Project Manager - Wet Utilities & Grading

The Opportunity

A well-established, third-generation Southern California contractor is looking for an experienced Project Manager to join its team and play a key role in managing complex wet utility and grading projects throughout the region.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who has built a strong technical foundation in heavy civil construction and understands how to manage a project beyond the paperwork. The right person will be comfortable getting into the details of plans, specifications, costs, contracts and field execution while also building strong relationships with clients and project teams.

The company has built its business around long-term relationships, mentorship and a commitment to helping its people succeed. Many of its client relationships span decades, creating an environment focused on doing quality work, solving problems and earning the opportunity to work together again.

What You'll Do

As Project Manager, you will take ownership of multiple projects from turnover through completion, working closely with Superintendents, Foremen, Project Engineers, clients, subcontractors and vendors.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage multiple wet utility and grading projects concurrently, typically representing approximately $6–8M in combined backlog.
• Review and understand project scope, plans, specifications, inclusions, exclusions and contractual requirements.
• Negotiate and administer client, subcontractor and vendor contracts.
• Partner closely with field leadership to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget and according to plans and specifications.
• Manage project budgets, job costs, forecasting and cost-at-completion reporting.
• Identify, price, negotiate and manage project changes and change orders.
• Monitor project performance and work with Superintendents and Foremen to address potential cost, schedule or execution concerns.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, including RFIs, submittals, contracts, change orders, logs, meeting documentation and closeout materials.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships with the goal of creating long-term partnerships and repeat business.
• Provide direction, support and mentorship to Project Engineers.

What We're Looking For

The strongest candidates will bring significant Project Management experience within heavy civil construction, with particular depth in wet utilities and additional experience with grading/sitework.

Ideal experience includes:

• Approximately 10+ years of relevant construction experience.
• Strong knowledge of wet utility construction, including the ability to understand and work through project plans, specifications and field conditions.
• Meaningful grading/sitework experience.
• Experience with public works and/or government projects.
• Strong understanding of estimating, negotiating, job costing, change management and project financials.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications.
• Experience managing projects ranging from smaller, shorter-duration work to complex multimillion-dollar projects.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam; experience with HeavyJob, HeavyBid and/or Foundation is valuable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Beyond the Resume

Technical experience is important, but this company is equally intentional about how its people work.

The right person will be someone who:

• Takes ownership and is willing to acknowledge mistakes.
• Continues looking for ways to grow and improve, regardless of experience level.
• Can confidently make decisions without bringing ego into the room.
• Respects differing perspectives and handles disagreement professionally.
• Takes genuine pride in producing excellent work.
• Values collaboration, mentorship and helping the people around them succeed.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated base salary range is $140,000–$170,000, depending on experience.

The overall package includes:

• Annual bonus opportunity, historically paid quarterly
• Company health & welfare contribution
• Medical and dental benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Company vehicle and gas card
• Company-provided cell phone and laptop
• 10 days PTO plus 6 paid holidays
• Some flexibility in schedule and work location may be available as the individual becomes established within the team