Contract Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Project Manager is responsible for the overall planning, execution, financial management, and successful completion of heavy civil construction projects. This role oversees all phases of project delivery, from preconstruction and procurement through construction and closeout, ensuring projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with contract requirements.

The Project Manager serves as the primary point of contact for clients, project stakeholders, subcontractors, and internal teams while providing leadership, risk management, and operational oversight throughout the project lifecycle.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and manage project schedules and timelines to ensure successful project delivery.
• Monitor project budgets, costs, and financial performance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify potential cost overruns or cost-saving opportunities and implement corrective actions.
• Lead project buyout and procurement activities, including subcontractor and supplier selection, contract negotiation, and material procurement.
• Manage subcontractor performance and ensure compliance with project requirements.
• Coordinate with owners, engineers, inspectors, and field personnel to ensure work is completed according to plans and specifications.
• Ensure project activities comply with all applicable safety standards, quality requirements, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain project documentation including contracts, submittals, RFIs, meeting minutes, change orders, and project records.
• Review project documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for federal clients and project stakeholders.
• Provide regular project updates regarding schedule, budget, risks, and overall project performance.
• Lead project meetings and communicate project information clearly and professionally.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Address client concerns promptly and professionally to ensure customer satisfaction.

• Develop project cost forecasts and provide financial reporting to senior leadership.
• Manage project cash flow, budgets, forecasting, and cost controls.
• Review and approve project expenditures, subcontractor invoices, and change orders.
• Ensure all contract requirements are met and properly documented.
• Manage scope changes and ensure modifications are appropriately priced, documented, negotiated, and approved.

• Conduct site visits to monitor project progress and support field operations.
• Provide quality control oversight throughout all phases of construction.
• Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies to minimize schedule delays and budget impacts.
• Support project teams in resolving construction, design, and operational challenges.
• Ensure project deliverables meet contractual requirements and quality standards.

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience serving as a Project Manager in heavy civil construction or a related construction environment.
• Must have served as Project Manager on at least two (2) design-build projects of similar size, scope, and complexity to large-scale federal or public infrastructure projects.
• Must have served as Project Manager on at least two (2) construction projects with a contract value of $10 million or greater.
• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, schedules, procurement activities, subcontractors, and project financial performance.
• Strong knowledge of heavy civil construction methods, materials, equipment, and industry standards.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, project controls, risk management, and change order management.
• Demonstrated experience in client-facing project management roles.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Proficiency with project management software such as Procore or similar platforms.

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience using Primavera P6 scheduling software.
• Experience working on federal, state, or municipal construction projects.
• Knowledge of federal construction requirements, reporting procedures, and compliance standards.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience serving as a Project Manager in heavy civil construction or a related construction environment.
• Must have served as Project Manager on at least two (2) design-build projects of similar size, scope, and complexity to large-scale federal or public infrastructure projects.
• Must have served as Project Manager on at least two (2) construction projects with a contract value of $10 million or greater.
• Demonstrated experience in client-facing project management roles.
• Experience working with federal, state, or municipal clients preferred.

• Ability to travel to project sites as needed.
• Ability to walk active construction sites and navigate uneven terrain.
• Ability to climb ladders, access elevated work areas, and conduct field inspections.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.

• Combination of office and active construction site environments.
• Frequent interaction with clients, subcontractors, project teams, inspectors, and regulatory agencies.
• May require periodic travel and extended work hours to support project schedules and deadlines.