Underground Utilities Project Manager Jobs in Virginia

S.J. Louis Construction, Inc. | Nationwide (Hybrid) | Full-Time

S.J. Louis Construction is hiring a Senior Project Manager to lead complex heavy civil and underground infrastructure projects from preconstruction through closeout. This is a senior role with full accountability for project outcomes across safety, schedule, budget, quality, and client relationships on projects including large-diameter pipeline installations, pump stations, deep utility systems, and heavy civil work.

This is a hybrid position with time split between the office, home, and project sites. S.J. Louis covers all project-related travel expenses and pays a daily per diem for overnight assignments.

Project Execution

• Manage all project phases from planning and procurement through construction, startup, and closeout
• Set up project team structure, communication schedules, and decision-making processes
• Coordinate subcontractors, engineers, inspectors, vendors, and municipal stakeholders
• Lead owner-architect-contractor meetings and serve as the main point of contact for clients
• Mentor and develop Project Engineers and Project Managers on the team

Financial Management

• Manage project budget, cost forecasting, and margin performance
• Lead subcontractor buyout and handle contract administration
• Process and negotiate change orders from identification through documentation and approval
• Approve invoices and keep job cost reporting accurate and current

Schedule and Technical Oversight

• Build and manage CPM schedules, milestone plans, and rolling look-aheads
• Coordinate long-lead procurement to protect the schedule
• Review and interpret civil, structural, mechanical, and utility drawings
• Oversee construction sequencing for critical tie-ins, shutdowns, and bypass operations
• Identify and work through field conflicts and constructability issues early

Safety and Quality

• Enforce OSHA standards, company safety policies, and applicable municipal utility requirements
• Set quality expectations at project start and verify work through inspections and documentation
• Maintain complete project records that support decision-making and protect against claims

• 10 to 15 years of construction project management experience in heavy civil or underground utility work
• At least 7 years managing projects involving underground utilities, large-diameter pipelines, pump stations, or heavy civil infrastructure
• Experience managing projects valued at $10M to $50M or more
• Strong working knowledge of gravity sewer, force mains, water mains, large-diameter pipelines (48-inch and larger), deep excavation, shoring, dewatering, and trenchless methods
• Experience with FRP/GRP, PCCP, ductile iron, HDPE, and steel casing pipe systems
• Background in CPM scheduling, budget management, change order control, and subcontractor management
• Experience managing construction in active municipal environments and public right-of-way

• Proficient in Procore and Bluebeam
• Proficient in Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams)
• Able to read and interpret civil, structural, mechanical, and utility drawings
• Familiar with municipal utility standards, specifications, and permitting

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field (equivalent field experience considered)
• OSHA 30 Certification
• PMP Certification or equivalent advanced project management training
• Experience with design-build or CMAR project delivery
• Estimating background

S.J. Louis offers a competitive compensation package for experienced senior leaders. Salary starts at $140,000 and is based on experience and qualifications.

• Base Salary: Starting at $140,000 annually
• Company-paid travel and lodging for all project assignments away from home
• Daily per diem for overnight project assignments
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

We are looking for a senior construction professional with deep experience managing heavy civil and underground utility projects. The right candidate has a strong technical background, manages budgets and schedules with discipline, and builds solid working relationships with clients, engineers, and field crews. If you have a consistent record of delivering complex projects on time and on budget, we want to hear from you.