Senior Project Manager

Appleton Finn; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Appleton Finn is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead heavy civil construction projects in Sacramento, CA. You will own complex projects from preconstruction through closeout, directing teams, budgets, schedules, and key stakeholder relationships.

The role requires 8+ years in heavy civil construction, strong leadership, risk management, and proven delivery of large-scale infrastructure programs. Travel to projects across the region is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in heavy civil construction or a related industry.
• Proven experience successfully managing construction projects from start to finish.
• Experience managing large-scale civil infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of heavy civil construction means, methods, and practices.
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and develop project teams.
• Experience with project scheduling, cost control, and contract administration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the successful delivery of heavy civil construction projects from preconstruction through closeout.
• Develop detailed project execution plans, including schedules, resources, budgets, and work plans.
• Establish and maintain project schedules, milestones, and critical path activities.
• Manage project budgets, forecasting, cost control, billing, and overall financial performance.
• Lead and develop Project Managers, Project Engineers, Superintendents, and other project team members.
• Coordinate the efforts of subcontractors, vendors, consultants, engineers, owners, and other stakeholders.
• Assess project risks and develop effective mitigation and contingency plans.
• Review project plans, specifications, contracts, and scopes of work to identify potential issues and opportunities.
• Manage RFIs, submittals, change orders, claims, pay applications, and other project documentation.
• Maintain strong relationships with owners, clients, engineers, subcontractors, and other project stakeholders.
• Lead project meetings and ensure clear and consistent communication across all parties.
• Monitor project progress, productivity, quality, safety, and schedule performance.
• Identify project issues and implement corrective actions to keep projects on track.
• Ensure projects are completed in accordance with contractual requirements, specifications, budget, schedule, and safety standards.
• Support estimating, preconstruction, procurement, and business development activities.
• Oversee successful project closeout, including punch list, final documentation, and client turnover.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Primavera P6

Procore

Bluebeam

Microsoft Project

Job description

Senior Project Manager – Heavy Civil Construction

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to join a growing heavy civil construction team in Sacramento, California. This is an excellent opportunity for an established construction professional to take ownership of complex infrastructure projects from preconstruction through final completion.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record managing heavy civil construction projects, with experience overseeing project teams, budgets, schedules, subcontractors, and client relationships. Experience with water/wastewater, utilities, underground infrastructure, transportation, highways, bridges, or other public infrastructure projects is highly desirable.

You will be responsible for developing and executing project plans, managing project financial performance, identifying and mitigating risks, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the successful delivery of heavy civil construction projects from preconstruction through closeout
• Develop detailed project execution plans, including schedules, resources, budgets, and work plans
• Establish and maintain project schedules, milestones, and critical path activities
• Manage project budgets, forecasting, cost control, billing, and overall financial performance
• Lead and develop Project Managers, Project Engineers, Superintendents, and other project team members
• Coordinate the efforts of subcontractors, vendors, consultants, engineers, owners, and other stakeholders
• Assess project risks and develop effective mitigation and contingency plans
• Review project plans, specifications, contracts, and scopes of work to identify potential issues and opportunities
• Manage RFIs, submittals, change orders, claims, pay applications, and other project documentation
• Maintain strong relationships with owners, clients, engineers, subcontractors, and other project stakeholders
• Lead project meetings and ensure clear and consistent communication across all parties
• Monitor project progress, productivity, quality, safety, and schedule performance
• Identify project issues and implement corrective actions to keep projects on track
• Ensure projects are completed in accordance with contractual requirements, specifications, budget, schedule, and safety standards
• Support estimating, preconstruction, procurement, and business development activities
• Oversee successful project closeout, including punch list, final documentation, and client turnover

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Engineering, or a related field
• 8+ years of experience in heavy civil construction or a related industry
• Proven experience successfully managing construction projects from start to finish
• Experience managing large-scale civil infrastructure projects
• Strong understanding of heavy civil construction means, methods, and practices
• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, schedules, contracts, change orders, and financial performance
• Experience working directly with owners, engineers, subcontractors, vendors, and other project stakeholders
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and develop project teams
• Strong knowledge of project scheduling, cost control, risk management, and contract administration
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced construction environment
• Proficiency with construction management and scheduling software such as Primavera P6, Procore, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, or similar
• Ability to travel to project sites throughout the Sacramento and Northern California region as required

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Water & wastewater treatment facilities
• Water and sewer infrastructure
• Pump stations
• Highways and roadway infrastructure
• Bridges and structures
• Transportation infrastructure
• Earthwork and site development
• Public works and municipal infrastructure

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a senior-level construction leader who can take full ownership of complex projects and drive them toward successful completion.

The ideal candidate will combine strong technical construction knowledge with excellent leadership, communication, and financial management skills. You should be comfortable managing large teams, making critical project decisions, solving problems in the field, and maintaining strong relationships with clients and project stakeholders.

If you are an experienced Senior Project Manager looking for an opportunity to take the next step in your heavy civil construction career in the Sacramento market, we would like to hear from you.