Project Manager (Wet Utilities)

Software Placement Group; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Software Placement Group seeks an experienced Project Manager to lead underground wet utility projects across the Inland Empire, CA. This hands-on leader owns the full lifecycle from pre-construction handoff through closeout.

You will manage budgets, schedules, subcontractors, and client coordination on public and private infrastructure work, ensuring safety, quality, and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience managing underground wet utility or heavy civil projects.
• Strong knowledge of water, sewer, and storm drain construction.
• Experience with CPM scheduling, cost control, and change management.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of wet utility projects from award through closeout.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and staffing plans.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
• Serve as primary contact for owners, agencies, and inspectors.
• Manage project budgets, cost forecasts, and WIP reporting.

Skills

CPM scheduling

Budget management

Subcontractor management

Client coordination

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

Bluebeam

Excel

HCSS

Procore

Job description

Overview

A construction firm is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead underground wet utility projects involving water, sewer, and storm drain systems across Southern California. This hands-on leadership role owns the full project lifecycle from pre-construction handoff through closeout, covering budget control, schedule performance, subcontractor management, and client coordination on public and private infrastructure work. Location: Inland Empire Area, CA.

What you'll do

• Lead execution of wet utility projects from award through closeout
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and staffing plans
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget
• Serve as primary point of contact for owners, agencies, and inspectors
• Manage project budgets, cost forecasts, and work-in-progress reporting
• Track and process change orders, RFIs, and contract modifications
• Oversee billing, cash flow, and revenue tracking
• Support value engineering and cost-saving initiatives without sacrificing quality
• Procure and manage subcontractors and suppliers
• Review scopes, negotiate pricing, and enforce contract compliance
• Monitor productivity and resolve performance or schedule issues
• Partner closely with Superintendents and field leadership
• Coordinate manpower, equipment, and material deliveries
• Maintain look-ahead schedules and drive weekly production planning
• Support estimating, budgeting, and proposal development
• Review plans and specs for constructability and risk
• Participate in pre-bid meetings and site walks when required
• Maintain accurate project documentation, including schedules, logs, and correspondence
• Oversee project closeout, including as-builts, turnover packages, and final cost reports

What you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred
• 5+ years of experience managing underground wet utility or heavy civil projects
• Strong background in water, sewer, and storm drain construction
• Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, subcontractors, and client relationships
• Solid understanding of public works contracts, prevailing wage, and union labor environments in California
• Experience with CPM scheduling, cost control, and change management
• Proficiency with project tools such as Bluebeam, Excel, HCSS, Procore, or similar systems
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Valid California driver's license and ability to travel to job sites as needed

Why this role

This is not an assistant or paper-pushing position — you'll be accountable for real project outcomes including schedule, margin, client satisfaction, and team performance, with ownership of full project execution where decisions actually happen.