Project Executive

Southland Industries; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Annual bonus program

Paid holidays, vacation and personalP

Job summary

Southland Industries is seeking a Project Executive to lead and deliver our most complex projects with executive accountability for performance, client relations, and financial outcomes. The role drives Lean construction, mentors teams, and advances strategic growth while representing Southland to owners and stakeholders.

Responsibilities include overseeing design coordination, procurement, contracts, and change management, with a focus on safety, profitability, and operational excellence across

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 (HVAC, Plumbing) for large projects.
• Ability to estimate large jobs in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of management and present proposals.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects and teams across preconstruction through closeout.
• Lead lean implementation (A3, five why, Last Planner) and mentor teams.
• Coordinate design, trades, and subcontractors.
• Develop and implement systems for continuous improvement and CFL growth.
• Support Sales during pursuit (presentations, estimates, client input).
• Negotiate and manage contract changes and cost impacts.
• Present monthly project reviews to division leadership.
• Ensure project safety, quality, and financial performance.

Skills

Lean construction

Leadership

Mentoring

Project leadership

Risk management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Construction Management

15–20 years in Construction Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Project

CAD/Blueprints interpretation

Job description

Position Summary

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.

Job Description

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.

Position Details

• 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).
• Implement effective Last Planner System sessions.
• 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.

Benefits

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&D 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and 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

Pay: Final pay is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. For California, this ranges from $180,379.00 - $220,463.00 plus annual incentive, benefits, and retirement program as outlined above.

Contingent Employment

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.