GIS Senior Project Manager

Who We Are

For over thirty years, SAM has built a reputation as a trusted, knowledgeable, and innovative partner. Our licensed professionals transform petabytes of complex spatial data into intelligent insights in a holistic Managed Geospatial Services™ (MGS™) framework. As North America's premiere MGS™ company, SAM provides practical, precise, and high-fidelity solutions designed to enhance decision-making, mitigate risks, achieve strategic objectives, and drive costs out of our client's business. Our vision is to advance spatial data acquisition, improve analysis capabilities, and develop predictive analytics to redefine and transform how infrastructure assets are developed and managed throughout their lifecycles.

Your Impact at SAM

A Senior GIS Project Manager – Seller/Doer is responsible for driving business growth, expanding client relationships, and leading the successful delivery of GIS projects. This role combines strategic business development with hands-on project leadership and operational oversight. The ideal candidate is a relationship-focused leader with a proven ability to identify opportunities, win work, grow market share, and deliver high-quality GIS solutions for utility, infrastructure, and public sector clients.

The Senior GIS Project Manager will serve as a trusted advisor to clients while collaborating with market leads and senior leadership to develop and execute growth strategies across targeted markets and service lines. This position is based onsite in our Phoenix, AZ office. Local candidates are preferred; however, relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.

• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities with utility, transportation, local government, and infrastructure clients
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships that result in repeat business and long-term partnerships
• Serve as a primary point of contact for key clients and strategic accounts
• Collaborate with senior leadership and market leads to develop sales strategies, capture plans, and market positioning initiatives
• Prepare and lead client presentations, proposals, interviews, and scope discussions
• Develop scopes of work, fee estimates, budgets, and staffing plans in support of pursuits and project execution
• Maintain an active pipeline of opportunities and support forecasting, sales tracking, and market intelligence efforts
• Represent the company at industry conferences, networking events, client meetings, and professional organizations
• Manage large and complex GIS projects from initiation through delivery while ensuring client satisfaction, schedule adherence, and financial performance
• Oversee project budgets, contracts, QA/QC processes, and resource allocation
• Establish work plans and staffing requirements for multiple concurrent projects
• Review financial performance, utilization, project productivity, and operational metrics to ensure successful project execution
• Participate in planning and implementation of procedures and systems to maximize operational efficiency and project delivery
• Support corporate strategic initiatives and operational growth objectives
• Oversee, mentor, and develop technical staff to support long-term growth of the GIS department
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, innovation, and client service

What You Bring to SAM

• Proven success in business development, client management, sales, and relationship building within GIS, utilities, engineering, or infrastructure markets
• Demonstrated ability to win work, grow accounts, and develop long-term client partnerships
• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and organizational skills
• Ability to lead strategic client discussions and develop tailored GIS solutions for client needs
• Experience managing large GIS projects, contracts, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams
• Strong understanding of GIS software, workflows, and enterprise GIS solutions
• Knowledge of utility systems, infrastructure, local government, or related markets preferred
• Ability to oversee, mentor, and motivate project teams
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to travel for client meetings, conferences, business development activities, and project support
• Computer proficiency and excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet fixed deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• College degree in Geography, GIS, or related curriculum preferred, or equivalent relevant experience
• Minimum of 15 years progressive experience in GIS services, business development, or related consulting experience
• Minimum of 5 years of project management or staff leadership experience
• Existing industry relationships and a strong professional network preferred

Our Perks

• Health and Wellness Benefits: BlueCross BlueShield health insurance coverage begins the month after your hire date, with dental plans available and free vision coverage for employees, company-paid premiums for Long-term disability/Life Insurance (with HSA + FSA plans), SAM Cares program focused on holistic well-being
• Financial Benefits: Employee Referral Rewards Program of $1K, $2,500 or $5K, Fidelity retirement plans with a 5% company match, tuition reimbursement, optional cellphone stipend
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off including vacation/sick/holidays, parental leave to support families
• Professional Development: Customized career development plan for licensing and certifications, Project Manager Business Academy, CAD Training Program, Individual Development Plans/Career Check-Ins, SAM WINS - our initiative for women-focused leadership and development, Milestone Anniversary Recognition, SAMbassador mentorship program
• Perks and Discounts: Access to “Perks at Work” for discounts on wellness + travel + leisure and everyday purchases, company-sponsored events, free office snacks
• Culture and Awards/Achievements: SAM Named 2026 Top Workplace USA for the fourth Year; 2026 SAM Ranks No. 92 on ENR Top 500 Design Firms