Project Executive – Public Works

Deacon Construction, LLC • Sacramento, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Deacon Construction is seeking a senior construction leader to serve as a Project Executive on our Sacramento team. This is a portfolio-level leadership position for someone who has managed complex public works projects and is ready to own the performance of a team, client base, and book of work. At Deacon, we believe that great projects are built by great people, and great people deserve a place where they are genuinely valued. Our focus is simple: put our people first, build excellent projects, and maintain the long-standing client relationships that have defined our reputation for over 45 years. We work hard, take pride in what we build, and hold ourselves to a high standard. We also know that the best teams are ones that enjoy showing up every day — and that means taking time to connect, celebrate, and support one another, whether you are in the office or out in the field. As we continue to grow across the West Coast and Mountain West, we are committed to maintaining the heart of who Deacon is — people who care about their work, their teams, and each other. People-first culture with mentorship, training, and real opportunities for advancement. A strong and established presence in Northern California with a diverse portfolio spanning public works, healthcare, education, multifamily, hospitality, and more. Stability and growth — privately held, financially strong, and expanding for over 45 years. Competitive compensation and a full benefits package, including vehicle allowance. A collaborative environment where you are supported by experienced preconstruction, field, and operations professionals. Community involvement through our Deacon Charitable Foundation, Community Engagement Committee, and Women's Resource Group. As a Project Executive at Deacon, you are responsible for the health and performance of a portfolio of publicly funded and commercial projects in our Sacramento market. You are not just managing projects, you are developing the people who run them, maintaining the client relationships that sustain them, and contributing to the operational and business development strategies that grow them. This is a role for someone who has already performed well as a PM and is ready to operate at the next level. You will oversee a team, serve as the primary executive contact for owners and agency partners, and work closely with Deacon's leadership on market growth, preconstruction positioning, and team development. Public works is your home base, but your impact will be felt across the full portfolio.

Requirements

• 12 or more years of progressive project management and leadership experience with a commercial general contractor, with a substantial focus on publicly funded work.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects subject to DSA oversight, public contract law, and prevailing wage requirements in California.
• Proven track record of delivering complex public works projects on time and within budget, including projects in the $20M to $100M+ range.
• Experience directly managing and developing project management teams.
• Familiarity with business development and preconstruction in the public sector, including proposal development, owner interviews, and go/no-go decision-making.
• Knowledge of DIR compliance, certified payroll processes, and public agency owner requirements.
• Strong financial acumen — comfortable owning P&L conversations and portfolio-level reporting.
• Excellent communicator and relationship builder, comfortable in executive-level owner meetings and equally effective leading internal team conversations.
• Proficiency in Procore or similar project management platforms.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• Advanced degree a plus.
• OSHA 30 certification preferred.
• PMP or similar certification a plus.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with alternative delivery methods such as CM/GC, CM at-risk, or joint venture structures is a plus.
• Advanced degree a plus.
• OSHA 30 certification preferred.
• PMP or similar certification a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a portfolio of public works and commercial projects, ensuring delivery on schedule, on budget, and to Deacon's quality standards.
• Serve as the executive escalation point for project issues, owner concerns, and significant risk items across all assigned work.
• Conduct regular project reviews with PMs to assess financial health, schedule status, risk exposure, and team performance.
• Ensure compliance with all public agency requirements, including DSA oversight, public contracting law, prevailing wage requirements, and DIR reporting.
• Review owner contracts, subcontracts, and significant change orders on assigned projects.
• Set and model the safety standard across the portfolio — this role owns safety culture, not just compliance.
• Ensure project teams adhere to Deacon's safety program and applicable OSHA standards, and hold them accountable for a proactive safety posture.
• Own or co-own the quality control program for assigned projects, including QC plan development and implementation, particularly on public agency work where QC is contractually required.
• Conduct site visits to assess work quality, safety conditions, and team performance.
• Directly manage, mentor, and develop a team.
• Proactively plan staffing for projects, identifying hiring needs and partnering with HR on recruiting.
• Establish team culture and standards that align with Deacon's values and expectations for performance, communication, and client service.
• Support team members' career growth and advancement through coaching, feedback, and development planning.
• Serve as Deacon's relationship owner with public agency clients, prime contract owners, inspectors of record, and design partners.
• Identify and pursue new project opportunities in partnership with preconstruction and leadership, including go/no-go decisions, pursuit strategy, proposal development, and participation in owner interviews.
• Contribute to constructability reviews and GMP development on preconstruction engagements.
• Represent Deacon in external meetings, agency forums, and industry organizations to maintain and build our presence in the Northern California public works market.
• Own the financial performance of the project portfolio, including margin, cash flow, and profitability, reporting to company leadership.
• Review monthly cost projections, job cost reports, and billings for accuracy and timely execution.
• Identify and manage risk across the portfolio, including contract risk, subcontractor performance, and scope changes.
• Partner with Preconstruction on estimates, project planning, and buyout strategy for upcoming work.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Bonus - Eligible for discretionary bonus based on individual and company performance
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, vision & life insurance
• Monthly vehicle allowance provided
• Tuition reimbursement & leadership training
• Sick time and vacation
• Promote-from-within culture

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior