Surface Transportation Program Manager

Wendel is a nationally recognized innovative Architecture, Engineering, Energy Efficiency, and Construction Management firm that collaborates with private and public entities to holistically approach facility and infrastructure projects. Our clients benefit from our full-service capability that allows us to tackle technically complex projects with our own in-house experts. With multiple regional offices, Wendel presents the opportunity to work on an exciting variety of projects with a collaborative team approach. If you are looking to make a real impact, to challenge the status quo, and develop and implement solutions with real results, then Wendel is the place for you!
Wendel is currently seeking a Program Manager to oversee the Surface Transportation Group out of our Williamsville, NY headquarters. This leadership position has the critically important role of coordinating project work with our civil/transportation leaders and technical team while expanding our bridge structural services. Responsibilities include scheduling of project teams, coordinating team commitments and deadlines, managing the groups utilization, technical training, quality, mentoring and coaching of technical professionals.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management

• Coordinate project work with civil/transportation leadership and technical staff to ensure seamless delivery.
• Oversee the growth, development, and daily management of staff.
• Manage scheduling, commitments, and deadlines across multiple projects.
• Monitor group utilization, provide technical training, and maintain quality standards.
• Mentor and coach technical professionals to support career growth and retention.
• Represent the Surface Transportation Group to corporate management.

Technical & Project Delivery

• Serve as engineering lead for bridge, culvert, and related structural projects.
• Oversee asset evaluations and support long-term capital planning.
• Design, manage, and advise on transportation infrastructure projects from concept through construction.
• Provide technical support to utility staff in critical situations.
• Ensure compliance with NYSDOT, FHWA, and other applicable standards, including the NYSDOT Project Development Manual and LDSA Guidelines.

Client & Business Development

• Act as a trusted advisor to established transportation clients.
• Support business development efforts by identifying and securing new project opportunities.
• Assist in proposal preparation and contract negotiations.
• Maintain involvement in professional societies and industry events to expand visibility.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• 15+ years of civil/transportation engineering experience, including 10+ years in project/program management.
• Minimum of 10 years in bridge engineering, with experience on NYSDOT LDSA, BridgeNY, and Design/Bid/Build projects.
• Familiarity with various funding sources, such as LAFA.
• Proficient in MS Office, drafting software (CAD/Revit), and applicable bridge/transportation design tools such as SAP2000.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to job sites and client meetings.
• Willingness to travel overnight occasionally.
• Capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Proven team leadership, management, and mentoring skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with EBO compliance and reporting.
• In-depth knowledge of NYSDOT and FHWA standards.
• Active participation in professional societies and industry organizations.

What we offer:

• Employee-focused company culture and work environment.
• Work-life balance including:
  • Hybrid work policy
  • Flexible work
• Great benefits including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision
  • 401k match
  • PTO
  • Life insurance
• HSA and FSA options.
• Career advancement opportunities with Career and Professional Development.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Parking reimbursement.
• Wellness programs and health stipend.

Salary range: $110,000 - $170,000 +
Wendel is committed to providing fair, competitive, and market-informed compensation. The salary offered will be determined based on the successful candidates' relevant education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The salary offered will also take into consideration regional adjustment factors.
Hear from Our Team: We asked our employees to share what they love most about working at Wendel, and the overwhelming response was that everyone loves working in an environment where the team has each other's backs. They also liked our flexible, hybrid work policy. With nationwide project and office locations, Wendel presents the opportunity to work on an exciting variety of projects with a diverse group of clients. They said they like our respect-based and team-oriented culture, and our transparent communication philosophy.
Helping our employees reach their professional goals is important to us, and we take pride in providing a variety of professional development opportunities. We utilize an annual career development process, for every employee that ensures career mobility, growth, and company ownership potential.
Don't meet every single requirement? We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.