Area Manager, Construction Services (Transportation)

GFT; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Comprehensive benefits package

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

A leading AEC firm is seeking an Area Manager (Transportation focused) to lead multiple projects in Southern California. This role requires over 15 years of project management experience in the AEC industry and a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. Responsibilities include building and mentoring a solid management team, overseeing project delivery, and ensuring the effective utilization of resources. The firm offers a competitive salary range of $200,000 – $275,000 along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of proven Project Management experience in the AEC industry.
• Knowledge to build a strong construction management group.
• Proven success in delivering high-quality projects on time and on budget.

Responsibilities

• Provide direction and leadership on multiple local projects.
• Recruit and hire a solid construction management group.
• Participate in and oversee bid reviews for regional projects.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Conflict resolution

Team building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Professional registration as a PE in California

Job description

What You Will Do

At GFT, we’re not just engineering the future; we’re meticulously building it. We are seeking an Area Manager (Transportation focused) to join our Construction Services team in the Southern California area.

As the Area Construction Manager, you will provide direction and leadership on multiple local projects and identify opportunities to grow GFT’s presence in the region. You will develop and lead strategic and tactical operational initiatives to meet sales and revenue targets and nurture client relationships focused on project execution.

Responsibilities

• Recruiting and hiring a solid construction management group.
• Developing and mentoring a team, promoting collaborative problem‑solving and a culture of teamwork and effective communication.
• Participating in and overseeing bid reviews for regional projects, reviewing and negotiating agreements and contracts.
• Providing leadership and guidance to the project managers and support staff assigned to projects, ensuring all projects progress on schedule and within budget.
• Taking full responsibility for ensuring the most effective utilization of all regional resources.
• Reviewing weekly and monthly project status reports and evaluating that schedules and plans meet required performance goals.
• Assembling project teams, leveraging internal resources as well as external ones through the existing network.
• Overseeing project cost controls, budgets, invoicing, estimates and forecasts, and providing regular updates to management with an emphasis on profit, positive cash flow, and timely project closeout procedures.
• Where necessary, taking a lead role in resolving any contractual, legal, and/or compliance issues with owners, JV partners or suppliers.
• Championing the implementation of new policies and procedures across the group to improve efficiencies and workflow, directly overseeing the change‑management process.
• Leading and capturing new contract and project opportunities in Transportation.

Education | Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and/or Construction Management or related field from an accredited institution or equivalent training and experience is required.
• Professional registration as a PE in California is required.
• 15+ years of proven Project Management experience in the AEC industry.
• Knowledge to build a strong construction management group is required.
• Proven success in delivering high‑quality projects on time and on budget.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proven ability to resolve conflicts productively while maintaining professionalism at all times.

What You Will Bring To Our Firm

• A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and/or Construction Management or related field from an accredited institution or equivalent training and experience is required.
• Professional registration as a PE in California required.
• 15+ years of proven Project Management experience in the AEC industry.
• Knowledge to build a strong construction management group is required.
• Proven success in delivering high quality projects on time and on budget.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proven ability to work through and overcome conflicts productively, while maintaining professionalism at all times.

What We Prefer You Bring

• CCM preferred.
• Substantial experience on large scale heavy civil projects (bridges, roads, highways, rail, etc.) is preferred.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $200,000 – $275,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Company Overview

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status, or other characteristics protected by law.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

Location: San Bernardino ; Riverside ; Corona ; Chino Hill ; Lake Elsinore ; Los Angeles ; Anaheim ; Newport Beach ; Huntington Beach ; Long Beach ; Torrance ; Irvine ; Pomona ; Laguna Beach ; Temecula ; Palm Springs ; Moreno Valley ; Pasadena ; Rancho Cucamonga

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status: Full‑Time

Applicants in the County of Los Angeles – Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Applicants in the City of San Francisco – Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Applicants in the State of California – Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.