Deputy Project Manager - Tolling Operations

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Deputy Project Manager to support our Tolling Operations Team!

This position will sit out of our Costa Mesa, CA office.

JOB SUMMARY

As Deputy Project Manager, you will support the Implementation Project Manager in leading the end-to-end implementation of a state-of-the-art tolling back-office system for a major tolling authority or transportation agency. Working for WSP, you will coordinate multidisciplinary teams, subcontractors, and vendors to deliver a complex, high-stakes project involving software configuration, system integration, data migration, testing, go-live, and transition to operations. This role requires strong project controls, stakeholder management, and technical aptitude in tolling environments to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery while meeting performance, revenue, and compliance requirements

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include some or all of the following. Manager may assign other duties as needed. 

• Support the Project Manager in all phases of the project lifecycle: planning, requirements refinement, design, development/configuration, integration, testing (SAT/UAT), deployment, customer care, and handover to operations.
• Oversee day-to-day project execution, including schedule management, resource allocation, risk identification/mitigation, issue resolution, and change control processes.
• Coordinate with internal teams (software development, integration, QA, cybersecurity, data analytics) and external partners (subcontractors, toll equipment vendors, roadside system integrators, payment processors, and interoperability hubs).
• Manage key project deliverables such as system requirements specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), test plans, data migration strategies, and operational readiness plans.
• Monitor and report project status, including progress against baseline schedule, budget variance, earned value metrics (EVM), KPIs (e.g., transaction accuracy, system uptime, reconciliation rates), and executive-level dashboards.
• Facilitate regular project meetings, including internal status reviews, client progress meetings, risk registers, and steering committee updates.
• Support procurement and contract management activities for subcontractors and vendors, including scope definition, performance monitoring, invoice verification, and change order negotiation.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, industry standards (e.g., ISO 17575 for tolling interfaces, PCI DSS for payments), regulatory obligations, and client-specific SLAs.
• Identify and manage project risks and dependencies, particularly those related to legacy system integration, high-volume transaction processing, customer account migration, and interoperability with state/national networks.
• Assist in stakeholder engagement with the client (tolling authority), end users (customer service teams), and other agencies to align expectations and resolve issues.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and supporting knowledge transfer to operations and maintenance teams post-go live.
• Step in to lead project elements or the overall project in the Project Manager's absence

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and under strict deadlines
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion properly
• Must be able to pass background and drug screenings
• Proven experience supporting large-scale system implementations (e.g., enterprise software, ERP, billing/revenue systems, or transaction processing platforms).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills, with experience presenting to senior executives and clients.
• Ability to travel up to 25–40% for client meetings, site visits, and testing activities.
• Familiarity with tolling back-office functions: transaction processing, account management, video/image review, billing/invoicing, payment gateways, revenue auditing, customer portals, and interoperability (e.g., multi-state E-ZPass or similar).
• Knowledge of relevant technologies/standards: SQL/database management, API integrations, cloud-based platforms, cybersecurity in critical infrastructure, or tolling protocols.
• PMP, PgMP, or similar certification.
• Experience working as a prime contractor or systems integrator in public-sector / government contracts.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Primarily sedentary physical work requiring ability to lift a maximum of 10 pounds
• Must be able to lift, carry, walk, and stand
• Vision for reading, recording, and interpreting information
• Frequent speech communication, hearing and listening to maintain communication
• Daily use of computer and keyboard, standard office equipment and telephone
• Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from the computer
• Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate computer keyboard and office equipment
• Noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Information Technology, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field.
• 7+ years of project management experience on complex IT/software implementation projects.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies (PMP/PMI standards, Agile/hybrid approaches) and tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6, Jira, or similar).
• Experience in transportation / ITS / tolling projects, including electronic toll collection (ETC), back-office systems, roadside equipment integration, violation processing, or customer service platforms.

WSP Benefits:  

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.  

Compensation: 

Expected Salary: $118,000 - $200,000

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law. 

#LI-MC1