Project Executive

Southland Industries; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 166,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with 50% company match (no

cap) and immediate 100% vesting

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Annual bonus program

Paid parental leave

Paid holidays, vacation, and personal

Training/professional development

Company-paid memberships for pro. assn

Wellness benefits

Job summary

Southland Industries is seeking a Project Executive to lead the delivery of its most complex, high-profile projects. You will provide executive oversight of performance, client relationships, and financial outcomes, guiding teams from preconstruction through closeout.

This role emphasizes lean principles, risk management, and development of a repeat client base while representing the firm to owners and partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Proven ability to manage very large projects or multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to estimate large jobs in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with GMP (Guarateed Maximum Price) projects.
• Proficiency in MS Office and project management software.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams through all phases from preconstruction to closeout.
• Serve as senior representative and primary client/contact for large projects.
• Implement lean tools and drive continuous improvement across design, engineering, and construction.
• Mentor and develop project teams; support CFL initiatives and business development.
• Oversee budget analysis, change orders, and risk management.
• Coordinate design, trades, and subcontractor interactions.
• Prepare and present monthly project reviews to leadership.

Skills

Large-project management

Leadership

Training & development

Lean / continuous improvement

Effective communication

Budgeting & cost control

Contract change management

Sales support / client engagement

Leadership under GMP

Reading CAD / technical docs

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical/Civil Engineering or Construction Management

10+ years in related field or 15–20 years in Construction Mgmt

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Microsoft Project

CAD drawings interpretation

Job description

The Project Executive serves as the senior leader responsible for the successful delivery of Southland Industries' most complex, high-profile, and strategically important projects. This role provides executive oversight for project performance, client relationships, financial outcomes, risk management, and team development while serving as Southland's primary representative to owners, partners, and key stakeholders. The Project Executive leads project teams through all phases of project execution, from preconstruction and procurement through commissioning and closeout, ensuring projects are delivered safely, profitably, and in alignment with Southland's commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

As a trusted advisor to both clients and internal teams, the Project Executive drives Lean construction principles, promotes continuous improvement, and fosters collaboration across design, engineering, construction, and service operations. This leader plays a critical role in developing Customers for Life (CFL), supporting business development efforts, mentoring future leaders, and advancing Southland's strategic growth initiatives. Through strong leadership, technical expertise, and financial acumen, the Project Executive ensures exceptional project outcomes while reinforcing Southland's reputation as the industry's leading integrated building systems provider and the nation's largest privately held mechanical contractor.

• Responsible for managing a larger project (or overseeing a team delivering multiple projects) and team functioning as the Southland’s senior representative and primary point of contact for one or more large construction projects.
• Leadership role to entire project team, including identifying and delegating the responsibilities of team members, as well as effectively mentoring team members.
• Implement the effective use of lean tools (A3 development, choosing by advantages, 5-why).
• Learn and simultaneously teach new lean concepts and processes quickly.
• Responsible for coordination of design, trades and subcontractor interaction.
• Applies defined policies and procedures and takes responsibility for decisions and project issues.
• Develops and implements procedural systems and strategies to ensure the continuous improvement of project team and overall project performance.
• Develop CFLs (Customers for Life).
• Responsible for developing a clearly defined repeat client base and assists in future work procurement with clients.
• Supports Sales team during the pursuit of projects (presentations, estimate input, client input).
• Consistently communicates and provides clients with all job-related information regarding status of project.
• Manages critical project functions including equipment selection and subcontractor procurement.
• Responsible for budget analysis and reports, cost and revenue projections, manpower curves, change orders, construction plans etc.
• Effectively negotiates and manages contract change orders.
• Solely responsible for any cost impact related issues.
• Understands, supports and execute Connected Solutions strategies.
• Initiates contact and supports Envise in securing Maintenance Contracts.
• Leads team in assembling and presenting monthly project review to division leadership.
• A member of one of the industry organizations (DBIA, LCI, CPMCA, ASHRAE, ASPE).
• Owning the contract and mentoring the team through understanding it and working within its scope.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Construction Management with minimum 10 years’ experience in related field or, 15-20 years’ experience in Construction Management.
• Proven ability to manage very large projects or simultaneously manage multiple projects.
• Demonstrated ability to train and develop successful project teams.
• Demonstrated skills for proactively planning projects and positively impacting project success.
• Lead preconstruction activities on a major project.
• Perform value engineering analyses.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering systems, including HVAC and Plumbing, relating to the construction of large projects.
• Ability to estimate large jobs in a fast paced and demanding environment.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of management and to present proposals and give sales presentations.
• Ability to instill a sense of urgency in the project team through proven leadership skills.
• Lead through results oriented personal skill set.
• Experience with management of large Guaranteed Maximum Price projects.
• Experience with common software including but not limited to Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Project.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation including CAD drawings, Blueprints, Submittals, etc.

As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

• 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
• Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
• Term life, AD&DD insurance, and voluntary life insurance
• Disability income protection insurance
• Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
• Paid parental leave
• Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
• Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
• Wellness benefits

About Southland Industries

As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued.

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are anEqual Opportunity Employerand prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment.All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Pay:

Final pay is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. F or Sacramento, CA this ranges from $165,949.00 - $202,826.00 plus annual incentive, benefits, and retirement program as outlined above.

Contingent Employment:

All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time.

External Agency Announcement

Its Southland Industries' policy not to accept candidate submissions from recruiting agencies without an active and authorized work order. Candidate ownership can only be establishedafter a bona fide work order is issued by a member of the Southland Industries Talent Acquisition team and the candidate is appropriately submitted through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS).