Excavation Construction Project Manager

Vaco; Cicero (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco is partnering with a fast-growing excavation and civil site work contractor based in Central Indiana to hire an Excavation Construction Project Manager in Carmel. You will own project execution from kickoff to closeout, with direct P&L accountability and two Project Engineers supporting cost coding and scheduling.

This role offers a collaborative, fast-paced environment with growth as the company expands regionally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Solid project management experience in civil/underground/excavation site work.
• Ownership mindset with accountability for results and ability to drive projects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across owners, trades, and internal teams.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, high-accountability culture with direct feedback.
• Strong organizational skills and computer proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Own cost, schedule, scope, and stakeholder management for assigned excavation site work projects.
• Lead project kickoff, buyout, subcontracts, and procurement.
• Manage RFIs, submittals, change orders, and progress billings.
• Monitor job cost, productivity, and cash flow, and implement recovery plans as needed.
• Coordinate QA/QC, safety, and closeout documentation.
• Drive project planning and execution to ensure on-time, on-budget completion.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Team leadership

Field coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Vaco has partnered with a growing excavation and construction company in Carmel, IN to hire a new Project Manager.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our client is a fast-growing civil site work contractor based in Central Indiana, specializing in underground infrastructure - sanitary sewer, water, and site utility construction - for municipal, public, and private clients across the region and beyond. Now in its seventh year, the company has grown roughly 30% year-over-year, with revenue climbing from $32M in 2025 to a projected $40M in 2026 and a backlog already exceeding $40M for 2027. As a merit-shop contractor that self-performs approximately 95% of its work, the company has built a reputation for getting dirt moved and pipe laid the right way - and is now investing in the leadership team to match its growth trajectory.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Our client is seeking an experienced and driven Excavation Construction Project Manager to take ownership of project execution from kickoff through closeout. This is a highly visible role with direct P&L accountability, strong support from two Project Engineers, and a seat at the table as the company scales into a larger regional player. You'll report to the VP of Project Management, in coordination with the COO, and work alongside a strong bench of superintendents, estimators, and field leadership.

This is an ideal opportunity for a project manager who wants to own their projects, work in a fast-paced and collaborative environment, and grow alongside a company with deep, realistic expansion plans.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Project Execution

• Own cost, schedule, scope, and stakeholder management for assigned excavation site work projects.
• Lead project kickoff, buyout, subcontracts, and procurement.
• Manage RFIs, submittals, change orders, and progress billings.
• Monitor job cost, productivity, and cash flow, and implement recovery plans as needed.
• Coordinate QA/QC, safety, and closeout documentation.
• Drive project planning and execution to ensure on-time, on-budget completion.
• Conduct regular site visits to oversee project layout and the scheduling of materials, tools, equipment, and information.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships throughout the life of each project.
• Serve as a key point of contact for owners, owner representatives, architects, engineers, trade contractors, and vendors.
• Participate in project meetings and trade-related activities and events.

Coordination & Communication

• Coordinate closely with the General Superintendent and COO.
• Review project documents, plans, and specifications.
• Direct construction activities and resolve field challenges as they arise.
• Coordinate field installations and manage project closeouts.
• Partner with two Project Engineers who support cost coding, equipment tracking, and job cost matrices.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure all work conforms to quality standards and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Adhere to standard operating procedures and project cost, time, and quality standards.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We're looking for someone who takes ownership - someone who walks in ready to make a project their own, drive it forward, and be accountable for the results. The leadership team is hands-on, direct, and values honest, two-way communication over politics. Candidates should be energized by that kind of environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management preferred; equivalent experience will also be considered.
• Solid project management experience- civil/underground/ excavation site work experience (sanitary, water, sewer, infrastructure) is required
• A track record of ownership and follow-through - this role suits both experienced PMs and hungry, up-and-coming project managers ready for a bigger opportunity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust across owners, trade partners, and internal teams.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-accountability culture with direct, candid feedback.
• Strong organizational skills and general technology/computer proficiency.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & LOGISTICS

• Location: Based out of Central Indiana, with regular travel to active job sites
• Work Style: In-office and on-site - this role is not eligible for remote work
• Travel: Local day trips (2-3 hours), no overnight travel required
• Project Footprint: Primarily Central Indiana/Greater Indianapolis, with projects in Northwest Indiana, Rochester, and Columbus, IN

By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions.

EEO Notice

Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail].

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.

Representation Notice

By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.

For residents of Ontario, Canada: Based on Highspring's discussions with its Client, Highspring's understanding is that this position for employment is a current vacancy (either through Highspring as a contractor or with the client directly).

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