Project Manager-Wet Utilities (Hybrid Work Possibility)

Kimmel & Associates • Temecula, CA

2d

About The Position

Our client, a multi-generational, family-owned heavy civil contractor specializing in grading and wet utility construction throughout Southern California, is seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee multiple grading and wet utility projects from contract execution through final closeout. The company self-performs most of its work and partners with general contractors on public, private, and federal projects. It has a lean, open-shop team and emphasizes safety, technical excellence, long-term relationships, and quality work.

The Project Manager will own project profitability, accuracy, and client relationships while ensuring safe delivery on schedule, within budget, and to high quality standards. The role manages approximately $6–8 million in combined project backlog, with a target gross profit margin of 28% or higher. The position works within an established escalation structure, collaborating with the Director of Project Management and Director of Field Operations, with access to the President when needed. Work may involve projects throughout Temecula and San Diego County. A hybrid arrangement involving 2–3 office days per week may be considered for the right candidate.

Compensation includes a base salary of $140,000–$160,000, depending on experience, and an annual profit-based bonus opportunity of up to approximately $10,000. Benefits include employee medical coverage, two weeks of paid time off (with three weeks negotiable), and six paid holidays.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Grading, earthwork, and site development experience is preferred.
• Experience with projects involving military, K–12 and higher education, pharmaceutical/laboratory commercial, and high-density residential construction is beneficial.
• Candidates based in Temecula Valley, Murrieta, or the Inland Empire are preferred.
• A hybrid arrangement involving 2–3 office days per week may be considered for the right candidate.

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 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.
• Collaborate within the established escalation structure with the Director of Project Management and Director of Field Operations, and access the President when needed.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed