Project Manager Startup Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Kauai Mechanical is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead commercial construction projects from award through successful closeout. This role is ideal for a construction professional who takes ownership, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and knows how to keep projects moving safely, on schedule, within budget, and to a high standard of quality. As Project Manager, you’ll oversee all aspects of your assigned projects, including project planning, scheduling, financial performance, submittals, RFIs, change orders, and closeout. If you’re a construction professional ready to take ownership of complex commercial projects and be part of a team that takes pride in doing the job right, we want to hear from you.

Job Functions

• Own assigned commercial mechanical projects from contract award through final closeout. Serve as the primary point of accountability for safety, quality, schedule, cost, and customer satisfaction on each project.
• Review awarded contracts and construction documents. Identify scope, exclusions, allowances, and risk items. Confirm technical feasibility of the sold scope with the Installations Department Manager and Foremen.
• Manage the submittal process, prepare and route equipment and material submittals for approval by the Engineer of Record, General Contractor, and Owner. Track approvals and hold the project schedule accountable for on-time submittal completion.
• Manage Requests for Information (RFIs) draft, submit, and track RFIs; incorporate responses into project documents; and communicate impacts to the field team.
• Own change management, identify scope changes early, price and negotiate change orders with the General Contractor and Owner, and document approvals before proceeding with the work.
• Develop and maintain project schedules in coordination with the General Contractor's master schedule. Look ahead 2–4 weeks and drive proactive coordination with other trades, GCs, and Owners.
• Own project financials, labor budget vs. actual, material cost vs. budget, subcontract commitments, change order recovery, and monthly gross profit reporting. Escalate variances early and drive corrective action.
• Lead project buyout, select vendors and subcontractors, negotiate pricing and lead times, issue subcontracts and purchase orders in partnership with the Warehouse Manager, and track long-lead items (chillers, cooling towers, custom AHUs, controls hardware, specialty refrigeration).
• Own project billings, prepare monthly Applications for Payment (AIA G702 / G703 or equivalent), track receivables, follow up on outstanding payments, and manage lien releases.
• Attend Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings, GC coordination meetings, and internal project reviews. Represent Kauai Mechanical professionally with all project stakeholders.
• Coordinate closely with the Installations Department Manager, Foremen, and Field Leads on project execution, resource allocation, and field-level issue resolution. Support the field team on scope and technical questions.
• Partner with the Warehouse Manager and Warehouse Lead on material staging, delivery timing, long-lead item tracking, and site logistics.
• Manage permits and Kauai County Building Division / Department of Water coordination for assigned projects. Ensure inspections are scheduled and passed in a timely manner.
• Own project safety in partnership with the field team, enforce site-specific safety plans, participate in pre-task planning, and ensure crew compliance with Kauai Mechanical, GC, and OSHA safety standards.
• Own project quality, review installations against contract documents and industry standards; drive punch-list completion; support commissioning, startup, and Test & Balance activities.
• Manage project closeout, as-built documentation, O&M manuals, warranties, training deliverables, final billings, retention release, and customer sign-off.
• Maintain accurate project documentation in Service Titan and any project-management tools (Bluebeam, Procore, or equivalent) throughout the project lifecycle.
• Communicate effectively with the Installations Department Manager, General Manager, and other departments on project status, risks, and opportunities.
• Support proposal and estimating efforts when requested, pricing complex or high-risk elements, reviewing bid documents, and providing constructability input.
• Any additional duties or responsibilities deemed necessary.

Job Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; relevant degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
• Valid driver's license required, clean driving record preferred.
• 5+ years of mechanical construction project management experience, or equivalent combination of estimating and field experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing commercial HVAC, refrigeration, or plumbing construction projects on new construction, TI, or retrofit work.
• Working knowledge of commercial mechanical systems, chillers (air-cooled and water-cooled), cooling towers, VRF / VRV, RTUs, commercial kitchen equipment, refrigeration systems, ice machines, and BAS / DDC controls.
• Experience managing submittals, RFIs, change orders, and AIA billing (or equivalent).
• Experience working with General Contractors, owners, architects, and engineers on commercial construction projects.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, submittals, and control drawings.
• Working knowledge of project financials, labor and material tracking, change order pricing, gross profit reporting.
• Bluebeam Revu or comparable plan-markup software experience preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, and Outlook.
• Strong leader with the ability to hold subcontractors, vendors, and field teams accountable to schedule and quality standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable presenting project status to owners, GCs, and internal leadership.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions under time and cost pressure.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize across multiple projects, and complete work to a deadline.
• Discretion and professionalism with sensitive project pricing, contract, and personnel information.
• Understanding of how to maximize the productivity of the construction and technical workforce.
• Ability to walk active construction sites including rooftops, mechanical rooms, and elevated work areas.