General Contractor Project Manager Jobs in California

About the Company

The company is a well-established, family-owned general contractor that has been serving Southern California for decades. Specializing in commercial, industrial, aerospace, defense, and specialty engineering projects, the company has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional craftsmanship, innovative solutions, and dependable project execution.

Unlike many general contractors, the company self-performs critical scopes of work—including structural concrete, metal stud framing, drywall, and doors/hardware—allowing for greater control over quality, scheduling, and project outcomes.

The company has successfully partnered with some of the nation's most respected organizations, including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and Six Flags Magic Mountain, delivering projects that demand precision, security, and operational excellence.

About the Position

The company is seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee commercial, industrial, aerospace, and specialty construction projects throughout Southern California.

This role offers the opportunity to manage projects from preconstruction through final closeout while working closely with field leadership, self-performing crews, subcontractors, and clients. The ideal candidate is a hands-on builder who understands both the technical and operational aspects of construction and enjoys solving complex project challenges.

The Project Manager will be responsible for ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards while maintaining strong relationships with owners, architects, engineers, and project stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Execution

• Manage all phases of commercial and industrial construction projects ranging from approximately $500,000 to $20 million+.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, milestone tracking, and short-term look-ahead plans.
• Coordinate daily activities with Superintendents, Project Engineers, subcontractors, and self-performing field crews.
• Perform regular site visits to monitor project progress, quality, productivity, and safety performance.
• Proactively identify and resolve scheduling, constructability, procurement, and field coordination challenges.

Financial & Contract Management

• Prepare and review project estimates, quantity takeoffs, and value engineering opportunities.
• Manage project budgets, forecasting, cost reporting, and cost-to-complete projections.
• Administer subcontracts, purchase orders, owner change orders, and potential change items.
• Oversee project billing, pay applications, schedule of values, and financial reporting.
• Coordinate RFIs, submittals, and document control between project teams and design professionals.

Client & Team Leadership

• Serve as the primary point of contact for owners, architects, engineers, municipal agencies, and client representatives.
• Lead Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings and maintain accurate project documentation.
• Build long-term client relationships through proactive communication, responsiveness, and exceptional project execution.
• Collaborate with internal operations teams to ensure successful project delivery from start to finish.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of Project Management experience with a commercial or industrial general contractor.
• Experience managing commercial, industrial, manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or specialty construction projects.
• Previous experience working for a self-performing general contractor is highly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Building Science, or related field preferred (equivalent industry experience will also be considered).
• Strong knowledge of:
• Structural concrete
• Structural steel
• Metal stud framing
• Drywall systems
• MEP coordination
• Pre-engineered metal buildings
• Experience with secure facilities, aerospace manufacturing, SCIF construction, cleanrooms, testing facilities, or similar specialized environments is a significant advantage.
• Proficiency with Procore, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project and/or Primavera P6, and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong estimating, budgeting, scheduling, contract administration, and value engineering experience.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to successfully pass background requirements necessary for work within aerospace and defense facilities is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary $130,000-$140,000
• Company truck
• Gas card
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid vacation and company holidays
• Long-term career advancement opportunities
• Opportunity to work on complex, high-profile commercial and aerospace projects throughout Southern California
• Stable, family-owned company with a collaborative culture and strong reputation for quality