal network and presence within the Southern California land development market.
• Contribute to pipeline development and identify opportunities for new work.

Leadership and Growth

• Mentor and support junior staff, contributing to team development and overall performance.
• Partner with the Market Leader and Business Unit leadership to gain exposure to broader market strategy, financial performance, and operational leadership.
• Demonstrate increasing ownership of client relationships and business development efforts over time.
• Contribute to a collaborative, accountable, and growth-oriented team environment.

• Consistent delivery of high-quality, profitable projects with strong client satisfaction.
• Growing involvement in client relationships and business development activities.
• Increased visibility and presence within the Southern California land development market.
• Demonstrated ability to take on expanded responsibility in client leadership and market growth.
• Contribution to a strong, engaged, and collaborative team environment.

• Generally, will have a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, planning, or a related discipline
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in California, or ability to obtain licensure
• Eight (8) to fifteen (15+) years of experience in land development, site design, or related fields
• Proven experience managing projects and working directly with clients
• Demonstrated ability to support business development efforts and contribute to project pursuits
• Strong understanding of California's Land Development environment, including entitlement processes and local agency coordination
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
• Interest and ability to grow into broader leadership and business development responsibilities over time

We foster an environment where talented professionals have the freedom and support to do their most meaningful work. Our values and company culture form the foundation of our success, creating a positive and collaborative work environment. These guiding principles are vital to our continued achievements and unwavering commitment to improving the world around us.

As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to cultivate and develop your skills and work alongside talented colleagues who are committed to improving the quality of life while demonstrating stewardship of the built and natural environments.

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• Financial wellness: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contributions
• Professional development: Support for continuing education and training opportunities.
• Work-life balance: Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay
• Work Schedule: Flexible 9/80 schedule-every other Friday off!
• Retirement: 401k plan
• Wellbeing focus: Holistic Wellbeing Program centered on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health
• Growth opportunities: Access to mentorship, professional support, and pathways for career advancement
• Potential salary range: $150,000/year - $230,000/year

         The posted salary range represents the typical range for this position and is provided in accordance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

If you are a recruiter, search agency, or otherwise wish to refer a candidate to DEA, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate to DEA without an active and signed written agreement in place in advance with DEA Human Resources. Any resume submitted to any DEA employee by an external recruiter without a written agreement in place at the time of submission will be considered the property of DEA and DEA will not be liable for the payment of a placement fee. If you would like to notify DEA of your interest in initiating a written agreement for services, please e-mail careers@deainc.com.

Potential office locations include: Tustin, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Ontario, CA; Santa Clarita, CA.