Excavation Construction Project Manager

Vaco has partnered with a growing excavation and construction company in Carmel, IN to hire a new Project Manager. ABOUT THE COMPANYOur client is a fast-growing civil site work contractor based in Central Indiana, specializing in underground infrastructure — sanitary sewer, water, and site utility construction — for municipal, public, and private clients across the region and beyond. Now in its seventh year, the company has grown roughly 30% year-over-year, with revenue climbing from $32M in 2025 to a projected $40M in 2026 and a backlog already exceeding $40M for 2027. As a merit-shop contractor that self-performs approximately 95% of its work, the company has built a reputation for getting dirt moved and pipe laid the right way — and is now investing in the leadership team to match its growth trajectory.THE OPPORTUNITYOur client is seeking an experienced and driven Excavation Construction Project Manager to take ownership of project execution from kickoff through closeout. This is a highly visible role with direct P&L accountability, strong support from two Project Engineers, and a seat at the table as the company scales into a larger regional player. You'll report to the VP of Project Management, in coordination with the COO, and work alongside a strong bench of superintendents, estimators, and field leadership.This is an ideal opportunity for a project manager who wants to own their projects, work in a fast-paced and collaborative environment, and grow alongside a company with deep, realistic expansion plans.WHAT YOU'LL DOProject ExecutionOwn cost, schedule, scope, and stakeholder management for assigned excavation site work projects.Lead project kickoff, buyout, subcontracts, and procurement.Manage RFIs, submittals, change orders, and progress billings.Monitor job cost, productivity, and cash flow, and implement recovery plans as needed.Coordinate QA/QC, safety, and closeout documentation.Drive project planning and execution to ensure on-time, on-budget completion.Conduct regular site visits to oversee project layout and the scheduling of materials, tools, equipment, and information.Client & Stakeholder ManagementDevelop and maintain strong client relationships throughout the life of each project.Serve as a key point of contact for owners, owner representatives, architects, engineers, trade contractors, and vendors.Participate in project meetings and trade-related activities and events.Coordination & CommunicationCoordinate closely with the General Superintendent and COO.Review project documents, plans, and specifications.Direct construction activities and resolve field challenges as they arise.Coordinate field installations and manage project closeouts.Partner with two Project Engineers who support cost coding, equipment tracking, and job cost matrices.Compliance & QualityEnsure all work conforms to quality standards and regulatory compliance requirements.Adhere to standard operating procedures and project cost, time, and quality standards.WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FORWe're looking for someone who takes ownership — someone who walks in ready to make a project their own, drive it forward, and be accountable for the results. The leadership team is hands-on, direct, and values honest, two-way communication over politics. Candidates should be energized by that kind of environment.Bachelor's degree in Construction Management preferred; equivalent experience will also be considered.Solid project management fundamentals — civil/underground site work experience (sanitary, water, sewer, infrastructure) is preferred, but candidates with strong vertical/building construction PM backgrounds are also encouraged to apply.A track record of ownership and follow-through — this role suits both experienced PMs and hungry, up-and-coming project managers ready for a bigger opportunity.Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust across owners, trade partners, and internal teams.Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-accountability culture with direct, candid feedback.Strong organizational skills and general technology/computer proficiency.WORK ENVIRONMENT & LOGISTICSLocationBased out of Central Indiana, with regular travel to active job sitesWork StyleIn-office and on-site — this role is not eligible for remote workTravelLocal day trips (2–3 hours), no overnight travel requiredProject FootprintPrimarily Central Indiana/Greater Indianapolis, with projects in Northwest Indiana, Rochester, and Columbus, INCOMPENSATION & BENEFITSVehicle allowance or company vehicle provided401(k) with company matchMedical, dental, and vision insurancePaid time off (one week in Q1/Q2, one week in Q3/Q4) Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. Carmel, IN, US On-Site Construction Vaco $ 85000.00 - 125000.00 yearly direct hire