Project Manager - Site Selection & Economic Development Incentives
Category
Business Development
Work Location
US-
ID
2026-2365
Overview
The Opportunity
As Project Manager for Site Selection, you will lead privatesector clients through every stage of the site selection process for investment and expansion. You will manage endtoend site selection projects for global clients-partnering closely with Walbridge LLC's real estate, design, and construction teams; coordinating with state and local economic development organizations; negotiating and securing economic development incentives; and driving projects to successful execution in support of the organization's strategic growth objectives.
Location
Based in the Midwest, you will lead site selection efforts across Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, work closely with our Site Selection Group based at our enterprise headquarters in Detroit, MI, while supporting national site selection and expansion projects for clients operating across multiple U.S. markets.
Responsibilities
Your Key Responsibilities
Lead Site Selection Projects: Coordinate and manage all phases of the site selection process for new facilities, relocations, and expansions across multiple states, including research, community assessments, comparative analyses, and site visits.
Location & Market Analysis: Evaluate market conditions, demographics, infrastructure, logistics, labor availability, business and tax climates, regulatory environments, and energy costs to recommend optimal sites for client investment.
Financial & Cost Modeling: Develop and analyze multiyear operating cost models and onetime capital cost comparisons across multiple site alternatives.
PublicSector Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with economic development agencies, government officials, utility providers, and other stakeholders to identify and advance incentive opportunities.
RFI & RFP Management: Prepare and issue Requests for Information (RFIs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs); analyze responses for project constructability and integrate findings into crossstate cost models.
Approvals & Public Process Coordination: Prepare for and coordinate public meetings, hearings, and approvals where projects and incentives are reviewed.
Incentives Strategy & Applications: Draft and submit applications for economic development incentives, including tax abatements and exemptions, grants, workforce training assistance, infrastructure support, tax credits, and expedited permitting.
Incentive Negotiation: Negotiate incentive packages with publicsector partners to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and compliance with applicable regulations.
Project Execution & Controls: Manage project schedules, budgets, and deliverables to ensure successful execution and realization of incentives.
Qualifications
To qualify for the role, you must have
Bachelor's degree in business, Economics, Real Estate, Urban Planning, or related field.
5+ years of experience in site selection, economic development, real estate, or incentives consulting.
Strong analytical, research, and data interpretation skills.
Experience negotiating with government agencies and knowledge of public-private partnership structures.
Excellent project management, communication, and presentation skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; GIS or site-selection tools a plus.
Ability to travel.
Key Competencies
Strategic thinking and strong decision-making ability.
Negotiation and persuasion skills.
Relationship management expertise.
Strong attention to detail and initiative.
Ethical judgment and professionalism.
EEO/AA Employer M/F/D/V
Walbridge is an equal opportunity employer with a culture that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, military status, or any other legally protected status.
EEO/AA Employer M/F/D/V
Walbridge is an equal opportunity employer with a culture that promotes diversity in the workforce. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, status as an individual with a disability, military, or protected veteran status or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning career development, recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, termination, promotions, or any other condition of employment.
