Independent Contractor Project Management Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA

General Description

The Project Manager is responsible for successfully managing construction projects from contract award through completion, with primary responsibility for project execution, client satisfaction, cost control, scheduling, subcontractor coordination, documentation, and overall project performance.

This is a mid-level Project Manager position based in our Baton Rouge, Louisiana office, with regular travel to project sites, including Norco and other industrial project locations. We are seeking an established construction Project Manager who can independently manage projects, take ownership of assigned responsibilities, communicate effectively with clients and field personnel, and proactively identify and resolve project issues.

The Project Manager will work closely with Project Superintendents, estimators, subcontractors, vendors, clients, and internal management to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with contract requirements and company standards.

The successful candidate should have a proven track record managing industrial civil construction projects and be comfortable transitioning between office-based project management and active construction-site environments. The position requires a strong understanding of how field operations, scheduling, procurement, subcontractors, project costs, and client expectations interact.

Responsibilities include reviewing project scope and plans for constructability and value-engineering opportunities; developing and maintaining project schedules; coordinating subcontractors and material procurement; negotiating and managing subcontracts and purchase orders; managing project costs and change orders; coordinating submittals and permits; conducting project meetings; maintaining accurate project records; and physically inspecting jobsites to monitor progress, quality, and compliance.

The ideal candidate will be organized, accountable, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities. The Project Manager should be confident communicating with clients and addressing project issues professionally, while identifying potential problems before they negatively affect cost, schedule, quality, or client satisfaction. The successful candidate should be capable of independently managing projects without requiring senior-level oversight while continuing to grow within the organization.

Essential Functions

Manage construction projects from contract award through project closeout, maintaining responsibility for schedule, cost, quality, documentation, and client satisfaction.

Meet with clients/customers regularly to review project status, understand expectations, and address questions, concerns, and issues promptly.

Visit project jobsites, including Norco and other project locations, to review progress, clarify scope, coordinate with field personnel, and identify potential issues.

Review plans, specifications, contracts, and project scope for constructability, completeness, and potential value-engineering opportunities.

Develop and implement strategies for self-performing and subcontracting project activities to achieve project objectives for cost, schedule, safety, and quality.

Coordinate and manage subcontractors, vendors, and material suppliers.

Negotiate and manage contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, and other project agreements in accordance with company requirements.

Develop, update, maintain project schedules and coordinate with the Project Superintendent to ensure field activities remain on schedule.

Identify potential project issues, delays, scope gaps, and cost impacts and facilitate timely solutions.

Proactively identify and address issues before they negatively affect project cost, schedule, quality, or client satisfaction.

Conduct and document project progress meetings with clients, subcontractors, vendors, and internal personnel as appropriate.

Establish and maintain appropriate project controls, including submittal logs, RFI logs, change order logs, procurement tracking, and other project documentation.

Manage project costs and financial performance to ensure projects remain within established budgets.

Review, document, negotiate, and manage changes in the work, including preparation and tracking of change orders.

Coordinate required submittals, permits, documentation, and other project requirements.

Maintain accurate project records and documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

Monitor project progress through regular site visits and coordination with field personnel.

Maintain effective communication between the office, field personnel, clients, subcontractors, and vendors.

Document substantial completion and manage the project closeout process to ensure timely completion of outstanding work and documentation.

Participate in weekly staff and project meetings.

Assist the Project Superintendent as needed with project coordination, planning, scheduling, and problem resolution.

Support estimating and proposal activities as needed, including reviewing scope, quantities, subcontractor proposals, and project requirements.

Manage multiple project priorities and deadlines while maintaining organization, accuracy, and accountability.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Collaboration and Teamwork

Strong Communication and Client Relations

Project Management and Leadership

Organizational and Problem-Solving Skills

Time Management and Ability to Prioritize

Ability to Manage Multiple Priorities

Construction Plan and Drawing Interpretation

Cost Control and Financial Awareness

Contract and Change Order Management

Negotiation Skills

Attention to Detail

Accountability and Dependability

Proactive Problem Solving

Ethical Conduct and Professionalism

Computer Literacy and Construction Software Proficiency

Ability to Work Independently

Ability to Build and Maintain Professional Relationships

Physical Demands

This position requires work in both an office and construction-site environment.

In the office, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to grip, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk and must be able to lift and/or move objects up to 25 lbs.

Regular field visits to construction sites are required. Jobsite work will predominantly be outdoors and may involve walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs or accessing active work areas, and exposure to construction-related conditions. Exposure to extreme hot or cold outdoor temperatures is possible.

The employee must be able to safely perform required jobsite activities and comply with all applicable site-specific safety requirements.

Position Type/Expected Work Hours

This is a full-time, salary position based primarily out of the Baton Rouge, Louisiana office.

The position is approximately 90% office/project-management work and 10% field/site visits, although this may vary based on project requirements. Regular travel to jobsites, including Norco and other industrial project locations, is expected.

Days and hours of work may vary based on project and jobsite requirements. Occasional evenings, weekends, overnights, or extended travel may be required as project demands dictate.

Required Education and Experience

5+ years of construction project management experience, preferably in industrial civil construction.

Demonstrated experience independently managing construction projects from award through completion.

Experience managing both self-performed work and subcontracted work.

Experience with project scheduling, cost control, change orders, subcontractor management, and project documentation.

Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and scopes of work.

Experience communicating directly with clients, subcontractors, vendors, and field personnel.

Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and project requirements.

Demonstrated ability to proactively identify project issues and develop effective solutions.

Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with project teams and field personnel.

Proficiency with computer software used in the construction industry and project management.

Understanding of construction project cost control and financial management.

Understanding of software applications associated with managing and controlling project workflow.

A degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred but may be substituted with relevant construction experience.

Industry-Related Requirements

Must hold a valid TWIC Card or be able to obtain one as required by project assignments.

Must hold a valid OSHA Basic Plus certification or be able to obtain one.

Must be able to successfully complete all applicable Safety Council and site-specific safety courses.

Must undergo required pre-employment screening, including physical examination, drug and alcohol screening, audiogram, and fit testing when applicable.

Must hold a valid driver's license and maintain an acceptable driving record to operate company vehicles and/or equipment.

Must be willing and able to travel to project sites, including industrial facilities in Norco and other locations, as required.

The individual who occupies this position must not pose a direct threat or significant risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of the individual or others that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable accommodation.