Senior Project Manager

CBRE; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE in the Bay Area seeks a Senior Project Manager to lead field-driven project delivery across East Bay, San Mateo, San Jose and Sunnyvale. You will own projects from initial client contact through turnover, managing scope, budget, schedule, risk and quality with autonomy and CBRE support.

You’ll apply hands-on MEP knowledge to coordinate cross-discipline work, manage client relationships, and drive outcomes with minimal supervision.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of project management experience in construction or facilities.
• Hands-on MEP knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression.
• Proven track record managing projects independently.
• Strong client-facing skills and service orientation.
• Self-motivated and highly organized.
• Willingness to travel across the Bay Area; valid driver's license.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Manage all areas of project management for multiple real estate projects from start to finish.
• Prepare scope, budget, work plans, schedules, and risk management with clients.
• Define resources, conduct RFPs and bid evaluations, and recommend staff.
• Develop project charters and integrated timelines; keep projects on schedule.
• Lead meetings, resolve issues, and escalate when needed.
• Collaborate to deliver solutions and guide project teams to completion.

Skills

Project management

MEP knowledge

Client-facing

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Equivalent experience considered

Job description

About the Role:

As a CBRE Project Management Sr. Consultant, you will be responsible for providing consulting services to an assigned market or high-profile client accounts to help achieve the company's strategic business objectives.

This job is part of the Project Management function. This is a boots-on-the-ground role - not a desk job. You will own projects from the first client conversation through final punch-out and turnover, operating with the autonomy of a self-directed operator and the support of a best-in‑class platform. Our work spans MEP systems - HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire suppression, and tenant improvements - across a diverse portfolio of clients in the East Bay, San Mateo, San Jose, and Sunnyvale. If you thrive in the field, know how to build trust with clients, and have real experience running projects as the boots on the ground (not behind a PE), this role is for you.

What You’ll Do:

• Manage all areas of project management for multiple real estate projects. This includes planning, design, construction, occupancy, and closeout.

• Work directly with clients to prepare all elements of the project. This includes the scope of work, project delivery resource requirements, cost estimates & budget, work plan schedule & milestones, quality control, and risk identification.

• Define the project delivery resources from pre-qualified lists or through the project qualification process. Conduct complex requests for proposals, complete bid evaluations, and recommend resources to clients.

• Facilitate the development of a charter and integrated timeline.

• Ensure all functions remain on schedule and issues get resolved or escalated.

• Facilitate regular meetings to review project status for active and pending projects.

• Collaborate to develop solutions and guide the project team through implementation and completion.

• Apply advanced knowledge to seek and develop new, better methods for accomplishing both individual and department objectives.

• Showcase expertise in own job discipline and in-depth knowledge of other job disciplines within the organization function.

• Coach others to develop in-depth knowledge and expertise in most or all areas within the function.

• Lead by example and model behaviors that are consistent with CBRE RISE values. Anticipates potential objections and persuades others, often at senior levels and of divergent interest, to adopt a different point of view.

• Impact the achievement of customer, operational, project, or service objectives across multi-discipline teams. Work is guided by functional policies which impact the design of procedures and policies.

• Contribute to new products, processes, standards, and/or operational plans in support of achieving functional goals.

• Communicate difficult and complex ideas with the ability to influence.

• Travel across the Bay Area territory (East Bay, San Mateo, San Jose, Sunnyvale) as required

What You'll Need

• 8–10 years of project management experience in construction or facilities, with a GC or subcontractor background strongly preferred

• Hands‑on MEP knowledge - you understand HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression systems and can speak to them credibly in the field

• Proven track record managing projects independently, without a project engineer or large support team

• Strong client‑facing skills and a naturally service‑oriented personality

• Self‑motivated and highly organized

• Comfortable traveling across the Bay Area territory; valid driver's license and reliable vehicle required (mileage reimbursed; no car allowance or FastTrak provided)

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience considered

What Sets the Best Candidates Apart

• Experience working across diverse project types and sizes — you've run smaller, nimble jobs where you wore multiple hats, not just massive projects with full PE teams backing you

• Subcontractor‑side exposure in addition to GC work

• Demonstrated ability to build client relationships and grow accounts

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future

Why CBRE

We lead by example, guided by the needs of the cities we inhabit, the communities we build, and the world we live in. The more perspectives we have, the more dimensions we’re able to see. A culture of respect, integrity, service, and excellence shapes our approach to every opportunity.

Our competitive and comprehensive benefits program was designed to make sure you feel valued with benefits that support the mental, physical, emotional, and financial health of you and your family.

Maintain your career momentum with the best tools and training in the industry. You’ll have everything you need to thrive in your role: challenging work, dedication to results, fast‑paced assignments, and a culture of constant learning.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are more than just values- they’re a competitive advantage. By crafting a place where our employees are recognized for their contribution and given a chance to grow, we regularly open ourselves and our business opportunities.

Applicant AI Use Disclosure

We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.

• CBRE carefully considers multiple factors to determine compensation, including a candidate’s education, training, and experience. The minimum salary for the Senior Project Manager position is $160,000 annually and the maximum salary for the Senior Project Manager position is $195,000 annually. The compensation that is offered to a successful candidate will depend on the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity: CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We have a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Candidate Accommodations: CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company’s success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at [e-mail] or via telephone at [phone] (U.S.) and [phone] (Canada).

CBRE, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity and ...