Sprinkler Contractor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:

VFS Fire & Security is seeking a Sprinkler Construction Project Manager to plan, manage, and deliver fire sprinkler and fire protection system installation projects across Southern California. Project work spans tenant improvements, new construction, underground piping, and retrofits in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.

In this role, you will own projects from preconstruction handoff through closeout - managing budgets, schedules, submittals, procurement, subcontractors, and field crews while ensuring full compliance with NFPA 13 and applicable California fire codes. You will serve as the primary point of contact for clients, general contractors, design teams, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), driving quality, profitability, and life-safety outcomes on every job.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage project scope, budget, schedule, and resources for multiple concurrent fire sprinkler installation projects, including tenant improvements, new builds, underground, and retrofits.
• Oversee project execution against NFPA 13 standards, project specifications, and California fire codes, ensuring all work passes AHJ inspections and meets local requirements.
• Review and interpret contract documents, drawings, blueprints, and fire codes; coordinate design and shop drawing development with internal designers and engineering partners.
• Prepare and manage submittals, RFIs, change orders, and project documentation; identify, document, and price the need for change orders to protect project margin.
• Coordinate with general contractors, owners, architects, design teams, foremen, and field crews to align expectations and resolve job-site issues.
• Develop and maintain project schedules and procurement of materials and equipment to ensure timely, cost-effective, and compliant delivery.
• Monitor project budgets, forecasts, billing, and job costing; track productivity and report project status to leadership.
• Support and direct field installation teams and foremen, providing direction, quality control, and accountability for workmanship and safety.
• Champion compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety policies, including proper use of PPE and enforcement of site safety protocols.
• Manage permitting, inspections, and AHJ coordination, building and maintaining productive relationships with local jurisdictions.
• Maintain accurate written and electronic records (schedules, budgets, work tickets, inspection reports, daily logs, etc.).
• Solve practical problems on-site, developing action plans to address challenges and keep projects on track.
• Travel to job sites across the assigned counties using a company-provided vehicle, maintaining punctuality and professionalism.
• Attend and lead safety, training, and project meetings to stay current on regulations, codes, and best practices.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 5+ years of fire sprinkler / fire protection experience, with project management or lead experience.
• Proven experience delivering commercial construction and tenant improvement fire protection projects.
• Working knowledge of NFPA 13 and applicable California fire codes and inspection requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, specifications, and fire codes accurately.
• Strong understanding of project budgeting, scheduling, submittals, RFIs, and change order management.
• Experience coordinating with AHJs, general contractors, design teams, and field crews.
• Must be able to drive a company vehicle and travel to job sites across LA, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties as an essential duty.
• Ability to meet company driving eligibility requirements, including a valid driver's license and acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and overtime as needed based on project demands.
• Strong communication, organization, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid California Fire Sprinkler Fitter Certification.
• NICET certification in Water-Based Systems Layout.
• Field experience in fire sprinkler installation, layout, measurements, and pipe-fitting techniques.
• Proficiency with construction management and estimating software, and Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with underground fire service mains and Southern California permitting processes