Preconstruction Project Manager Jobs in Washington

About the Company

Our client is a nationally positioned heavy civil contractor with a history dating back more than a century. Since 1922, the organization has been dedicated to building and rehabilitating America's critical water and wastewater infrastructure.

The company has built its reputation through technical expertise, operational excellence, long-standing client relationships, and an unwavering commitment to Integrity, Safety, and Quality. Its employees are considered its most valuable asset, and the organization is deeply invested in recruiting, developing, and retaining exceptional construction professionals.

The company offers an established learning culture and a collaborative environment where experienced leaders are empowered to make an impact while developing the next generation of construction talent.

About the Position

We are seeking an accomplished Senior Project Manager – Civil Infrastructure to provide strategic project leadership across the Baltimore/Washington, DC market.

This is an executive-level project management opportunity responsible for overseeing multiple complex underground utility and heavy civil infrastructure projects while driving operational excellence, financial performance, client satisfaction, and regional growth.

Reporting directly to the SVP, Preconstruction/Project Management, the Senior Project Manager will provide leadership to multiple project teams and work closely with Project Managers, Project Engineers, Superintendents, and executive leadership.

Beyond project execution, this individual will help shape regional strategy, mentor future leaders, strengthen client relationships, support business development efforts, and expand the company's presence throughout the DC market.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Operational Leadership

• Provide executive oversight of multiple underground utility and heavy civil construction projects.
• Lead project planning, execution, scheduling, financial performance, and operational strategy.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with contract requirements and quality standards.
• Identify project risks and develop strategies to mitigate impacts to cost, schedule, and performance.
• Establish accountability and performance expectations across project teams.

Financial & Project Controls

• Own project budgets, cost reporting, forecasting, profitability, and financial performance.
• Monitor project financials and identify trends requiring corrective action.
• Provide leadership on cost control, resource planning, and project profitability.
• Evaluate financial and operational risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Conduct post-project reviews and implement lessons learned to improve future performance.

Contracts & Change Management

• Guide change order development, pricing, negotiation, and execution.
• Support contract negotiations and interpretation.
• Review project proposals, pricing strategies, and contractual requirements.
• Ensure project teams understand and effectively manage contractual obligations.
• Provide strategic direction on complex project issues and commercial decisions.

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and develop Project Managers, Project Engineers, and project administrative personnel.
• Provide guidance on project execution, financial management, client relationships, and career development.
• Assist with recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and professional development of project management personnel.
• Build a strong pipeline of future project leaders and support succession planning.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Client & Business Development

• Develop and maintain long-term relationships with clients, municipalities, utility owners, subcontractors, consultants, and strategic partners.
• Represent the company in executive-level client and stakeholder meetings.
• Lead or support RFQ/RFP pursuits and major project opportunities.
• Identify opportunities for regional expansion and new business.
• Partner with executive leadership to strengthen the company's presence throughout the Washington, DC market.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 10–15 years of progressive Project Management experience in heavy civil, underground utility, or civil infrastructure construction.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading multiple large and complex construction projects simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of construction accounting, budgeting, forecasting, contract administration, and financial reporting.
• Proven ability to manage project profitability and financial performance.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and related technical documents.

Project Experience

Experience with projects involving:

• Underground wet utilities
• Water infrastructure
• Sewer infrastructure
• Stormwater systems
• Wastewater infrastructure
• Trenchless construction
• Water/wastewater treatment plant reclamation
• Heavy civil infrastructure

Experience managing projects ranging from approximately $2 million to $100 million is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Sage Timberline and HCSS.
• Experience with Design-Build, CMAR, or other alternative delivery methods.
• Business development experience.
• Strategic planning experience.
• Experience supporting regional market expansion.
• Established relationships with municipalities, utilities, engineering firms, and other infrastructure stakeholders throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a senior construction leader who can operate beyond the day-to-day management of an individual project. You should be capable of overseeing multiple project teams, understanding the financial health of a portfolio, developing future leaders, and contributing to the company's broader regional strategy.

Strong candidates will bring a combination of technical construction expertise, financial acumen, leadership ability, client relationship skills, and business development experience.

Benefits

• $150,000 – $200,000 base salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Performance-based incentive compensation tied to business performance and strategic objectives
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) program
• Company vehicle or vehicle allowance
• Cell phone allowance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Executive leadership training
• Relocation assistance, if applicable