Civil Engineering Project Manager Executive Search
CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECT MANAGER EXECUTIVE SEARCH
Executive search for senior civil engineering project leaders
Alexander Executive Search runs civil engineering project manager executive search for consultancies, contractors, developers and public-sector owners. We recruit Senior Project Managers, Project Directors and Program Managers for transportation, water, land development and structural work, for roles paying $150K and above.
We work with firms of every size, from national and international firms to growing regional practices. This work is part of our civil engineering executive search practice and our wider engineering executive search service.
Why civil engineering project manager executive search matters
Public infrastructure programs depend on project managers who can satisfy agency clients, manage subconsultants and keep long programs on schedule. Consequently, the same experienced leaders are wanted by consultants, contractors and owners at once.
Delivery models are also changing. Design-build, CM at risk and progressive design-build ask civil PMs to manage commercial risk as well as design. Leaders who have done this well are therefore in short supply.
Licensure adds another filter. For example, many public clients expect a PE in responsible charge, and some roles need licensure in more than one state. We check this at the start, so it never delays an offer.
ROLES WE PLACE
Civil engineering project manager executive search: roles we recruit
We focus on senior project roles paying $150K and above. Most of our civil searches fall into four groups.
You can also see the full list of engineering leadership roles we recruit. For the most senior civil role, see our VP of civil engineering executive search. In addition, for pay benchmarks, read our Engineering Leadership Salary Report 2027.
WHAT GOOD LOOKS LIKE
What a strong civil engineering project leader looks like
Credentials matter. However, in our experience, the civil project leaders who deliver show the same four strengths.
OUR PROCESS
How our civil engineering project manager executive search works
Because the search is retained, your appointment gets a dedicated team, clear milestones and a process built on evidence.
You can also see our executive search process step by step.
RoleDNA™ Mapping: 8 levels of assessment
Every shortlisted candidate is assessed across the same 8 levels, so you can compare civil project leaders fairly before the first interview:
- Job Location Mapping
- Executive Summary
- Professional Photo
- Candidate Introduction
- Key Competency Responses
- Behavioral Assessment
- Verified References
- Detailed Resume
For example, the Candidate Introduction is a short video, so you can see how each leader communicates. In addition, the Behavioral Assessment uses the McQuaig Word Survey, matched to the role profile from the McQuaig Job Survey.
Results are then scored against the success profile for your role and shared in a 24/7 online client dashboard. Learn more about RoleDNA™ Mapping.
PE and PMP credential checks
Many senior civil engineering project roles need a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which is issued by state licensing boards. Most boards require an accredited engineering degree, the FE and PE exams and qualifying experience (see NCEES). We therefore confirm each candidate’s license and its status before shortlisting.
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is issued by the Project Management Institute (PMI). With a four-year degree, candidates need 36 months of project management experience and 35 hours of training, or an active CAPM, and holders must then earn 60 PDUs every three years (PMI). We also verify PMP status where your role requires it.
RESULTS
The evidence behind our civil engineering project manager executive search
A free replacement guarantee and proven retention
Every placement also comes with a 12-month free replacement guarantee as standard, extended to 2 years for senior roles. If the person leaves within the guarantee period, we find a replacement free of charge, subject to the agreed terms of engagement. How our guarantee works.
In one engagement, a growing U.S. engineering firm needed 10 appointments over two years. Before working with us, about 70% of its new hires stayed for 12 months. In contrast, all 10 leaders we appointed were still with the business after their first 12 months. Read the case study.
Firms of every size
We work with civil engineering firms of every size, from national and international firms to growing regional businesses. In a smaller firm, however, one senior hire can change the direction of the business. That is why we also run a dedicated executive search process for engineering firms under $120M, with the same research, assessment and guarantee.
LOCATIONS
Where we recruit project leaders
We run every search from our headquarters at 1221 Brickell Ave, Suite 900, Miami, FL 33131. We recruit civil project leaders across the US, including Florida and Texas.
For state markets, see our Florida and Texas civil engineering executive search pages. You can also see our discipline pages for transportation, water and wastewater, land development and structural engineering.
For city markets, see our engineering executive search pages for Miami, Tampa, Dallas and Houston. For project leaders outside civil engineering, see our engineering project manager executive search page.
Civil engineering project manager executive search: FAQs
Which civil project manager titles do you recruit?
We recruit Senior and Principal Project Managers, Project Executives, Project Directors, Program Managers and Program Directors, and CEI and design-build leaders. In each case, the role pays $150K or more.
What do senior civil engineering project managers earn?
Pay depends on the role, sector and region, but national data gives useful context. For project management specialists, the median annual wage was $102,320 and the 90th percentile was $167,970 (BLS OEWS May 2025). For construction managers, the median was $114,990 and the 90th percentile was $189,440 (BLS). Architectural and engineering managers had a median of $171,270 (BLS). PMI also reports a US median salary of $135,000 for PMP holders (PMI). However, these figures cover all employers and exclude most bonuses. Our searches focus on roles paying $150K and above.
Do civil project managers need a PE license?
Many do, especially on public work, where the engineer in responsible charge must be licensed in that state. We confirm each candidate’s license and its status before shortlisting, and we also verify PMP status when your role requires it.
How do you assess civil project managers?
Every shortlisted candidate goes through RoleDNA™ Mapping, which covers eight levels. We also test the scope, agency clients and outcomes behind each project on the resume.
Do you work with smaller civil engineering firms?
Yes. We work with civil engineering firms of every size, and growing firms under $120M can also use our dedicated executive search process.
What happens if a placement leaves?
If the person leaves within the guarantee period, we find a replacement free of charge, subject to the agreed terms of engagement. Specifically, the guarantee runs for 12 months as standard and is extended to 2 years for senior roles.
CONTACT US
Planning a senior civil engineering project hire?
Whether you are replacing a project director, staffing a new program or planning a confidential succession, we can help you define the role, map the market and find people who will deliver and stay. Complete the form, and a partner will be in touch soon.
Headquarters: Alexander Executive Search, 1221 Brickell Ave, Suite 900, Miami, FL 33131.