Project Manager – Underground Utility Construction

Project Manager – Underground Utility Construction

Division: Underground Utility Construction

Experience Required: 5+ Years (Civil, Structural, or Architectural Large-Project Experience Considered)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead and oversee large-scale underground utility construction projects, including water, sewer, storm drain, gas, and dry utility installations. This role is responsible for full project lifecycle management — from pre-construction planning through closeout — ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

We welcome candidates with backgrounds in civil, structural, or architectural large-project management who are looking to apply their leadership, technical, and organizational expertise to the underground utility construction space. Strong project controls, client management, and team leadership experience are more important than a specific industry background.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide full oversight of underground utility construction projects from planning through completion, ensuring alignment with contract scope, schedule, and budget.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, cost forecasts, and resource plans.
• Lead project teams including superintendents, engineers, field crews, and subcontractors to ensure coordinated execution.
• Serve as primary point of contact for clients, engineers, and stakeholders, maintaining strong working relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review and approve contracts, subcontractor agreements, change orders, and work proposals.
• Oversee project buy-out, procurement, and vendor/subcontractor management.
• Monitor and enforce safety, quality, and regulatory compliance standards across all job sites.
• Track and manage project financials, including billings, cost reporting, and profitability analysis.
• Identify and resolve project risks, conflicts, and constructability issues proactively.
• Manage RFIs, submittals, and change order documentation, ensuring proper approvals and cost justifications.
• Coordinate with design teams, surveyors, and utility locators to support accurate project execution.
• Lead project meetings and provide regular progress reporting to clients and executive leadership.
• Mentor, train, and support project engineers, assistant project managers, and field staff.
• Support business development efforts, including proposal development and client relationship building.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Structural Engineering, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 5+ years of project management experience in civil, underground utility, structural, or architectural large-scale construction projects.
• Proven track record managing projects of significant scope and value (e.g., $5M+).
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, scheduling, and cost control principles — industry-specific underground utility experience is a plus but not required.
• Experience managing subcontractors, vendors, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Proficiency with project management software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project, Procore, or similar).
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing project budgets, forecasting, and billing.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and client relationship management skills.
• Ability to read and interpret civil, structural, or architectural plans and specifications.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to job sites as required.