Program/Business Manager (WMS3)

About the Department

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Program/Business Manager to support the I-405/SR 167 Program within the Urban Mobility, Access & Megaprograms (UMAM) Office, responsible for delivering complex, multimodal transportation improvements that enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and support regional connectivity across one of the state’s most heavily traveled corridors. Serving as the Program/Business Manager, this position will be responsible for providing strategic advice to the Program Administrator, project leadership, and a team of specialized professionals. 

Through strong and innovative leadership, this position will provide business support and identify issues and solutions, advise in matters related to program project scope, schedule, and budget, project risk analysis, change order funding, and State, Local, and Consultant agreements to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. As the Program/Business Manager for the I-405/SR 167 Program, this position will be responsible for developing, implementing, and communicating the long-term vision for the program and is delivered to meet local, state, and federal standards. 

This position will strategically manage the policies that ensure the most efficient management of large amounts of funds and workforce involved in the highway construction program. This position plays a key role in fostering collaborative relationships and advancing integrated transportation solutions that meet operational, design, and safety standards. We encourage you to apply if you are interested in taking on this challenge to lead a diverse team to successfully deliver WSDOT projects.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Program/Business Manager will:

• Provide strategic financial advice to the Program Leadership Management Team and specialized professionals for the successful delivery of design-build projects.
• Strategically develop workforce plans and cash flow scenarios to deliver the design-build projects.
• Monitor scope, schedule, and financial controls of the program projects through design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction.
• Manage the scope, schedule, and budget for all consultant contracts for the program.
• Direct and manage the financial set-up for all payments on design-build projects, and ensure invoices are reviewed for accuracy, complete with appropriate approvals and backup documentation, and in compliance with WSDOT requirements before invoices are approved for processing and payment.
• Oversight of all business functions and provide guidance and direction on project management best practices pertaining to inter-local agency agreements, utility agreements, and other agreements associated with design-build projects. This position is responsible for ensuring that negotiated terms and conditions of agreements between WSDOT and utility entities, local agencies, etc. are accurately interpreted to meet WSDOT policies and standards, as well as other applicable local and state regulations are met.
• Assist in the development of contracts for the projects and contract payment documentation.
• Manage and monitor program and project budget, expenditures, cash flow, and cost of risk items to ensure the program strategic planning is integrated with budget planning and expenditure activity.
• Implement strategic short-range and long-range planning and programming needed to determine the best approach for developing current and future implementation of the Northwest Region Design-Build Program. 
• Assist Leadership Team in developing new or revised project-level scopes, schedules, estimates, and funding scenarios for the Northwest Region Design-Build Program for Legislative requests and submittal. 
• Coordinate and set up the Cost Estimate Validation Process.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Transportation Project & Program Management Experience: Experience in a transportation-related field, including experience with project/program management for transportation projects.
• Design-Build Project Delivery Leadership: Demonstrated ability to apply advanced knowledge of design-build project delivery while leading professional and technical teams, coordinating information and operational activities, resolving contract issues, and ensuring timely and effective delivery of agency responsibilities and services. 
• Project Development & Program Delivery: Demonstrated ability to manage project development and program delivery processes, including coordinating environmental documentation, permitting requirements, and related activities. 
• Capital Program & Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage complex transportation capital programs and projects, including design-build delivery, consultant contracts, and construction agreements. 
• Financial & Budget Management: Demonstrated ability to develop, manage, and monitor budgets, financial resources, and contract payments to ensure effective stewardship of public funds. 
• Policy & Regulatory Knowledge: Demonstrated ability to apply agency policies, budgeting and planning processes, and applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations to support program delivery. \
• Leadership & Team Development: Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary teams while fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment. 
• Relationship Management: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with staff, consultants, contractors, local jurisdictions, partner agencies, and the public. 
• Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through written, verbal, and public presentations with diverse audiences. 
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, solve complex problems, and make informed decisions in a dynamic environment. 
• Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, align resources, and provide leadership to successfully deliver organizational and program objectives. 
• Representation & Stakeholder Coordination: Ability to represent the Design-Build team on matters related to project delivery and funding. 
• Analytical Thinking & Judgment: Ability to apply general principles to specific conditions and make sound decisions. 
• Scope, Budget & Schedule Management: Ability to lead the team to manage the scope/budget/schedule. 
• Adaptability: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adjust to changing needs.

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
  
  

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Purchasing & Financial Systems: Purchasing regulations and WSDOT accounting system. 
• Design-Build Experience: Experience on design-build projects. 
• Highway Construction Experience: Experience working on large, complicated highway construction projects.
• Supervisory & Management Experience: Supervisory/management experience.

 

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
• The salary listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. 
• Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as-needed basis.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. 
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov. 

Why WSDOT 

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.  
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. 

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. 

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. 

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
 
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-1W185 in the subject line. 

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov