Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager Heavy Civil Construction

In search of a seasoned Senior Project Manager Heavy Civil to lead intricate infrastructure projects in Southern California.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience with a self-performing heavy civil contractor, managing projects involving underground utilities, earthwork, mass grading, asphalt paving, structural concrete, railroad, and public works construction.

This role involves hands-on project leadership from preconstruction to project closeout, focusing on planning, scheduling, financial performance, subcontractor management, client relationships, and change management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee heavy civil construction projects from preconstruction to completion.
• Manage project financial performance, including budget, revenue, gross margin, cash flow, forecasting, and profitability.
• Develop and maintain accurate cost-to-complete forecasts and monthly projections.
• Manage projects involving self-performed scopes such as: underground utilities, water, sewer & storm drain, earthwork & mass grading, excavation, asphalt paving, structural concrete, railroad infrastructure, and public works.
• Collaborate with Superintendents on construction plans, schedules, manpower needs, equipment requirements, and project sequencing.
• Monitor field production, labor costs, equipment usage, material expenses, and subcontractor performance.
• Review project plans, specifications, contracts, geotechnical reports, and other construction documents.
• Identify project risks, constructability issues, scope gaps, and potential impacts on cost or schedule.
• Manage RFIs, submittals, change orders, claims, correspondence, and project documentation.
• Negotiate and execute change orders while safeguarding project profitability and contractual rights.
• Develop and maintain project schedules to ensure critical milestones are met.
• Manage subcontractors, suppliers, vendors, and procurement activities.
• Coordinate with various project stakeholders including owners, engineers, inspectors, and public agencies.
• Lead project meetings and provide clear communication on schedule, cost, risk, quality, and project performance.
• Participate in project handoffs from estimating and validate bid assumptions, production rates, quantities, and scope.
• Support estimating and preconstruction efforts on future projects by providing historical cost data, production information, and operational insights.
• Ensure compliance with project safety, environmental, quality, and contractual requirements.
• Mentor project staff including Project Managers, Assistant Project Managers, and Project Engineers.
• Establish and maintain client relationships for potential repeat business and future opportunities.

Experience Preference

• Underground wet utilities
• Water & sewer pipelines
• Storm drain
• Earthwork
• Mass excavation
• Mass grading
• Asphalt paving
• Structural concrete
• Bridges & structures
• Railroad construction
• Caltrans
• Public works
• Utility infrastructure
• Transportation infrastructure
• Municipal & agency projects

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive heavy civil construction experience.
• 5+ years of Project Management experience managing heavy civil infrastructure projects.
• Strong background working for a self-performing heavy civil contractor.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple self-perform scopes such as utilities, earthwork, grading, asphalt, and concrete.
• Experience delivering California public works, transportation, railroad, municipal, or utility infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of heavy civil construction means and methods.
• Ability to manage complex projects from startup through final completion.
• Strong understanding of project contracts, plans, specifications, schedules, and cost controls.
• Proven ability to manage project teams, subcontractors, vendors, and field operations.
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline preferred. Equivalent heavy civil construction experience may be considered.

Financial Management

Candidates should have extensive experience with project financial management.

• Project Budget Management
• Cost-to-Complete Forecasting
• Revenue & Margin Forecasting
• Cost Control
• Cash Flow Management
• Change Order Management
• Claims & Contract Management
• Labor Productivity
• Equipment Utilization
• Subcontractor Cost Management
• Procurement
• Schedule Management
• Project Risk Management

The Senior Project Manager must be able to identify and address financial and operational issues promptly.

Field Leadership

This position requires a Project Manager who is well-versed in heavy civil construction practices.

Candidates should be comfortable working with field teams to evaluate various aspects of construction.

• Crew Composition
• Production Rates
• Equipment Selection
• Construction Sequencing
• Site Logistics
• Earthwork Balancing
• Material Procurement
• Subcontractor Coordination
• Means & Methods
• Constructability
• Schedule Recovery
• Productivity & Cost Performance

Technical Skills

Experience with heavy civil construction management software is preferred, including:

• HCSS HeavyJob / HeavyBid
• Procore
• Primavera P6
• Bluebeam Revu
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Project
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Cost forecasting and project management systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Caltrans project delivery experience.
• Railroad construction experience with BNSF, Union Pacific, Metrolink, or similar rail owners.
• Extensive California public works experience.
• Experience managing large, complex self-performed heavy civil projects.
• Strong understanding of union labor and prevailing wage requirements.
• Experience with alternative project delivery methods.
• Established relationships with Southern California stakeholders.
• Experience mentoring and developing project staff.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Ideal Candidate

Looking for a builder and project leader, not just an administrator.

The ideal candidate will grasp both the financial and operational aspects of heavy civil construction, transitioning seamlessly between office and field work.

Candidates should demonstrate strong ownership and accountability for safety, schedule, cost, quality, client relationships, and profitability.

Location

Southern California Riverside Region

Regional travel to active projects, offices, and construction yards will be required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $160,000$200,000+, depending on experience.
• Profit sharing / performance incentives.
• Company vehicle or vehicle allowance.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement benefits.
• Paid Time Off.
• Additional company benefits.
• Career advancement opportunities into Project Executive, Operations Manager, Area Manager, or Division leadership.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to lead challenging heavy civil infrastructure projects with a team that self-performs its work. Take charge of project execution, financial performance, field operation, and team development with a clear path to broader operational leadership.