Senior Construction Leader - Water / Wastewater - California

talisman; California (MO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering firm is looking for a Senior Construction Leader to oversee water and wastewater construction in California. This role entails leading business development, managing construction delivery, and nurturing client relationships. The ideal candidate should have over 20 years in construction, with significant experience in water management projects and hold a PE in California. This is a key position to drive growth and ensure project success in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Over 20 years in the construction industry with at least 10 in water/wastewater treatment.
• Lead on a 40m+ water project.
• Experience in senior construction management.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development and marketing strategy for projects.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop construction professionals.
• Oversee construction delivery across all project phases.
• Serve as primary point of contact for clients and stakeholders.
• Monitor contractor performance and site safety.

Skills

Business development leadership

Hands-on construction oversight

Client relationship management

Risk management

Quality control

Mentoring and development

Education

Professional Engineer (PE) in California

Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

Job description

A global leader in sustainable design, engineering, and construction, this firm delivers complex solutions across water, infrastructure, and the built environment. With tens of thousands of professionals operating across multiple continents.

The firm has made significant investments in its Water and Wastewater Construction Management practice in California, particularly across municipal infrastructure, and is continuing an ambitious growth trajectory.

The organization is now seeking a Senior Construction Leader to join its senior construction management leadership team, based in California.

This is a high-impact leadership role for an experienced professional with deep technical credibility in water and wastewater construction and a strong reputation across the California market. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in growing the practice, winning work, leading delivery teams, and strengthening long-term client relationships.

Supported by a nationally recognized technical platform, this individual will combine business development leadership with hands-on construction oversight, influencing both project pursuits and execution.

Key Responsibilities will include;

• Lead business development, marketing strategy, and pursuit activities for water and wastewater construction projects across California
• Recruit, mentor, and develop senior and junior construction management professionals
• Oversee construction delivery across all project phases, including daily site activities, contract administration, and quality control
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, agencies, and community stakeholders, providing regular progress reporting and updates
• Monitor contractor and subcontractor performance, site safety, and compliance, proactively addressing risks or deviations
• Manage scopes of work, budgets, schedules, change orders, and cost controls in collaboration with project and program managers
• Lead and participate in client meetings related to safety, scheduling, contract administration, and project performance
• Recommend and implement improvements to project costs, schedules, and delivery approaches
• Act as a liaison between construction and design teams, supporting RFIs, correspondence, and shop drawing reviews

The successful candidate will have a proven ability to lead complex construction programs while maintaining strong client relationships.

Ideally, you will have been in the construction industry for over 20 years with at least 10 of those in the water or wastewater treatment plants. You will have had a Construction Management role and led on a 40m+ water project, previously.

You must hold a PE in California, or easily attain one whilst a CCM (Certified Construction Manager) would be great.

If you feel like you are a great match for this role then please click, Apply!