Highway Department Manager – Civil Engineering | Princeton, NJ

About the Opportunity
Our recruitment team has been engaged by a respected engineering consultancy to identify a seasoned leader to manage and expand their Highway Department in Princeton, NJ or Manhattan, NY. This growth‑oriented role offers you the chance to drive project execution, support project managers across a variety of transportation assignments, and collaborate closely with clients and teams to ensure seamless delivery and client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.

Why This Role Stands Out

  • Leadership & growth: Lead a department focused on highway and civil projects, guiding strategy and supporting multiple project managers.

  • Influence across the project lifecycle: Work closely with clients, regional leadership and interdisciplinary teams from project conception through delivery.

  • Strategic impact: Advise on project scope, cost and schedule; identify innovative solutions and teaming opportunities; mentor and train design staff.

  • High visibility: Engage with NJDOT, NJTA and other stakeholders, representing the firm at meetings and regulatory discussions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide strong engineering judgment and strive for quality and financial excellence in project execution.

  • Leverage deep knowledge of NJDOT and NJTA processes and procedures to guide project teams.

  • Collaborate with regional and office leadership on project approach, scope, cost and schedule, and identify strategic teaming partnerships.

  • Attend meetings with clients, regulatory agencies and stakeholders to understand needs and discuss design and permitting issues.

  • Mentor and train design staff to foster technical growth within the department.

Your Background

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (a Master’s degree may substitute for two years of experience).

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in New Jersey; New York State licensure is advantageous.

  • 20+ years of highway design experience.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposal writing, presentations and problem‑solving.

  • Ability to lead, collaborate and manage multiple projects in a full‑time capacity.

What’s on Offer

  • Compensation: Projected annual salary range $180,000 – $200,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

  • Employment: Full‑time position with a competitive benefits package (details provided upon application).

Next Steps
If you are ready to lead a growing highway/civil department and shape transportation projects across New Jersey, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today or contact us for a confidential conversation about this opportunity.