Senior Project Manager - Education

GAFCON PM CM LLC • Glendale, CA

6d • $120,000 - $170,000

About The Position

Founded in 1987, Gafcon is a family-founded firm delivering complex projects that strengthen and empower communities. We are a project and construction management consulting firm, acting as Owner’s Representatives to guide and advocate for our clients throughout every phase of their projects. We specialize in development and construction management services for both public and private sector clients. With a client-first mindset, we use advanced technologies and proven management practices to ensure transparency, foster confident decision-making, and deliver results aligned with each owner's vision. Our approach is centered on managing scope, schedule, and budget with precision—ensuring every project stays on track, meets expectations, and maximizes value. In 2024, our family-owned company joined GISI (Global Infrastructure Solutions Inc.), a global network of industry leaders. While our ownership changed, our operating business, leadership, and company culture remained unchanged. What did change was our reach—we’ve expanded our breadth of knowledge and gained access to a wider network of industry partners, strengthening the services and solutions we offer our clients. Our strength lies in our people. Gafcon is home to a dedicated team of over 130 professionals in program, project, and construction management—individuals who are not only experts in their fields but are also passionate about continuous learning and innovation. We cultivate a collaborative and inclusive culture that values diverse ideas, ethical leadership, and shared success. At Gafcon, one of our core principles is to “create value for our clients, our communities, and for each other.” We’re deeply committed to giving back—whether it’s cleaning beaches, supporting service members, or volunteering at local charities. We work hard, celebrate together, and strive to make a lasting, positive impact in everything we do.

The Opportunity
The Senior Project Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of a construction project on behalf of the owner. This role requires a high level of expertise in project management, construction processes, and contract administration. The Senior Project Manager serves as the primary point of contact for the owner, coordinating with various stakeholders and ensuring that the project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The role will lead a project team and will provide leadership and guidance, fostering a collaborative and high- performing work environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
• 10-15 years in design and/or construction with 5-7 years working as Project Manager in multiple and/or large complex projects.
• Advanced knowledge of construction drawings and specifications to ensure compliance with construction/project requirements.
• Advanced knowledge and application of master planning, project development, all phase management, construction estimating, construction schedules, budget management, project controls, document control, engineering/construction principles, contracts, and experience with various delivery methods are required.
• Demonstrates discernment and critical thinking skills in assessing situations, information and decision making.
• Identifies and differentiates between relevant and irrelevant information, focusing on key factors and priorities.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal forms.
• Outcome driven and timely with decisions (yes is the answer).
• Anticipates and resolves project design and construction challenges or issues, prioritizes the critical issues on projects, and works toward project beneficial solutions.
• Possesses strong leadership skills, including the ability to delegate, exhibit confidence, inspire and motivate others, maintain respect and trust.
• Maintains composure and objectivity in high-pressure or ambiguous situations, making rational decisions based on available information and expert knowledge.
• Background in strong working knowledge of MS Office and project management information system(s).

Nice To Haves

• Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, CCM) are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Serves as subject matter expert on Gafcon Project Management Policies and Procedures.
• Collaborates with the owner/client to develop and implement a comprehensive project plan, including timeline, deliverables, and resource allocation.
• Serves as the client advisor serving as a single point of contact.
• Prepares RFPs for professional services and construction contractors, manages proposal phase(s), and negotiates contracts.
• Manages activities of construction management staff including contractors, engineers, architects, etc. and daily reports.
• Executes all project deliverables for client prior to final project turnover.
• Manages and oversees the development of the project plans and specifications for constructability, operability, maintainability & cost effectiveness.
• Manages deliverables, project controls, cost, and overall project success through project closeout.
• Manages the worksite and equipment access/shutdowns, obtains permits, and develops project support schedules to support onsite activities and minimize interference.
• Tracks project data including documentation and administration and reports on real and potential budget and schedule variances.
• Documentation is thorough and tells a story that is easily read and interpreted by client/owner and representatives.
• Advanced knowledge of the principles of cost estimating, scheduling, and contract administration.
• Independently prepares technical analysis and cost estimates for proposed changes.
• Maintains project reports as dictated by the project and by contractual obligations.
• Regularly monitors project progress and identifies any deviations from the plan.
• Manages and negotiates contracts with contractors, suppliers, and vendors.
• Ensures compliance with legal, regulatory and contractual requirements in all project documentation.
• Administers contracts, including change order management, payment processing, and compliance verification, RFI, daily logs and site documentation.
• Resolves technical contract-related disputes and issues in collaboration with client representatives.
• Promotes open and regular communication and fosters positive working relationship between owner/client, architects, engineers, and other project-related entities to ensure projects are completed with minimal disruption and/or delays.
• Coordinates and facilitates meetings with stakeholders, including owner/client representatives, design professionals, contractors, and regulatory authorities.
• Prepares and presents project reports, financial summaries, risk assessments, presentations, and documentation to stakeholders and executives.
• Takes active role in the development and approval of safety protocols and ensures project site compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Represents owner, project and related parties in public forums and meetings.
• Develops resolution to complex technical problems where intricate situational and data analysis is required.
• Responsible and accountable for Gafcon contract for staffing, revenue, P&L, risk.
• Communicates organizational needs, oversees staff performance to provide guidance, and support for individual development needs.
• Monitors industry publications, news sources and online platforms to gather information and stay apprised of industry and market trends.
• Completes special projects on an as needed basis.
• Serves as a seller-doer and participates in business development efforts in collaboration with Marketing and Business Line Leader.
• Prepares and presents as subject matter expert in GafCollege or other industry associations.
• Maintains professional development through Gafcollege attendance, professional organization memberships, continuing education, professional registration, and certification achievement.
• Works proactively and continuously evaluates the organization’s competitive position and identifies innovation or solutions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with generous company contributions toward comprehensive family health, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• 401(k) plan with Employer Match
• Generous Paid Vacation, Sick and Holidays
• Ongoing Professional Development and Career Advancement Support
• People-first, inclusive culture with team celebrations, volunteer opportunities, and meaningful employee recognition

What This Job Offers

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