Design-Build Project Manager (Heavy Civil/DOT)

KCI Construction; Creve Coeur (MO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Health coverage

Bonus opportunities

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

KCI Construction in St. Louis is seeking a Design-Build Project Manager to lead pursuits and projects across our growing heavy civil market. You’ll develop winning strategies, collaborate with design and construction partners, and guide projects from concept through completion.

You’ll work on Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, and CMAR delivery, building relationships with owners, engineers, and key partners in the St. Louis region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• 10-15+ years of experience in heavy civil, DOT, or infrastructure projects.
• Experience with Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, or CMAR delivery methods.
• Strong understanding of MoDOT/local agency work and St. Louis market dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Lead Design-Build and CMAR pursuits from strategy through proposal submission.
• Analyze RFQs/RFPs to define scope, risks, and win strategy.
• Develop pricing, schedules, and technical solutions.
• Partner with estimating, operations, and marketing to craft proposals.
• Lead project execution and ensure alignment on budget, scope, and risk.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Organization

Analytical thinking

Reading plans & specs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

HCSS Heavy Bid

BlueBeam

Onscreen Takeoff

Vista

Job description

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Design-Build Project Manager to lead pursuits and projects across KCI's growing St. Louis heavy civil market. This role is ideal for someone who thinks beyond traditional bid-build—someone who can develop winning strategies, collaborate with design and construction partners, and lead projects from concept through completion. You’ll play a key role in Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, and CMAR work, helping KCI win and deliver complex infrastructure projects.

Why You'll Love Working Here

At KCI Construction, you’re not just building projects—you’re building ownership.

• 100% Employee-Owned (ESOP): You share directly in the company’s success
• Top-Tier Benefits: Competitive pay, bonus opportunities, 401(k), and 100% paid health coverage
• Unlimited PTO: Flexibility to manage work and life in a way that works for you
• St. Louis Impact: Help deliver critical infrastructure across the region -roads, bridges, and water systems that keep communities moving
• Strong Backlog & Stability: Established contractor with deep roots and long-term client relationships
• People-First Culture: We invest in your growth, your voice, and your career path

What You'll Do

Pursuit & Preconstruction Leadership

• Lead Design-Build and CMAR pursuits from early strategy through proposal submission
• Analyze RFQs/RFPs to define scope, risks, and win strategy
• Develop pricing approaches, schedules, and technical solutions
• Partner with estimating, operations, and marketing to deliver clear, compelling proposals
• Drive value engineering and constructability input early in the design process
• Build relationships with owners, engineers, and key partners in the St. Louis market

Project Execution

• Transition pursuits into successful projects, maintaining alignment on budget, scope, and risk
• Lead coordination between design teams, field operations, and stakeholders
• Support project teams through design development milestones
• Ensure commitments made during pursuit are clearly communicated and executed

Team & Market Impact

• Mentor team members and support development of estimating and project staff
• Strengthen KCI's presence in the local heavy civil and alternative delivery market
• Contribute to continuous improvement in pursuit strategy, tools, and delivery methods

What Sets You Apart (GRiT Values)

• Growth: You’re always improving how work gets pursued and delivered
• Resilience: You thrive in complex, fast-moving pursuits
• Integrity: You build trust through accountability and doing the right thing
• Teamwork: You bring people together to win-and deliver-great work

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
• 10-15+ years of experience in heavy civil, DOT, or infrastructure projects
• Experience with Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, or CMAR delivery methods
• Strong understanding of MoDOT/local agency work and St. Louis market dynamics
• Proven ability to manage both pursuit strategy and project execution
• Deep knowledge of construction means, methods, and cost drivers
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specs, and complex bid documents
• Strong communication skills, including client interaction and proposal input
• Highly organized, accountable, and able to manage multiple priorities
• Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite, HCSS Heavy Bid, BlueBeam, Onscreen Takeoff. Vista is highly desirable.

KCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our company and fosters innovation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.