Senior Project Manager

Cornerstone Recruiting; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornerstone Recruiting seeks a Senior Project Manager to oversee planning, execution, and financial performance of commercial MEP construction projects across mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems. You will lead teams, manage budgets, and drive on-site safety and quality, engaging with owners, engineers, and subcontractors.

The successful candidate will coordinate with preconstruction, sales, safety, purchasing, CAD/BIM, and fabrications teams, ensuring schedules and KPIs are met

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, or 10+ years MEP construction experience.
• Strong knowledge of MEP systems, construction sequencing, and jobsite operations.
• Proven ability to lead teams and make timely decisions in a fast-paced construction environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work across diverse teams.
• Ability to pass post-offer drug screening and required background checks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all phases of assigned MEP construction projects from preconstruction through closeout.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Develop and maintain detailed construction plans and schedules.
• Evaluate pricing, procure equipment and materials, and scope subcontracted work.
• Align fabrication schedules with field installation needs.
• Review drawings for conflicts and constructability issues.
• Monitor project metrics, budgets, and cash flow projections.
• Mentor site leadership to ensure safe, on-time, and within-budget delivery.
• Prepare change orders and recovery plans as needed.
• Lead construction meetings with teams, architects, and owners.

Skills

Leadership

Decision-making

Communication

Team management

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Procore

BIM processes

Job description

The Senior Project Manager is responsible for oversight and delivery of planning, execution, and financial performance of commercial construction projects across Mechanical, Plumbing, Sheet Metal, HVAC, Electrical, and Fire Protection systems. This role requires deep knowledge of MEP systems design and construction, regular engagement with active jobsites, and the ability to make timely, high-impact decisions to keep work moving safely, efficiently, and profitably.

A successful Senior PM is a strong team leader who takes ownership of outcomes, drives performance across all trades, and holds quality, safety, and financial results to the highest standard.

Essential Functions

• Lead and manage all phases of assigned MEP construction projects from preconstruction through closeout
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal project teams, clients, subcontractors, and key vendors
• Establish and reinforce positive morale and accountability on active jobsites
• Coordinate with internal departments including preconstruction, sales, safety, purchasing, CAD/BIM, and fabrication, as well as client and design partners, to:
• Develop and maintain detailed construction plans and schedules
• Evaluate vendor pricing and procure equipment and materials
• Scope subcontracted work and issue subcontracts
• Align fabrication schedules with field installation needs
• Review drawings and specifications to identify design conflicts, constructability issues, and scope gaps
• Monitor daily project metrics including Client, productivity, material deliveries, and equipment utilization
• Mentor site leadership to ensure work is executed safely, on schedule, within budget, and free of defects
• Prepare, manage, and report on project budgets and key performance indicators to senior leadership
• Create revenue forecasts, schedules of values, cash flow projections, and related financial analyses
• Identify scope changes, develop pricing, and submit change order proposals in a timely manner
• Develop and implement recovery plans for projects experiencing safety, quality, schedule, or cost challenges
• Serve as liaison with owners, architects, and engineers to support construction progress and issue resolution
• Schedule and lead required construction meetings with internal teams, subcontractors, architects, and owners
• Attend pre-bid, project coordination, progress, and closeout meetings
• Plan, organize, and staff key project roles in coordination with department heads and trade managers
• Establish project objectives, procedures, and performance standards in alignment with company policy and client requirements
• Monitor staffing needs, evaluate performance, and address employee relations issues as necessary
• Make decisions and recommendations that directly impact client relationships, project outcomes, and company profitability
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, or 10+ years of relevant MEP construction experience; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered
• Strong working knowledge of MEP systems, construction sequencing, and jobsite operations
• Proven ability to lead teams and make sound, timely decisions in a fast-paced construction environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across diverse personalities
• Ability to apply effective and innovative management techniques to drive performance
• Strong attention to detail with demonstrated problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to pass post-offer drug screening and required background checks (e.g., DMV, criminal history)
• Availability to work assigned schedules, including extended hours as project demands require

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with BIM processes
• Prior experience using Procore or similar project management platforms