Senior Project Manager

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Senior Procurement Buyer positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 11:59 pm (PST). Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

• Mission: Connecting People, Places and Opportunities.
• Vision: To be an airport of choice by creating exceptional experiences.
• Core Values: REACH  
  • Respect 
  • Environmental Stewardship 
  • Accountability 
  • Collaboration 
  • Honesty

• Project Delivery & Technical Oversight
  • Lead and manage the full lifecycle of capital improvement projects - including scope definition, pre-design planning, design development, technical review, bidding, construction oversight, commissioning, and close-out
  • Develop scopes, schedules, budgets, technical specifications, logistics plans, and resource allocations for vertical and horizontal infrastructure projects
  • Oversee preparation of construction documents, design submittals, cost estimates, technical specifications, and permitting requirements
  • Conduct constructability analyses, review design packages, and coordinate engineering disciplines to resolve conflicts prior to construction
  • Administer and manage public works contracts, including A/E agreements, construction contracts, job order contracts, and alternative delivery methods (CMAR, DB, Progressive DB)
• Construction Execution & Compliance
  • Oversee contractors, inspectors, consultants, and construction management teams to ensure adherence to contract requirements, safety programs, building codes, and airport security protocols
  • Review and negotiate change orders, support guaranteed maximum price development, evaluate claims, and maintain strict compliance with public-sector contracting laws
  • Perform site inspections and ensure work conforms to specifications, plans, regulatory requirements, and safe construction practices
• Stakeholder Coordination
  • Maintain effective communication with internal airport divisions (operations, maintenance, finance, IT, security, environmental), external agencies, cities, utility providers, regulatory bodies, contractors, and consultants
  • Serve as a technical representative in meetings with contractors, consultants, tenants, community groups, and leadership
  • Coordinate logistics within an active airport environment to minimize impacts on passengers, tenants, and critical airport operations
• Project Controls & Risk Management
  • Monitor and report on project performance, cost/schedule status, technical risks, and milestone achievements
  • Identify issues early, recommend corrective actions, and guide project teams through problem resolution
  • Ensure project documentation, communication, and reporting meet division standards and regulatory requirements

• Extensive experience in public works, engineering, construction, architecture, business, project management, and capital project/contract administration 
• Proven ability to independently plan, administer, review, and manage the design and construction of capital projects while applying industry-standard project management practices, including budgeting, scheduling, coordination, and monitoring 
• Strong leadership and management skills with experience guiding multidisciplinary teams of construction managers, engineers, project managers, and inspectors
• Ability to communicate complex technical information, analyses, and recommendations in a clear and understandable manner for executive audiences
• Comprehensive knowledge of architectural and engineering design, construction practices across multiple disciplines, project management software, and applicable California, federal, state, and local building, contracting, safety, and regulatory requirements

• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, and resources while providing recommendations to ensure successful project delivery
• Lead project teams and coordinate stakeholders from project conception through completion, aligning efforts with organizational goals and project strategies
• Support executive management in the development of departmental objectives and provide leadership to internal and contracted staff to achieve business and project outcomes
• Build strong customer relationships by understanding and addressing needs within policy guidelines while maintaining a focus on service excellence
• Make ethical, well-informed business decisions using sound judgment, including in situations involving limited, complex, or conflicting information, while promoting safety compliance and safe work practices

• Interpret, enforce, and ensure compliance with project plans, specifications, schedules, contracts, and related requirements
• Identify, anticipate, and address issues affecting project scope, budget, schedule, and technical specifications, recommending and implementing necessary changes
• Perform quantity calculations, cost estimates, and other analyses required to support project planning and execution
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal staff, external stakeholders, contractors, agencies, and regulatory partners
• Research, evaluate, and apply technical data, policies, and industry standards to solve complex problems and provide accurate recommendations to management

• Plan, organize, and prioritize work effectively to ensure assignments and project deliverables remain on schedule
• Consistently complete assignments on time while adhering to budgetary and policy requirements
• Successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing competing demands and deadlines
• Adapt to changing priorities and business needs while maintaining focus on critical objectives and deliverables

• Experience presenting proposals, progress reports, recommendations, and project updates both orally and in writing to executive leadership, governing boards, contractors, and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated political acumen and professionalism when engaging with diverse internal and external stakeholders, including airport staff, tenants, community groups, public agencies, and elected officials
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, concise, and actionable messaging
• Proven ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with individuals and groups representing diverse interests, including contractors, department representatives, and business partners
• Experience leading negotiations and managing competitive procurement and bidding processes for complex contracts and project initiatives

LICENSE REQUIRED

 The successful candidate must obtain, possess, and maintain the following licenses:

• Valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher, by date of appointment
• Valid Airport Access Badge with an Airport Driving Endorsement within ten (10) days of employment

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)

Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.