Excavation Construction Project Manager

Vaco Recruiter Services; Cicero (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco, partnering with a growing excavation and construction company in Carmel, Indiana, is seeking an Excavation Construction Project Manager to own project execution from kickoff through closeout. This highly visible role carries direct P&L accountability, support from two Project Engineers, and a seat at the table as the company scales regionally, with fast-paced collaboration and growth opportunities.

You’ll work closely with the VP of Project Management and COO, coordinating with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Solid project management fundamentals — civil/underground site work experience preferred.
• Ownership and follow-through — this role suits experienced PMs and those 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 proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Own cost, schedule, scope, and stakeholder management for 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; 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.

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 fundamentals — civil/underground site work experience (sanitary, water, sewer, infrastructure) is preferred, but candidates with strong vertical/building construction PM backgrounds are also encouraged to apply.


• 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 Basedout of Central Indiana, with regular travel to active job sites


• WorkStyle In-officeand on-site — this role is not eligible for remote work


• Travel Localday trips (2–3 hours), no overnight travel required


• ProjectFootprint PrimarilyCentral 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.