Project Manager-Wet Utilities (Hybrid Work Possibility)

About the Company

Our client is a multi-generational, family-owned heavy civil contractor specializing in grading and wet utility construction throughout Southern California. The company self-performs the majority of its work and partners with general contractors on public, private, and federal projects.

With a lean, open-shop team and a strong, values-driven culture, the company emphasizes safety, technical excellence, and long-term relationships. Its leadership team is highly tenured, and regular company-wide safety and skills training reinforce its commitment to doing quality work and earning repeat business.

About the Position

Our client is seeking an experienced Project Manager – Wet Utilities to oversee multiple grading and wet utility projects from contract execution through final closeout. This individual will take ownership of project profitability, accuracy, and client relationships while ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

The position will manage approximately $6–8 million in combined project backlog, with a target gross profit margin of 28% or higher.

Key Responsibilities:

- Negotiate and administer contracts with clients, subcontractors, and vendors in coordination with the President.

- Manage multiple concurrent projects, maintaining profitability, schedule performance, and budget targets.

- Partner with Superintendents and Foremen to ensure work meets plans, specifications, safety requirements, and project KPIs.

- Lead change management, including pricing and timely billing of change orders.

- Oversee accurate project billing, WIP reporting, and cost-to-complete forecasting.

- Develop and monitor project budgets, prepare monthly Cost at Completion reports, and approve weekly job cost invoices.

- Review daily field reports for cost code accuracy, budget performance, and schedule progress.

- Conduct weekly job cost reviews with Superintendents and Foremen.

- Participate in project turnover meetings and thoroughly understand contract terms, scope, plans, specifications, exclusions, and estimator agreements.

- Coordinate procurement and ordering of long-lead materials and equipment.

- Maintain accurate project documentation, including submittals, RFIs, change orders, meeting minutes, QC/QA reports, as-builts, and closeout packages.

- Manage, mentor, and develop Project Engineers.

- Identify, understand, and manage project risks while protecting the interests of all parties involved.

- Work within an established escalation structure, collaborating with the Director of Project Management and Director of Field Operations, with access to the President when needed.

Requirements

- Proven experience as a Project Manager with a heavy civil subcontractor or specialty contractor. General contractor/prime contractor backgrounds alone will not be considered.

- Strong knowledge of wet utilities, particularly water, sewer, and storm drain construction.

- Grading, earthwork, and site development experience is preferred.

- Demonstrated experience negotiating contracts and taking ownership of project gross profit margins.

- Strong financial management skills, including job costing, WIP reporting, billing, budgeting, and cost-to-complete forecasting.

- Experience managing multiple concurrent projects and overseeing combined backlogs.

- Ability to mentor and develop Project Engineers.

- Experience with projects involving military, K–12 and higher education, pharmaceutical/laboratory commercial, and high-density residential construction is beneficial.

- Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to maintain firm positions while working collaboratively.

- Ability to manage projects throughout Temecula and San Diego County.

- Candidates based in Temecula Valley, Murrieta, or the Inland Empire are preferred.

- Hybrid arrangements involving 2–3 office days per week may be considered for the right candidate.

Benefits

- Base salary of $140,000–$160,000, depending on experience.

- Annual profit-based bonus opportunity of up to approximately $10,000.

- Medical insurance coverage for employees.

- Two weeks of paid time off, with three weeks negotiable.

- Six paid holidays.

- Opportunity to join a family-owned organization with long-tenured leadership and a relationship-driven culture.