Senior Project Manager

Sterling Engineering; Commerce City (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering is seeking a Project Manager in Commerce City, CO (or DeForest, WI as alternative) to lead electric power distribution, transmission, and substation projects from concept to completion. The role blends strategic contract negotiations and budgeting with hands-on field execution to meet cost, quality, safety, and schedule targets.

The position requires 5–10 years of PM experience in construction and strong leadership, plus the ability to work on traditional offices and active

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of project management experience in construction focused on Electric Power Distribution, Transmission, and Substation projects.
• Education: four-year technical education in engineering, construction management coursework, or completion of an apprenticeship.
• Leadership: experience supervising field crews and maintaining labor agreement compliance.
• Financial: ability to track and manage complex project budgets.
• Core skills: analytical, problem-solving, interpersonal, and verbal/written communication abilities.
• Physical & environmental: ability to work in an office and on outdoors construction sites, with ladders and variable weather.

Responsibilities

• Business development & client relations: pursue new business and manage client communications.
• Financial & contract administration: estimate costs, establish budgets, draft schedules, and assist in contract negotiations.
• Project oversight & safety: lead site meetings, monitor progress and safety, and track budgets.
• Design coordination: collaborate with architects and engineers to resolve design issues.
• Resource & equipment logistics: plan manpower, tools, and equipment; manage procurement and maintenance.
• Labor relations & field supervision: supervise foremen and maintain union relations.
• Project closeout: manage punch lists, as-built drawings, and handover manuals.
• Corporate contribution: participate in events and committees as requested.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Leadership

Client relations

Education

Engineering degree

Construction management coursework

Apprenticeship

Job description

Location: DeForest, WI or Commerce City, CO

Compensation: $140,000 - $170,000

Must have Skill Set: 5–10 years of construction project management experience specifically within Electric Power Distribution, Transmission, and Substation projects, alongside strong budgeting capabilities and union labor relations experience.

Overview: The Project Manager is a key leadership role responsible for driving organizational growth by identifying and acquiring new business opportunities through exceptional client relationship development. This position plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the execution of complex utility and power projects from conception to completion. The ideal candidate will balance high-level strategic tasks, such as contract negotiations and budget tracking, with hands-on field operations, ensuring all projects meet strict cost, quality, equipment utilization, and safety objectives. Operating in both a standard office environment and on active outdoor construction sites, this manager serves as the primary connection point between design teams, field crews, and clients.

Job Duties:

• Business Development & Client Relations: Actively pursue and secure new business by fostering strong client relationships, delivering presentations to prospective clients, and masterfully analyzing project plans, specifications, and contracts. Keep customers fully informed of progress, negotiate fee changes, and secure complete satisfaction upon project ha
• ndover.Financial & Contract Administration: Estimate project costs, establish budgets, draft schedules, and assist in contract negotiations. Manage day-to-day administrative contract details, including change orders, rental equipment, timesheet coding, billing, expenses, and colle
• ctions.Project Oversight & Safety: Monitor schedule adherence, safety compliance, and budget tracking by leading job site meetings, reviewing progress reports, conducting performance evaluations, and holding safety me
• etings.Design Coordination: Collaborate closely with architects and engineers to resolve design-related construction challenges and manage the timely approval of shop dr
• awings.Resource & Equipment Logistics: Plan and coordinate manpower, tools, equipment, and material supply needs. Manage the purchase of standardized materials, oversee equipment maintenance, and ensure all tools and machinery are properly repaired po
• st-job.Labor Relations & Field Supervision: Supervise field crews through foremen. Maintain cooperative union relationships with field employees and local business managers, participating in joint labor-management committees and apprenticeship subcomm
• ittees.Project Closeout: Manage the comprehensive job closeout process, resolving punch list items, recording "as-built" drawings, and distributing all operating and maintenance manuals to the
• client.Corporate Contribution: Build customer goodwill by participating in company-supported events, attending annual divisional meetings, and serving on corporate or divisional committees as requested.

Qualifications:

• 5 to 10 years of prior project management experience within the construction industry, with a direct focus on Electric Power Distribution, Transmission, and Substation projects.
• Education: Minimum of a four-year technical education in an engineering field, construction management coursework, or completion of a formal apprenticeship in a respective discipline.
• Leadership Capabilities: Demonstrated experience supervising field crews through foremen and maintaining labor agreement compliance.
• Financial Acumen: Proven ability to track, manage, and maintain a wide range of complex project budgets.
• Core Skills: Excellent analytical, problem-solving, interpersonal, and verbal/written communication skills.
• Physical & Environmental Requirements: Ability to work in a standard office environment involving regular sitting, standing, computer use, repetitive typing, and occasional light lifting.
• Ability to work on outdoor field construction sites in all weather conditions to survey sites and resolve coordination issues with the trades.
• Physical ability to climb up and down ladders and steps on active jobsites, with or without reasonable accommodation

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic inf