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Independent Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

trimarkusa

Project Manager

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

The Project Manager reports to the Director, Project Managers * Located in Irvine, CA * Full-Time * ... Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with minimal supervision. * Critical thinking ...

Join Us At PASE!

Project Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$121K - $136K/yr

The Project Manager is the company liaison to the client for assigned projects. The Project Manager ... Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

trimarkusa

Project Manager

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

The Project Manager reports to the Director, Project Managers * Located in Irvine, CA * Full-Time * ... Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with minimal supervision. * Critical thinking ...

trimarkusa

Project Manager

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

The Project Manager reports to the Director, Project Managers * Located in Irvine, CA * Full-Time * ... Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with minimal supervision. * Critical thinking ...

Join Us At PASE!

Project Manager

San Ramon, CA · On-site

The Project Manager is the company liaison to the client for assigned projects. The Project Manager ... Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

JLL

Project Manager

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

PDS Project Manager What this job involves JLL is currently seeking a dynamic individual for the ... The successful candidate will require the independent judgment to plan, prioritize, and organize a ...

trimarkusa

Project Manager

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

The Project Manager reports to the Director, Project Managers * Located in Irvine, CA * Full-Time * ... Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with minimal supervision. * Critical thinking ...

trimarkusa

Project Manager

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

The Project Manager reports to the Director, Project Managers * Located in Irvine, CA * Full-Time * ... Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with minimal supervision. * Critical thinking ...

TekSky

Project Manager

Lakeside, CA · On-site

The Project Manager will be responsible for: Oversee risk management functions including contract ... Ability to work independently, but also in a team setting.

trimarkusa

Project Manager

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

The Project Manager reports to the Director, Project Managers * Located in Irvine, CA * Full-Time * ... Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with minimal supervision. * Critical thinking ...

RimePro Inc

Project Manager

Arcadia, CA · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

This position focuses on managing commercial projects ranging from $50K to $25M+, with ... Ability to operate independently while coordinating multiple departments and project demands ...

caspar.ai

Project Manager

Redwood City, CA

Project Manager Caspar.AI - Technology solutions for Senior Living Location: Across USA Overview ... Must be a self-starter with high attention to detail, able to work on assigned tasks independently ...

RimePro Inc

Project Manager

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

This position focuses on managing commercial projects ranging from $50K to $25M+, with ... Ability to operate independently while coordinating multiple departments and project demands ...

LLNL

Project Manager

Livermore, CA · Hybrid

Utilize independent judgement to identify, assess, and manage project risks. Implement mitigation strategies and ensure project delivery within schedule and cost objectives. * Prepare and deliver ...

Pacific Coast Trane

Project Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$10 - $150/hr

Works independently, exercises discretion, applies common sense, and makes competent decisions * Constantly analyzes for ways to improve individual and team performance * Manage assigned projects ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsIndependent Project JobsIndependent Project Manager JobsIndependent Project Manager Jobs in California

Independent Project Manager information

See California salary details

$38K

$101.3K

$159.9K

How much do independent project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent project manager in California is $101,337.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $121,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent project manager?

Independent Project Managers are professionals who oversee and coordinate projects on a contract or freelance basis, rather than being employed by a single organization. They manage timelines, budgets, resources, and communication among stakeholders to ensure successful project completion. Their independence allows them to take on projects across different industries and clients, providing flexibility and a broad range of experience. Independent Project Managers must be skilled in project management methodologies, problem-solving, and client relations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent project manager?

To thrive as an Independent Project Manager, you need strong project management skills, experience leading cross-functional teams, and typically a bachelor’s degree in business, management, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software like Microsoft Project, Asana, or Trello, and certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2, are often required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and self-motivation help you effectively manage stakeholders and adapt to changing project demands. These skills and qualities ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to the satisfaction of all parties involved.

What are some common challenges faced by independent project managers, and how can they effectively address them?

Independent Project Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning diverse stakeholder expectations, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and ensuring clear communication without the support of a larger in-house team. To address these issues, it's important to establish robust communication channels early, set clear project goals and deliverables, and use reliable project management tools to stay organized. Building strong relationships with clients and project teams can also help anticipate potential roadblocks and foster collaborative problem-solving.

What is the difference between Independent Project Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectIndependent Project ManagerProject Coordinator
CredentialsPM certifications (PMP, CAPM), relevant experienceEntry-level certifications, organizational skills
Work EnvironmentFreelance or contract basis, client sites, remoteOffice or project site, supporting project teams
Employer & IndustryConsulting firms, corporations, clients across industriesOrganizations, project teams, internal departments

While both roles involve project work, an Independent Project Manager manages projects independently, often on a contract basis, with a focus on planning, execution, and delivery. A Project Coordinator supports project managers by handling administrative tasks, scheduling, and communication. The Independent Project Manager typically has more experience and certifications, working in diverse environments, whereas the Project Coordinator plays a supportive role within organizations.

Can independent project managers work independently?

Yes, independent project managers typically work independently, managing projects without direct supervision. They often operate as freelancers or consultants, utilizing skills in planning, communication, and tools like project management software to deliver results autonomously.

What cities in California are hiring for Independent Project Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Independent Project Manager job openings:

Independent Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Project Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,337 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Project Manager

PEOPLES ASSOCIATES STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS INC

Sacramento, CA

$121K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description

Job Summary

Responsible for the management of assigned projects, ensuring that scope commitments are met, budgets and schedules are maintained, and client expectations are managed. The Project Manager is the company liaison to the client for assigned projects. The Project Manager will assist the Associate or Principal in the pursuit of new projects and new clients.


Reports To: Senior Project Manager, Associate, or Principal


Job Responsibilities

Project Management

  • Manages project scopes, schedules, budgets, and delivery. 
  • Prepares Additional Service Requests as required, and proactively works with clients to address changes in scope and project efforts. 
  • Assigns tasks to Engineering and BIM staff. Assignments may be in collaboration with a Senior Project Engineer and/or BIM Manager.
  • Acts as primary liaison for project correspondence and coordination with consultants and building agencies. Maintains relationships with all parties associated with each project.
  • Provides project technical leadership, or assistance to a Senior Project Engineer in technical leadership.
  • Conducts project close-outs, including final-invoicing, WIP write-offs, lessons learned, client feedback, solicitation for next project, information for marketing, etc.

Marketing

  • Identifies prospective clients, and in conjunction with a Principal or Associate, solicits work. Takes a lead role in the proposal, negotiation, and contract process.
  • Maintains positive relationships with clients during and after project completion. Coordinates these activities with a Principal, Associate, or other Project Manager.

Structural Design

The following may be the responsibility of the Project Manager unless they are under another senior engineering staff member for the project:

  • Oversees the Structural design of projects, including the technical design, coordination, and quality.
  • May act as the engineer of record for projects.
  • Identifies goals, needs, and challenges for each project and seeks advice and/or resources for the successful completion of projects
  • Performs quality control activities for projects, including projects for other engineers.
  • May provide direction and supervision of Construction Administration, or support for Construction Administration activities, when required.
  • Supports the resolution of technical issues and challenges that arise during the project life cycle. 
  • Stays updated with the latest developments in structural engineering and leads new technologies and method implementation on projects.

Supervision/Management

  • Supervises Project Engineers and Assistant Engineers, including their professional development and conducting performance reviews.
  • Provides guidance and assistance to all Engineers and Technicians with design tasks, including reviewing of work.
  • Establishes team objectives, goals, and projects. 

Company Programs

  • Participates in company-wide technical innovation.
  • Supports the preparation of company reports and data collection.


Requirements

Qualifications

  • [minimum] Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering. [preferred] Master's degree in Structural Engineering.
  • 7+ years of design experience.
  • PE certification in the state of their reporting office. SE license is preferred.
  • Completion of an approved Project Management training course.
  • Successful vetting conducted by HR and the Principals.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of Structural Engineering design, principals, and practices. 
  • Experience performing quality control activities, in accordance with PASE standards.
  • Experienced in project delivery and project administration.
  • Ability to perform the role of project lead.
  • Ability to supervise engineers.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and cloud platforms (Sharepoint, Procore, etc.).
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.


Apply