Construction Manager – Ground-Up Public Works

Summary

Our client is an established construction management firm providing project management and construction services for private and public-sector clients throughout Southern California. They are seeking an experienced Construction Manager to oversee a ground-up public works project in South Orange County. The initial project is expected to run approximately 14–15 months and will involve managing construction activities, coordinating project stakeholders, maintaining schedules and quality standards, and ensuring successful project delivery. The ideal candidate will have proven ground-up construction experience, with preference given to candidates who have worked on public works, municipal, K-12, or other institutional projects. While this position is being hired for a specific project, it is intended to be a long-term opportunity, with the successful candidate transitioning to additional projects upon completion.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Project Management & Construction Oversight
  • Manage day-to-day construction activities for a ground-up public works project from mobilization through completion.
  • Provide leadership and oversight throughout all phases of construction.
  • Coordinate closely with the owner, architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, inspectors, and other project stakeholders.
  • Monitor project schedules, milestones, manpower, materials, and overall progress.
  • Identify potential schedule, cost, quality, and constructability issues and develop proactive solutions.
  • Ensure construction activities are completed in accordance with approved plans, specifications, contracts, schedules, and project requirements.
  • Conduct regular site visits and monitor field progress and workmanship.
  • Coordinate project meetings and maintain clear communication with all project stakeholders.
  • Review project documentation, drawings, specifications, submittals, RFIs, change orders, and other construction documents.
  • Assist with project closeout, punch lists, inspections, documentation, and final turnover.
• Public Works & Compliance
  • Coordinate construction activities in accordance with applicable public works requirements, regulations, and project standards.
  • Work with municipalities, public agencies, inspectors, design professionals, and contractors as required.
  • Monitor compliance with applicable building codes, safety requirements, and project specifications.
  • Maintain accurate project records, reports, meeting documentation, and progress updates.
  • Support quality control and ensure deficiencies are identified and addressed in a timely manner.
• Project Coordination & Communication
  • Serve as a key point of coordination between the client, project team, contractors, and field personnel.
  • Review contractor schedules and progress and communicate potential impacts to project leadership.
  • Coordinate inspections, testing, deliveries, site logistics, and other project activities.
  • Participate in preconstruction and project planning activities.
  • Help resolve field issues and facilitate communication between project stakeholders.
  • Maintain professional relationships with clients, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and public-sector representatives.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 5–10 years of progressive construction management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Proven experience managing ground-up construction projects.
• Experience managing projects from preconstruction through completion and closeout.
• Public works, municipal, K-12, institutional, or other government project experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of construction processes, scheduling, project coordination, quality control, and field operations.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, schedules, and other project documents.
• Strong understanding of construction safety requirements, building codes, and quality standards.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively coordinate with owners, architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, inspectors, and other project stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced construction environment.
• Proficiency with construction management and project documentation software such as Procore, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms preferred.
• Must be able to work onsite in Laguna Beach, CA during the initial 6–8 weeks.
• Following the initial period, ability to work a hybrid schedule consisting of approximately 2 days in the office and 3 days split between the project site in Dana Point and remote work.