Project Manager - Heavy Civil

Project Manager

Our client is seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee heavy civil construction projects from preconstruction and mobilization through completion. This position will manage project schedules, budgets, resources, subcontractor coordination, client communication, and overall execution while maintaining a strong connection to field operations. The Project Manager will work closely with company leadership, Superintendents, field teams, subcontractors, and clients to keep projects progressing safely, efficiently, and in accordance with contractual requirements.

The ideal candidate combines strong project management capabilities with practical knowledge of heavy civil construction, including grading, earthwork, underground utilities, concrete, paving, and related site development scopes. This position requires someone who is equally comfortable reviewing schedules and costs in the office, walking a project with a Superintendent, and communicating with senior client representatives. The successful candidate will have significant ownership of assigned projects and the ability to assume increasing operational responsibility as the company continues to grow.

Why Join Our Client?

Our client is a growing heavy civil contractor serving commercial, industrial, infrastructure, and energy-related projects. The company performs complex site development and civil construction work requiring close coordination between project management and field operations. Its project portfolio provides exposure to technically demanding work while maintaining an organization where project leaders remain closely connected to company leadership and the crews executing the work.

This position offers an experienced Project Manager substantial ownership over project execution without the layers of a large corporate organization. The individual selected will work directly with senior leadership, develop strong relationships with clients and field teams, and become a trusted resource for Superintendents managing work in the field. As the company expands its project portfolio, the role provides room for a proven Project Manager to take on broader responsibility within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage heavy civil construction projects from planning and mobilization through execution, closeout, and turnover.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, resource plans, cost controls, and other tools necessary to keep projects on track.
• Coordinate Superintendents, field personnel, subcontractors, vendors, and internal resources to support efficient project execution.
• Maintain an active presence on project sites, particularly during mobilization, startup, and other critical phases requiring increased management attention.
• Serve as a primary client liaison, maintaining professional communication with stakeholders ranging from senior leadership and ownership representatives to project-level personnel.
• Support Superintendents and field teams by resolving project issues, coordinating resources, communicating priorities, and providing informed decisions based on a practical understanding of the work.
• Monitor project performance, identify schedule or cost risks, and implement corrective actions before issues materially affect project delivery.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and communicate project status, financial performance, resource needs, and significant issues to company leadership.

Requirements

• 5+ years of project management experience within heavy civil construction or a closely related civil construction environment.
• Hands-on project experience involving grading, earthwork, underground utilities, concrete, paving, site development, or comparable heavy civil scopes.
• Demonstrated experience managing project schedules, budgets, resources, subcontractors, and field execution.
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods with the technical credibility to effectively support and work alongside Superintendents and field personnel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to represent the company professionally with senior client representatives, project stakeholders, subcontractors, and field crews.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and construction scheduling tools, including Microsoft Project.
• Ability to travel to project sites based on project needs, with greater field presence expected during startup and other critical phases of construction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Experience managing multiple heavy civil scopes within a single project.
• Experience working within a growing contractor where Project Managers maintain direct responsibility for both client relationships and field execution.

About J.Riley Recruitment

J.Riley Recruitment is THE Veteran-Owned Professional Search Firm connecting Military Veterans and Top Professionals with the Best Companies. Since our founding in 2020, J.Riley Recruitment has leveraged over a decade of Talent Acquisition expertise to deliver exceptional results. Our network extends coast to coast, empowering organizations nationwide to overcome challenges and achieve success.

Built on a foundation of integrity, discipline, and precision, we bring the same operational excellence and adaptability to recruitment that defines top-tier organizations. By understanding our clients' unique challenges and aligning with their goals, we deliver high-performing talent that drives long-term success.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.