Contractual Construction Risk Management Jobs in Fairfield, CT

Project Manager – Heavy Civil Construction

Location: Various Project Sites
Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $150,000–$170,000 (DOE) + Excellent Benefits & Bonus Program

About Waters Construction

Waters Construction is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our Heavy Civil team. This role is ideal for a construction professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering successful infrastructure projects while building strong relationships with clients, field teams, subcontractors, and project stakeholders.

Position Summary

The Project Manager is responsible for the successful financial, contractual, operational, and administrative management of heavy civil infrastructure projects. Working closely with superintendents, project engineers, estimators, owners, subcontractors, and executive leadership, this role ensures projects are delivered safely, profitably, on schedule, and in accordance with company standards.

The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, financially driven, and committed to operational excellence, risk management, and leadership development.

Typical Project Size

• Multiple projects ranging from approximately $1 million to $20 million
• Complex infrastructure projects ranging from approximately $5 million to $15 million
• DOT roadway, bridge, utility, paving, rail, sitework, and infrastructure projects

Key Responsibilities

Project Financial Management

• Manage overall project financial performance and profitability
• Lead subcontractor and material buyout efforts while maximizing project value and protecting scope
• Thoroughly review subcontractor scopes to eliminate gaps and reduce contractual risk
• Monitor labor, equipment, trucking, material, and subcontractor costs
• Maintain accurate forecasting and cost-to-complete projections
• Review quantities, production rates, earned revenue, and project trends
• Coordinate monthly project reviews with accounting and executive leadership
• Support cash flow management, billing, receivables, and payment tracking
• Understand project insurance requirements, risk allocation, and specialty coverages
• Support claims documentation and change management efforts

Scheduling & Project Controls

• Develop, maintain, and update project schedules
• Utilize Primavera and other scheduling platforms to manage project performance
• Coordinate sequencing, phasing, utility impacts, shutdowns, MOT stages, and subcontractor schedules
• Perform schedule analysis and recovery planning
• Establish and maintain project control systems
• Utilize HCSS and project management software effectively
• Maintain accurate cost coding and production tracking
• Monitor critical path activities and schedule risks
• Support implementation of company operational standards
• Leverage project data and analytics to improve performance

Operations & Field Coordination

• Partner closely with superintendents and field leadership teams
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor production, quality, schedule, and safety
• Assist field teams in resolving productivity and coordination challenges
• Understand heavy civil construction means and methods
• Coordinate manpower, equipment, trucking, subcontractors, and materials proactively
• Manage utility coordination, traffic control, environmental constraints, and permit compliance
• Support project startup, execution, and closeout activities
• Review RFIs, submittals, procurement status, and project documentation
• Understand quantity takeoffs and estimating fundamentals
• Maintain a detailed understanding of project scope and contract requirements

Client, Contract & Commercial Management

• Lead owner meetings and client coordination efforts
• Negotiate change orders, schedule impacts, and project issues professionally
• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers
• Resolve subcontractor and supplier issues proactively
• Understand contract language, risk exposure, and notice requirements
• Maintain documentation supporting claims and dispute resolution
• Support executive leadership and legal counsel during claims preparation
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements and documentation standards
• Manage DBE/SBE participation and compliance requirements when applicable
• Support procurement strategies and subcontractor prequalification efforts

Safety, Quality & Risk Management

• Promote and support a strong safety culture
• Participate in project safety reviews and site inspections
• Ensure quality control processes are implemented and maintained
• Support environmental compliance and permitting requirements
• Identify operational and contractual risks proactively
• Assist with incident investigations and corrective action planning
• Support railroad, utility, and specialty safety compliance requirements

Leadership & Team Development

• Mentor and develop project engineers and emerging leaders
• Build strong working relationships with field and office teams
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and a solutions-oriented mindset
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization
• Promote collaboration between field and office personnel
• Support and reinforce company culture and values
• Prioritize team success and project outcomes
• Build trust with clients, subcontractors, and project teams
• Lead through problem-solving, accountability, and continuous improvement

Qualifications

Experience

• 6+ years of heavy civil construction experience
• 4+ years of project engineering or project management experience
• Experience with DOT, bridge, utility, roadway, paving, rail, or infrastructure projects

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of heavy civil construction means and methods
• Project scheduling and sequencing expertise
• Cost tracking, forecasting, and production analysis
• Change order management
• Contract administration
• Quantity takeoffs and estimating fundamentals
• Subcontractor management
• Risk management awareness

Preferred Qualifications

• Primavera proficiency
• HCSS experience
• DOT, bridge, rail, or transit construction experience
• Design-build project experience
• Utility coordination experience
• Railroad or transit coordination experience
• OSHA 30 certification
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field

Leadership Expectations

• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Professionalism and accountability
• Ability to lead effectively under pressure
• Positive, collaborative leadership style
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Financial awareness and business acumen
• Commitment to mentoring and developing others

Compensation

• Salary Range: $150,000–$170,000 (DOE)
• Insurance: Premium Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (100% paid for the individual, 50% for family members)
• Bonus Program: Based on individual, company, and division performance
• 401k and Profit Sharing Plan: Safe harbor 401K profit sharing contribution. One-year vesting period for the profit sharing contribution.