Commercial Construction Project Manager (K-12)

Diamond Peak Recruiting; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Diamond Peak Recruiting is seeking a Commercial Construction Project Manager to lead large-scale K-12 school projects in the Seattle area, from preconstruction through turnover, ensuring safety, schedule, budget, and quality.

The ideal candidate will manage budgets, schedules, and coordination with owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors, with a track record of delivering occupied-campus and ground-up school projects.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial construction project management experience.
• Proven experience managing large-scale K-12 construction projects, preferably ground-up school builds.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, scheduling, and contract administration.

Responsibilities

• Manage all phases of commercial construction projects from preconstruction through closeout.
• Oversee large-scale K-12 projects including ground-up schools, expansions, and renovations.
• Develop and maintain budgets, schedules, cost forecasts, and execution plans.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Procore

Bluebeam

Microsoft Project

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Project Manager with a strong background managing large-scale K-12 construction projects, including new school builds, campus expansions, and major renovations. This individual will oversee projects from preconstruction through completion, ensuring work is delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

The ideal candidate has experience managing complex public-sector education projects and understands the coordination, scheduling, budgeting, and stakeholder communication required to successfully deliver large school construction programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all phases of commercial construction projects, from preconstruction and planning through closeout and turnover.
• Oversee large-scale K-12 projects, including ground-up school construction, campus expansions, renovations, and additions.
• Develop and maintain project budgets, schedules, cost forecasts, and overall project execution plans.
• Coordinate with owners, architects, engineers, consultants, subcontractors, and field leadership.
• Manage procurement, subcontractor buyout, scope reviews, and contract negotiations.
• Review and manage RFIs, submittals, change orders, potential change orders, and other project documentation.
• Monitor project costs, identify potential risks, and implement strategies to maintain financial performance.
• Work closely with superintendents to ensure field operations align with project schedules, specifications, and quality expectations.
• Lead project meetings and provide regular updates to owners and internal leadership regarding progress, budget, schedule, and potential issues.
• Ensure projects meet applicable building codes, safety requirements, contract documents, and quality standards.
• Oversee commissioning, punch lists, final inspections, and project closeout activities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial construction project management experience.
• Proven experience managing large-scale K-12 construction projects, preferably ground-up school builds.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction processes, project controls, budgeting, scheduling, and contract administration.
• Experience managing multiple subcontractors and coordinating complex construction scopes.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and project schedules.
• Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with construction management software such as Procore, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Project or similar platforms.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with public school districts and owner representatives.
• Background managing projects involving occupied campuses, phased construction, and summer-break schedules.
• Experience with ground-up elementary, middle, and high school construction.
• Familiarity with public bidding processes, prevailing wage requirements, and school district procurement procedures.
• Experience managing projects with budgets of $20M+ or larger.
• Strong relationships and experience working with subcontractors across multiple commercial construction trades.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a driven, detail-oriented Project Manager who has successfully delivered large K-12 construction projects and understands the unique demands of building within active school districts. They should be comfortable managing complex project teams, communicating with public-sector owners, and balancing schedule, budget, safety, and quality expectations.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Project Manager with a strong K-12 portfolio who is looking to take ownership of significant commercial construction projects.