Project Manager - Water/Wastewater

Project Manager

J.Riley Recruitment is seeking an experienced Project Manager for a heavy civil construction opportunity in Richmond, VA. This individual will take ownership of complex infrastructure projects, coordinating the people, resources, financials, and project controls necessary for successful delivery.

The ideal candidate combines strong construction fundamentals with practical leadership skills. Experience with pump stations, water or wastewater treatment facilities, and concrete-intensive construction is especially valuable. This position is well suited for a Project Manager who can anticipate problems, make sound decisions, communicate effectively with field and office teams, and maintain accountability throughout the life of a project.

Duties

Manage heavy civil and infrastructure projects from initial planning through completion, maintaining control of schedule, cost, quality, safety, and overall project performance.

Work closely with Superintendents and field leadership to coordinate construction activities, subcontractors, materials, equipment, sequencing, and upcoming milestones.

Manage project financial performance through accurate forecasting, cost tracking, billing, change management, and ongoing evaluation of project exposure.

Coordinate subcontractors, suppliers, design professionals, owners, and other stakeholders to resolve issues and keep work progressing according to plan.

Manage essential project controls, including schedules, RFIs, submittals, procurement, contracts, documentation, and reporting.

Evaluate scope changes and unforeseen conditions, determine potential cost and schedule impacts, and drive issues toward timely resolution.

Maintain strong working relationships with clients while communicating project progress, upcoming decisions, challenges, and solutions clearly and professionally.

Partner with field leadership to reinforce safe work practices and ensure completed work meets contractual and quality expectations.

Provide direction and mentorship to project staff, encouraging ownership, accountability, teamwork, and professional development.

Coordinate project turnover and closeout activities to ensure outstanding obligations and deliverables are completed.

Visit assigned projects and travel as required.

Requirements

5+ years of construction experience with progressive responsibility managing projects for a General Contractor.

Strong background in heavy civil, infrastructure, water/wastewater, industrial civil, or comparable complex construction.

Demonstrated success managing multimillion-dollar construction projects from planning through completion.

Proven ability to lead project teams and coordinate closely with Superintendents and field operations.

Strong understanding of construction scheduling, cost management, forecasting, subcontractor management, procurement, change management, contracts, and project controls.

Ability to effectively coordinate office and field operations while maintaining accountability for project performance.

Strong leadership, communication, organization, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to build productive relationships with clients, subcontractors, vendors, field personnel, and internal leadership.

Working knowledge of construction management technology and standard business software.

Ability to travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience managing pump station construction projects.

Experience with water and/or wastewater treatment plant construction.

Experience with concrete-intensive heavy civil construction, including structural or cast-in-place concrete.

Experience delivering public works, government, or other highly regulated infrastructure projects.

Familiarity with Procore or comparable construction management platforms.

Familiarity with Primavera P6 or similar scheduling software and Bluebeam or comparable construction document tools.

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.

OSHA 30 or comparable construction safety training.

Why Join Our Client

Our client offers the opportunity to manage challenging infrastructure projects where strong Project Managers can make a meaningful impact on both project outcomes and the people around them.

The organization values practical construction knowledge, accountability, teamwork, and leaders who stay engaged with their projects. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to take ownership of complex work, collaborate with experienced construction professionals, and continue developing toward greater project and operational leadership responsibilities.

About J.Riley Recruitment

J.Riley Recruitment is THE Veteran-Owned Business 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.