Senior Project Manager - Heavy Civil & Preconstruction

Job Description

Company: Sullivan Eastern, Inc. (SEI)

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Location: Morrisville, NC

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Job Type: Full-Time

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Work Location: In Person

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Department: Preconstruction

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WHO WE ARE\n

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

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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.

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

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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.

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POSITION SUMMARY\n

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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIESPreconstruction & Cost Development\n

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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You will thrive in this position if you:

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

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

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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.

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

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BENEFITS & OPPORTUNITIES\n

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

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Work Location: In Person, Morrisville, NC

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JOIN OUR TEAM\n

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

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

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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.

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Build your future with Sullivan Eastern, Inc.

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