Senior Project Manager

Diamond Peak Recruiting; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Performance-based bonus opportunity

Vehicle or travel allowance

Job summary

Diamond Peak Recruiting is seeking a Senior Project Manager for K-12/DSA construction in San Jose, CA. The role oversees projects from preconstruction to closeout, emphasizing California DSA compliance, safety, and active school-campus coordination.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years of PM experience in public works, strong control of schedules and budgets, and proven leadership with owners, architects, and contractors. Compensation aligns with experience and portfolio.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of construction project management experience, preferably with a general contractor.
• Strong working knowledge of California DSA processes and requirements.
• Experience with public works construction and related contracts.
• Proven ability to manage projects from preconstruction through closeout.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, organization, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of K-12 construction projects from preconstruction through project closeout.
• Manage scope, schedule, budget, contracts, procurement, and execution.
• Serve as primary contact for owners, architects, consultants, inspectors, subcontractors, and stakeholders.
• Navigate DSA requirements, inspections, submittals, RFIs, change orders, and closeout docs.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules and identify delays or conflicts.
• Manage budgets, forecasting, commitments, billings, and change management.
• Review plans and contracts for scope, constructability, and risk.
• Lead project meetings and resolve design/construction issues.
• Coordinate subcontractors and vendors to maintain quality, schedule, and safety.
• Work with Superintendents and field teams to ensure project success.
• Identify risks and mitigation strategies; manage owner/subcontractor relationships.
• Oversee project documentation and closeout; mentor junior staff.

Skills

DSA knowledge

Project management

Public works

Schedules & budgets

Stakeholder communication

Education

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

Job description

Senior Project Manager – K-12 / DSA Construction

Location: San Jose, CA

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager with a strong background in K-12 construction and Division of the State Architect (DSA) projects to join our team in San Jose.

This position will lead projects from preconstruction through closeout, partnering closely with owners, architects, consultants, subcontractors, inspectors, and internal teams. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of California public works construction, DSA requirements, project controls, and the unique coordination demands of occupied or active school campuses.

This is a high-impact role for an experienced construction professional who can independently manage complex projects while building strong relationships with clients and project partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of K-12 construction projects from preconstruction through project closeout.
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, contracts, procurement, and overall execution.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for owners, architects, consultants, inspectors, subcontractors, and project stakeholders. ownership of a complex K-12 project, anticipating problems before they impact the project, and working collaboratively with the field team, design team, owner, and subcontractors to keep
• Navigate DSA requirements, inspections, approvals, submittals, RFIs, change orders, and closeout documentation.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules and proactively identify potential delays or conflicts.
• Manage project budgets, cost forecasting, commitments, billings, and change management.
• Review plans, specifications, contracts, and other construction documents for scope, constructability, and risk.
• Lead project meetings and ensure timely resolution of design and construction issues.
• Coordinate subcontractors and vendors to maintain project quality, schedule, and safety objectives.
• Work closely with Superintendents and field teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Manage owner and subcontractor relationships while maintaining a high level of professionalism.
• Oversee project documentation, reporting, and closeout.
• Mentor and provide leadership to Project Engineers, Assistant Project Managers, and other project team members.
• Maintain compliance with applicable California public works, building code, and DSA requirements.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of construction project management experience, preferably with a general contractor.
• Strong working knowledge of California DSA processes and requirements.
• Experience with public works construction and associated contract requirements.
• Proven experience managing projects from preconstruction through closeout.
• Strong understanding of construction plans, specifications, contracts, schedules, and budgets.
• Demonstrated experience managing subcontractors, consultants, architects, and owners.
• Strong financial and project-controls experience.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, organization, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced construction environment.
• Proficiency with construction management and scheduling software.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, highly organized construction leader who understands both the technical and relationship-driven sides of project management.

You should be comfortable taking ownership of a complex K-12 project, anticipating problems before they impact the project, and working collaboratively with the field team, design team, owner, and subcontractors to keep the project moving.

Experience with DSA closeout, project documentation, public agency stakeholders, and construction on active school campuses is highly valued.

Compensation will be commensurate with experience, project portfolio, DSA/K-12 expertise, and overall qualifications.

Benefits may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• Vehicle or travel allowance, as applicable