Asst Project Manager - Construction (APM)

Job Description

Job Description

Sunland is seeking a motivated, technically capable, and relationship-oriented Assistant Project Manager – Construction (APM) to join our growing Project Management and Construction Management (PM/CM) team in San Antonio, Texas.

This is an owner-side construction management position supporting the successful delivery of capital improvement and construction projects. The APM will work alongside experienced Project Managers and Construction Managers to represent the owner's interests, coordinate project stakeholders, manage construction administration activities, and help maintain control over project scope, schedule, cost, and quality.

A significant part of this role involves understanding contractual requirements, evaluating proposed changes, reviewing contractor proposals, and helping resolve scope and cost disagreements through effective communication, sound technical analysis, and collaborative problem-solving.

The ideal candidate brings more than organizational skills. We are looking for an emerging construction management professional who demonstrates good judgment, professional confidence, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage constructively with general contractors, design professionals, and owner representatives.

This position offers meaningful exposure to the technical, commercial, and relationship-management aspects of owner-side project delivery, with opportunities to develop into a Project Manager role.

Key Responsibilities

Owner Representation & Stakeholder Management

• Support the Project Manager in representing the owner's interests throughout design, construction, and project closeout.
• Serve as a professional liaison between the owner, general contractor, architects, engineers, consultants, and other project stakeholders.
• Build productive working relationships while maintaining accountability for contractual obligations, project requirements, and performance expectations.
• Facilitate communication and resolution of project issues, including scope disagreements, construction conflicts, and competing stakeholder priorities.
• Participate in project meetings, document decisions, and follow through on action items and commitments.
• Communicate project concerns, potential risks, and recommended solutions clearly and professionally.
• Demonstrate diplomacy, tact, and sound judgment when navigating challenging project discussions.

Scope Management & Change Management

• Assist in establishing, monitoring, and maintaining project scope in accordance with contract documents, approved budgets, and owner requirements.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and other project documents to understand scope boundaries and contractor responsibilities.
• Evaluate contractor requests for changes, including proposed change orders, requests for equitable adjustments, and potential claims.
• Assist in determining whether proposed changes represent legitimate scope modifications or work already required by the contract documents.
• Review contractor change proposals for scope justification, quantity takeoffs, labor rates, material costs, equipment costs, markups, and potential schedule impacts.
• Coordinate with design professionals and project stakeholders to evaluate the technical merits and contractual basis of proposed changes.
• Support negotiations with general contractors to achieve fair, reasonable, and contractually supportable change order resolutions.
• Assist in resolving disagreements involving scope interpretation, unforeseen conditions, pricing, and responsibility for changed work.
• Maintain accurate change management logs, supporting documentation, cost analyses, and records of negotiated outcomes.
• Identify potential scope gaps, design coordination issues, and emerging changes before they adversely affect project cost or schedule.
• Prepare recommendations for Project Manager and owner review, recognizing established approval authorities and contractual procedures.

Project Controls, Cost & Schedule Management

• Assist in monitoring project budgets, commitments, expenditures, contingencies, and forecasts.
• Support review of contractor payment applications, progress billings, and supporting documentation.
• Assist with the development, review, and monitoring of construction schedules and project milestones.
• Evaluate reported construction progress against planned activities and contractual commitments.
• Support analysis of schedule impacts associated with proposed changes, delays, and unforeseen conditions.
• Identify cost and schedule risks and assist in developing mitigation strategies.
• Prepare project status reports, cost summaries, change order reports, and management presentations.

Construction Administration & Contract Compliance

• Assist with the administration of construction contracts and monitoring of contractor compliance with project requirements.
• Review and track RFIs, submittals, change orders, field directives, and other construction documentation.
• Coordinate with design professionals to obtain timely responses to technical questions and proposed changes.
• Participate in construction progress meetings, site observations, and coordination activities.
• Assist in identifying construction deficiencies, quality concerns, and contract compliance issues.
• Support procurement tracking, material expediting, and coordination of long-lead equipment.
• Assist with punch lists, substantial completion, final documentation, and project closeout.

Communication, Problem-Solving & Professional Development

• Approach project challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset and a commitment to collaborative problem-solving.
• Communicate effectively with individuals at all levels, from field personnel and subcontractors to senior client representatives.
• Exercise professionalism and composure when addressing disagreements, disputed changes, and competing priorities.
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze information, ask informed questions, and develop well-supported recommendations.
• Take ownership of assigned responsibilities while recognizing when issues require escalation or additional technical guidance.
• Work collaboratively with senior project management professionals to develop technical, contractual, and negotiation skills.
• Maintain a high standard of integrity, accountability, responsiveness, and client service.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline; equivalent relevant construction experience will be considered.
• 2–5 years of relevant experience in construction management, project engineering, project coordination, or construction administration preferred.
• Working knowledge of construction drawings, specifications, construction contracts, and project delivery processes.
• Familiarity with construction scope management, change orders, RFIs, submittals, and contractor payment applications.
• Ability to review construction documentation, identify inconsistencies, and evaluate project issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage professionally with contractors, consultants, and clients.
• Demonstrated analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, maintain accurate documentation, and follow through on commitments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Willingness to work on-site in San Antonio and visit project locations as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an owner's representative, construction management, or program management environment.
• Direct exposure to contractor change order evaluation, proposal review, cost analysis, or change negotiations.
• Experience interpreting construction contract documents and distinguishing base contract scope from additional work.
• Experience with public-sector capital improvement projects, including municipal, K-12, higher education, aviation, or institutional facilities.
• Familiarity with construction cost estimating, quantity takeoffs, labor productivity, and contractor pricing practices.
• Experience with Procore, Bluebeam, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar construction management software.
• Familiarity with construction scheduling, contract administration, and project controls.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), or interest in pursuing professional credentials such as PMP or CCM.

Professional Attributes We Value

Technical knowledge is important, but success in this role also requires strong interpersonal skills and professional judgment.

We are particularly interested in individuals who demonstrate:

• Professional confidence: Comfortable asking difficult questions, challenging assumptions respectfully, and advocating for the owner's interests.
• Diplomacy and relationship management: Able to maintain constructive contractor and client relationships even when resolving disagreements.
• Critical thinking: Capable of analyzing scope, pricing, and contractual issues rather than simply processing documentation.
• Negotiation aptitude: Interested in developing the ability to evaluate competing positions and reach fair, defensible resolutions.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities, follows through on commitments, and communicates proactively.
• Sound judgment: Understands when to resolve issues independently and when to seek guidance or elevate concerns.
• Growth mindset: Eager to learn from experienced professionals and develop into a well-rounded construction Project Manager.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on meaningful construction and capital improvement projects across Texas.
• Direct mentorship from experienced project and construction management professionals.
• Practical exposure to owner representation, contract administration, scope management, change management, and contractor negotiations.
• A collaborative professional environment that values initiative, integrity, accountability, and personal growth.
• Opportunities for career development and advancement within Sunland's growing Texas PM/CM practice.
• Competitive compensation commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Company benefits in accordance with applicable benefit plans and policies.

Join Our Team

If you're a construction professional who enjoys solving problems, working with people, understanding how projects come together, and protecting the interests of project owners, we'd like to hear from you.

We're particularly interested in candidates who want to move beyond routine project coordination and develop the technical, contractual, and leadership skills necessary to become successful construction Project Managers.

Apply through ZipRecruiter or message us directly to learn more about this opportunity.

Sunland Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants

Sunland Group, Inc. is a multidisciplinary company of professionals that was founded in 1985. We provide program and project management, engineering, architecture and construction management services for a variety of clients.

Company Description

Sunland Group, Inc. is a multidisciplinary company of professionals that was founded in 1985. We provide program and project management, engineering, architecture and construction management services for a variety of clients.