Utility Construction Project Manager / Senior Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Our client, a growing regional heavy civil contractor, is expanding its project management team to support significant backlog growth and upcoming project awards. They are looking to hire several Project Managers and Senior Project Managers immediately and are seeking long-term additions who want to build a career and take real ownership of projects from award through closeout.

Industry: Underground utility and heavy civil construction

Salary: $100,000- $175,000

Employment Type: Full-time, direct hire

Start: Immediate; hiring now

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Project Manager / Senior Project Manager is accountable for the full lifecycle of underground utility and heavy civil projects, including large diameter pipeline work for municipal and regional water and wastewater owners. This is a hands-on ownership role: you will run the job, manage the owner relationship, and drive results on schedule, budget, quality, and safety.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead projects from pre-construction and mobilization through construction, closeout, and warranty.

• Manage project budgets, cost tracking, forecasting, change orders, and billing.

• Develop and maintain project schedules, and coordinate crews, subcontractors, suppliers, and equipment.

• Serve as the primary contact for owners, engineers, inspectors, and agencies; interpret and comply with owner specifications, standards, and processes.

• Manage submittals, RFIs, contract documents, and project correspondence.

• Identify risks and obstacles early, and take initiative to resolve them without waiting for direction.

• Partner with field superintendents and operations leadership to keep work safe, efficient, and on track.

• Support estimating and bidding on new work as needed.

• Senior PMs: manage multiple or larger projects, and mentor and guide junior project staff.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Technical Experience

• Underground utility construction experience.

• Large diameter pipeline experience (preferably 36" and larger).

• Experience working with City of Houston, Harris County, regional water authorities, and/or other municipal utility owners.

• Solid understanding of owner specifications, standards, and approval processes.

Years of Experience

• Project Manager: 3–5 years of relevant project management experience.

• Senior Project Manager: 5–10+ years of relevant project management experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Lift station and pump station construction.

• Wastewater treatment facility work.

• Transmission water lines.

• Shafts and tunneling.

• Concrete paving and road reconstruction projects.

• Background with mid-sized, regional heavy civil contractors (roughly $50M–$500M in annual revenue) where PMs carry broad project ownership.

WHO WILL SUCCEED IN THIS ROLE

Mindset and approach matter as much as technical experience. The client is looking for someone who:

• Has a "bird dog" mentality: tenacious, persistent, and does not let go until the problem is solved.

• Shows initiative and is a self-starter who does not wait for constant direction.

• Approaches obstacles with a problem-solving mindset and keeps moving when roadblocks appear.

• Takes true ownership of projects, results, and relationships.

• Is growth-oriented and a motivated learner who wants to build with a growing company.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Stable work history is strongly preferred, typically two to three or more years with each employer.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Immediate opportunity with a company experiencing strong backlog growth and new project awards.

• Long-term career path with real project ownership and visibility.

• Competitive compensation and benefits package (details to be confirmed with the client).