Principal Construction Manager

r9-asce; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego County Water Authority seeks a Principal Construction Manager to lead construction management for major CIP projects. This role provides technical guidance to in-house and consultant teams, ensuring safe, efficient delivery aligned with Water Authority standards.

Ideal candidates bring extensive water utility and heavy civil construction experience, with strong leadership, multi-project management, and excellent communication skills for internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience directing construction teams on large projects.
• Strong background in heavy civil construction and water utility infrastructure.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor construction managers and inspectors.
• Oversee scopes, schedules, budgets, and contract administration.
• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, member agencies, and stakeholders.
• Review and resolve complex construction and engineering issues.
• Support CIP project development and organizational objectives.
• Review change orders, specs, and construction standards.

Skills

Leadership

Construction management

Budgeting

Scheduling

Contract administration

Stakeholder coordination

Staff development

Problem solving

Job description

The Position

As a key leader within the Engineering Department's Construction Group, the Principal Construction Manager will oversee construction management activities for major Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects. This position provides leadership, technical guidance, and oversight to in-house and consultant construction personnel while ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with Water Authority standards.

Key responsibilities include

• Leading and mentoring construction managers and inspectors.
• Managing construction scopes, schedules, budgets, and contract administration.
• Coordinating with consultants, contractors, member agencies, and stakeholders.
• Reviewing and resolving complex construction and engineering issues.
• Supporting the development and implementation of CIP projects and organizational objectives.
• Reviewing change orders, specifications, and construction standards.

The Ideal Candidate

The Water Authority is looking for a proven leader with extensive experience in water utility and heavy civil construction. The ideal candidate:

• Has significant experience managing large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Excels at balancing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates strong leadership and staff development skills.
• Builds productive relationships with contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
• Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Brings sound judgment, technical expertise, and a solutions-oriented mindset.

The San Diego County Water Authority plays a vital role in providing a safe and reliable water supply to the region. The Engineering Department delivers critical infrastructure projects that support long-term water reliability, resiliency, and operational excellence. This position offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on one of the region's most important public resources.