Project Manager - Wet Utilities (Hybrid Possible)

About the role

A multi-generational, family-owned heavy civil contractor specializing in grading and wet utility construction in Southern California is looking for an experienced Project Manager - Wet Utilities. The role oversees several grading and wet utility projects from contract execution through closeout, owning project profitability, accuracy and client relationships while delivering safely, on schedule and within budget. It manages about $6-8 million in project backlog with a target gross profit margin of 28% or higher, and hybrid arrangements of 2-3 office days per week may be considered.

Key responsibilities

• Negotiate and administer contracts with clients, subcontractors and vendors with the President.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, keeping profitability, schedule and budget targets.
• Partner with Superintendents and Foremen so work meets plans, specifications, safety requirements and project KPIs.
• Lead change management, including pricing and timely billing of change orders.
• Oversee project billing, WIP reporting and cost-to-complete forecasting; prepare monthly Cost at Completion reports and approve weekly job cost invoices.
• Review daily field reports, conduct weekly job cost reviews and take part in project turnover meetings.
• Coordinate procurement of long-lead materials and equipment, and maintain project documentation such as submittals, RFIs, change orders, QC/QA reports and closeout packages.
• Develop and mentor Project Engineers, identify project risks and work within the established escalation structure.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a Project Manager with a heavy civil subcontractor or specialty contractor; general contractor backgrounds alone are not considered.
• Strong knowledge of wet utilities, especially water, sewer and storm drain construction; grading, earthwork and site development experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating contracts and owning project gross profit margins.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects and backlogs, and mentoring Project Engineers.
• Ability to manage projects across Temecula and San Diego County; candidates from Temecula Valley, Murrieta or the Inland Empire are preferred.

Required skills

• Job costing, WIP reporting, billing, budgeting and cost-to-complete forecasting.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

What we offer

• Base salary of $140,000-$160,000 depending on experience.
• Annual profit-based bonus of up to about $10,000.
• Medical insurance, two weeks of paid time off (three weeks negotiable) and six paid holidays.