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Lead Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mace

Lead Project Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Ability to lead, manage, and develop teams, providing direction, mentoring, and fostering an inclusive, high-performance environment * Degree in construction, engineering, project management, or ...

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Lead Project Manager information

See California salary details

$47.9K

$112.5K

$178.1K

How much do lead project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead project manager in California is $112,485.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,900.00 and $137,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead project manager?

A Lead Project Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of a project, ensuring it is completed on time, within budget, and meets the desired objectives. They lead project teams, manage resources, communicate with stakeholders, and address any issues that may arise during the project lifecycle. Their role involves strategic planning, risk management, and ensuring that the project aligns with organizational goals. Lead Project Managers often supervise other project managers and play a crucial role in decision-making and problem-solving throughout the project.

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

AspectLead Project ManagerProject Coordinator
CredentialsPM certifications (PMP, CAPM), relevant experienceBasic project management knowledge, often entry-level
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, strategic planningSupports project teams, handles administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in various industries, especially in IT, construction, engineeringCommon in corporate, non-profit, and government sectors

The Lead Project Manager typically holds advanced certifications and manages complex projects, focusing on strategic oversight. In contrast, a Project Coordinator provides support to project teams, handling administrative duties. Both roles are essential but differ in scope, responsibility, and experience required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead project manager?

To thrive as a Lead Project Manager, you need expertise in project planning, budgeting, risk management, and a relevant degree or PMP certification. Proficiency with project management software like Microsoft Project, Jira, or Asana is typically required to coordinate tasks and track progress. Outstanding leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and stakeholders effectively. These skills are essential for delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

What are some common challenges lead project managers face when overseeing multiple projects simultaneously?

Lead Project Managers often juggle several complex projects at once, which can present challenges such as resource allocation, conflicting deadlines, and maintaining clear communication across diverse teams. Staying organized and prioritizing tasks is crucial to ensure that each project's goals are met without overextending resources. Additionally, they must adeptly navigate stakeholder expectations and quickly resolve issues to keep projects on track, all while fostering collaboration and maintaining team morale.
What cities in California are hiring for Lead Project Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Lead Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Lead Project Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,485 per year, or $54.1 per hour.

Lead Project Manager

West Advanced Technologies (WATI)

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Lead Project Manager
Sacramento, CA
12+ months
Required Skills:
Five (5) years' experience of broad, extensive, and increasingly responsible project management (PM) experience applying PM principles, methods, techniques, and tools.
Three (3) years' experience in a Lead Project Manager capacity, successfully overseeing and managing projects of varying complexities and scopes.
Possess Bachelor's degree. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Hold and maintain a Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate for the duration of the contract.
Desired Skills:
Experience providing project management services for the healthcare industry.
Possess a valid SAFe Agilist certificate or Scrum Master certificate.
Experience advancing project management discipline within project teams, defining the processes, procedures, and best practices for consistent project success throughout the organization.
Thanks & Regards,
Naresh Damagalla
Email: naresh.d@wati.com

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