Construction Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Construction Manager to oversee municipal and public-sector building projects from planning through completion. Based in Laguna Hills, California, this position will manage project execution on the owner's behalf, coordinating general contractors, architects, consultants, and other project stakeholders while maintaining control of schedule, documentation, reporting, quality, and overall project progress. The Construction Manager will assume day-to-day ownership of assigned projects while working closely with company leadership throughout delivery.

The ideal candidate brings approximately 5 to 10 years of construction management experience, including ground-up commercial or municipal building projects and direct experience operating in an owner's representative, construction management, or program management environment. This role is well suited for someone capable of independently managing projects while maintaining strong communication with an experienced Civil Engineer and licensed PE who understands the construction management process. As the company builds its internal team, this individual will have meaningful responsibility and visibility within the organization.

Our client is an established construction management firm with more than seven years of experience supporting public-sector and municipal projects throughout Southern California. Historically operating with a combination of company leadership and contract resources, the organization is entering a new stage of growth and beginning to build its first permanent internal team.

This position offers the opportunity to join that expansion at an early stage while working directly with experienced leadership. Rather than becoming another layer within a large organization, the Construction Manager will take meaningful ownership of projects and help expand the firm's delivery capacity as additional work is secured. The company intends this to be a long-term hire, with the successful candidate transitioning between projects as the firm's portfolio continues to grow.

• Manage municipal and commercial construction projects from preconstruction and planning through closeout, maintaining accountability for day-to-day project execution.
• Oversee and coordinate general contractors, architects, engineers, consultants, and other project participants on behalf of the project owner.
• Monitor project schedules, construction progress, outstanding issues, documentation, and deliverables to identify risks and keep projects moving toward completion.
• Maintain the detailed reporting, records, correspondence, and supporting documentation required for public-sector projects, audits, and stakeholder review.
• Coordinate communication among owners, contractors, design professionals, consultants, and municipal stakeholders to resolve issues and maintain alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review project information, identify potential conflicts or challenges, and work with leadership and project stakeholders to develop practical solutions.
• Manage multiple project priorities independently while keeping company leadership appropriately informed of progress, risks, decisions, and required actions.
• Support successful project closeout by ensuring outstanding documentation, reporting, punch-list items, and stakeholder requirements are addressed.

• Approximately 5+ years of construction management experience, with demonstrated responsibility for managing commercial or institutional construction projects.
• Experience performing true owner-side construction management, owner's representative, or program management responsibilities rather than solely working in a general contractor project management or superintendent capacity.
• Experience managing ground-up building construction and coordinating contractors, architects, engineers, consultants, and project owners.
• Strong understanding of construction documentation, schedules, project reporting, issue tracking, coordination, and project closeout processes.
• Strong computer proficiency, including practical day-to-day use of Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and other business or project-management systems.
• Ability to independently manage assigned projects while communicating effectively with company leadership and external project stakeholders.
• Strong written communication and organizational skills necessary to manage the documentation and reporting requirements associated with complex construction projects.

• Experience managing municipal, public-sector, or other government-funded construction projects.
• Experience with ground-up municipal facilities such as community buildings, libraries, public safety facilities, or similar institutional projects.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional Engineer licensure or an engineering background that provides a strong foundation in construction problem-solving and technical coordination.
• Experience working within a construction management, engineering consulting, or program management firm serving as the owner's representative.

J.Riley Recruitment is a Veteran-Owned Professional Search Firm serving companies and professionals nationwide across Architecture/Engineering, Construction, Manufacturing, Energy, and Business Operations.

Since 2020, we have combined industry expertise, market intelligence, and disciplined execution with a direct, relationship-driven recruiting approach designed to align professionals with opportunities that fit their experience, goals, and long-term career interests.

Through the J.Riley Veteran Talent Network, we also maintain a dedicated connection to the Military Veteran community, helping experienced Veterans translate their military and civilian backgrounds into professional career opportunities.

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.