Senior Project Manager - Heavy Civil & Preconstruction

Company: Sullivan Eastern, Inc. (SEI)

Location: Morrisville, NC

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Location: In Person

Department: Preconstruction

WHO WE ARE

At Sullivan Eastern, Inc., we build more than infrastructure. We build trust, reliability, and lasting partnerships.

For nearly a century, Sullivan Eastern has been a trusted name in North Carolina's heavy civil construction industry, specializing in site development, grading, earthwork, underground utilities, and infrastructure construction.

Our success is built on our Safety First 24/7 culture, integrity, accountability, and commitment to delivering quality projects.

As our company continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager – Heavy Civil & Preconstruction to support competitive bidding, project cost development, and preconstruction operations.

POSITION SUMMARY

Sullivan Eastern, Inc. is seeking an experienced heavy civil construction professional with a strong background in preconstruction, competitive bidding, quantity takeoffs, and project cost analysis.

This position plays a critical role in evaluating potential construction projects, reviewing plans and specifications, preparing detailed cost estimates, and developing competitive proposals that support company growth and profitability.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive technical knowledge of site grading, earthwork, underground utilities, storm drainage, water and sewer systems, and commercial site development.

This is a preconstruction-focused position primarily responsible for project pricing, bid preparation, quantity takeoffs, and cost development rather than day-to-day field project management.

We are looking for someone who understands construction operations, can accurately evaluate labor, equipment, materials, and production requirements, and can translate that knowledge into competitive and profitable project proposals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIESPreconstruction & Cost Development

• Lead cost planning and pricing efforts for commercial, municipal, institutional, and private heavy civil construction projects.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documents to determine project scope and requirements.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for grading, earthwork, excavation, underground utilities, storm drainage, water and sewer systems, and site improvements.
• Prepare comprehensive construction cost estimates incorporating labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and general conditions.
• Calculate production rates, crew compositions, equipment utilization, and anticipated project durations.
• Analyze construction methods, site conditions, and potential project risks.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-effective construction solutions.
• Develop accurate and competitive project budgets while protecting company profitability.

Competitive Bidding & Proposal Management

• Manage the bidding process from initial project solicitation through final bid submission.
• Prepare detailed bid packages, cost breakdowns, and supporting documentation.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Review vendor proposals for completeness, competitiveness, and scope alignment.
• Monitor bid addenda, drawing revisions, and project scope changes.
• Clarify pricing assumptions, exclusions, and requirements with subcontractors, engineers, suppliers, and owners.
• Ensure bid submissions comply with applicable public and private project requirements.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project discussions.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop competitive bidding strategies.

Heavy Civil Construction Analysis

• Analyze grading plans, earthwork quantities, excavation requirements, and site development specifications.
• Evaluate storm drainage, water distribution, sanitary sewer, and underground utility systems.
• Determine labor resources, equipment needs, material quantities, and construction production rates.
• Assess hauling requirements, excavation conditions, and equipment productivity.
• Utilize construction software and digital takeoff tools to develop accurate project quantities and pricing.
• Apply practical field construction knowledge to ensure realistic cost assumptions.

Project Planning & Collaboration

• Work closely with project managers, superintendents, operations leadership, and field personnel during preconstruction.
• Participate in project planning discussions regarding construction methods, scheduling, and resource requirements.
• Assist with project handoffs following successful contract awards.
• Provide detailed cost breakdowns and project assumptions to support construction operations.
• Support budgeting, procurement planning, and initial project scheduling.
• Prepare pricing for change orders, scope revisions, and additional work.
• Maintain organized bid documentation, historical pricing records, and cost databases.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in heavy civil construction estimating, preconstruction, project cost development, or a closely related technical role.
• Strong background in site development, grading, earthwork, excavation, and underground utilities.
• Demonstrated experience preparing competitive construction bids and detailed cost estimates.
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze civil construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Hands-on experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs for heavy civil construction projects.
• Strong understanding of labor productivity, equipment utilization, material pricing, subcontractor costs, and construction production rates.
• Experience developing project budgets, cost breakdowns, and bid proposals.
• Familiarity with commercial, municipal, institutional, or private infrastructure projects.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with HCSS HeavyBid and/or AGTEK is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Carlson, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or comparable construction software.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with North Carolina DOT, municipal, commercial, or institutional construction projects.
• Knowledge of North Carolina heavy civil construction markets, subcontractors, suppliers, and material pricing.
• Experience with earthwork modeling, grading calculations, and underground utility systems.
• Understanding of construction sequencing, field productivity, equipment requirements, and scheduling.
• Experience pricing change orders, negotiated projects, and design revisions.

WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL

The ideal candidate combines strong technical construction knowledge with analytical skills, attention to detail, and a strategic approach to project pricing.

You understand that successful construction projects begin with accurate quantities, realistic production assumptions, competitive pricing, and thorough preconstruction planning.

You will thrive in this position if you:

• Understand heavy civil construction methods and field operations.
• Can independently analyze construction drawings and develop accurate project costs.
• Recognize potential construction challenges and pricing risks.
• Balance competitive bidding with long-term profitability.
• Manage multiple deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, operations teams, and subcontractors.
• Demonstrate accountability, initiative, and strong decision-making skills.
• Value safety, integrity, teamwork, and quality workmanship.

WHY JOIN SULLIVAN EASTERN?

At Sullivan Eastern, your expertise will directly contribute to securing and developing infrastructure projects throughout North Carolina.

With nearly 100 years of industry experience, Sullivan Eastern offers the stability of an established heavy civil contractor and opportunities to make a meaningful impact within a growing organization.

You'll collaborate with experienced construction professionals who value technical knowledge, accountability, and operational excellence.

BENEFITS & OPPORTUNITIES

• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Collaborative, Safety-Driven Work Environment

Schedule: Full-Time, Monday through Friday

Work Location: In Person, Morrisville, NC

JOIN OUR TEAM

Are you an experienced heavy civil construction professional with a strong background in preconstruction, competitive bidding, quantity takeoffs, and cost development?

Sullivan Eastern, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented professional who understands the complexities of grading, earthwork, underground utilities, and site development.

If you have the technical expertise to analyze complex construction projects, develop competitive pricing, and contribute to the success of an established heavy civil contractor, we encourage you to apply.

Build your future with Sullivan Eastern, Inc.