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Overview

A construction firm is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead underground wet utility projects involving water, sewer, and storm drain systems across Southern California. This hands-on leadership role owns the full project lifecycle from pre-construction handoff through closeout, covering budget control, schedule performance, subcontractor management, and client coordination on public and private infrastructure work. Location: Inland Empire Area, CA.

What you'll do

• Lead execution of wet utility projects from award through closeout
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and staffing plans
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget
• Serve as primary point of contact for owners, agencies, and inspectors
• Manage project budgets, cost forecasts, and work-in-progress reporting
• Track and process change orders, RFIs, and contract modifications
• Oversee billing, cash flow, and revenue tracking
• Support value engineering and cost-saving initiatives without sacrificing quality
• Procure and manage subcontractors and suppliers
• Review scopes, negotiate pricing, and enforce contract compliance
• Monitor productivity and resolve performance or schedule issues
• Partner closely with Superintendents and field leadership
• Coordinate manpower, equipment, and material deliveries
• Maintain look-ahead schedules and drive weekly production planning
• Support estimating, budgeting, and proposal development
• Review plans and specs for constructability and risk
• Participate in pre-bid meetings and site walks when required
• Maintain accurate project documentation, including schedules, logs, and correspondence
• Oversee project closeout, including as-builts, turnover packages, and final cost reports

What you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred
• 5+ years of experience managing underground wet utility or heavy civil projects
• Strong background in water, sewer, and storm drain construction
• Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, subcontractors, and client relationships
• Solid understanding of public works contracts, prevailing wage, and union labor environments in California
• Experience with CPM scheduling, cost control, and change management
• Proficiency with project tools such as Bluebeam, Excel, HCSS, Procore, or similar systems
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Valid California driver's license and ability to travel to job sites as needed

Why this role

This is not an assistant or paper-pushing position — you'll be accountable for real project outcomes including schedule, margin, client satisfaction, and team performance, with ownership of full project execution where decisions actually happen.