Project Manager - Mechanical Excavation

Baker Group; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Baker Group is seeking a Mechanical Excavation Project Manager in Cedar Rapids, IA to lead construction projects from planning through completion, ensuring on-time delivery, within budget, and aligned with client expectations.

The role emphasizes client relationship development, subcontractor coordination, and rigorous cost estimating to provide value and maintain profitability across mechanical excavation projects.

Qualifications

• Degree in Construction Science, Construction Management, or Civil/Mechanical Engineering OR five+ years of directly related experience.
• Construction knowledge required.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Manage material, labor, and processes of mechanical projects.
• Purchase material, schedule work, estimate change orders, and contract sub-contractors.
• Execute assigned equipment projects and ensure projects are profitable, on-time, within scope, and aligned with client expectations.
• Develop relationships with existing clients and pursue long-term revenue opportunities.
• Participate in planning and formulation of design alternatives and solutions for major construction projects; provide conceptual estimates and cost estimates.
• Develop and administer project budgets and fiscal controls; perform cost estimating and value engineering as appropriate.
• Oversee day-to-day management of construction projects; coordinate with architects, engineers, and contractors.
• Review designs and drawings for appropriateness; advise on revisions to achieve required results.
• Ensure project operations comply with design specifications.
• Establish delivery criteria and coordinate procurement; authorize contracts and change orders; approve invoices.
• Direct work sequencing to expedite delivery and minimize disruption to operations.
• Inspect and accept completed projects ensuring conformance to codes and specifications.
• Represent Baker Group in business with clients and consultants.

Skills

Project management

Contract administration

Budgeting

Client relationship

Estimating

Reading drawings

Purchasing

Team coordination

Education

Construction Management degree

Civil/Mechanical Engineering degree

Job description

PURPOSE

The Mechanical Excavation Project Manager will create and develop relationships supportive of the Baker Group mission statement with employees, internal and external clients. Under limited supervision, manages and administers the construction and delivery of new projects, to include contract preparation, on-site coordination, quality control, and all aspects of contract management. Maintain and grow the “Client for Life” concept for existing and new clients. Performs related work as required.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this job. These are not to be constructed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Manage material, labor, and processes of mechanical projects
• Purchase material, schedule work, estimate change orders, and contract sub-contractors
• Execute assigned equipment projects and ensure assigned projects are executed profitably, accurately, on-time, within scope of contract, and in alignment with client expectations
• Continuously develop relationships with existing clients and pursue opportunities which provide long-term client relationships and revenue opportunities
• Participate in planning and formulation of design alternatives and solutions for major construction projects; provide conceptual estimates, feasibility studies, and cost estimates, and may coordinate production of basic design plans and construction documents
• Develop and administer project budgets and fiscal controls, contracts, and quality control provisions; perform project cost estimating and value engineering, as appropriate
• Oversee aspects of day-to-day management of construction projects; monitor and coordinate work performed by architectural, engineering, and construction firms
• Review and interpret proposed designs, civil and architectural drawings, and building specifications for appropriateness to required function and/or institutional standard, and initiate revisions where appropriate; advise consultants and clients as to how best to achieve required results
• Ensure project operations are in compliance with design specifications
• Establish performance and delivery criteria, ensuring client requirements are met; prepare project specifications, and coordinate procurement
• Authorize contract, purchase order, and change order issuances, approve contractor invoices for payment
• Direct work sequencing to expedite project delivery and to minimize disruption of ongoing institutional operations
• Inspect, approve, and accept completed projects, ensuring conformance to building and life safety codes, and architectural/engineering specifications
• Represent Baker Group in business with clients, consultants, contractors, and other public and/or private agencies and organizations
• Research and prepare operations, equipment, policy, procedure, and/or other issue reports
• Act as account manager or single point of contact with clients during project execution
• Estimate underground piping
• Read and comprehend drawings, sketches, and contracts
• Utilize computer estimating programs and accounting software programs
• Advanced knowledge of underground installation and construction means and methods, estimating, scheduling and cost control
• Knowledge of underground heavy equipment necessary to complete a job efficiently and cost effective

Minimum Education & Experience Required To Perform Essential Functions

• Degree in Construction Science, Construction Management, or Civil/Mechanical Engineering OR
• Five+ years of directly related experience to the duties and responsibilities specified
• Construction knowledge required

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Valid driver’s license

Mental And Physical Competencies Required To Perform Essential Functions

• Strong organizational Skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Proven ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
• Display a proactive mindset
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk working on a computer
• Must be able to lift 20 pounds occasionally
• Significant field and client interactions on construction job sites, which may require prolonged periods of standing, walking and/or climbing stairs
• Occasional exposure to variety of temperature and weather conditions

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS

• Computer
• Calculator
• Tape measure
• PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, safety boots, Hi-Vis vest)
• Clothing: jeans, appropriate office shirt

Baker Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Baker Group will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.