Senior Project Manager - Heavy Civil Construction

Curtis Contracting Inc.; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Curtis Contracting, Inc. in Virginia is seeking a Heavy Civil Senior Project Manager to lead administrative, technical, and operational management of large highway and civil projects from inception to closeout.

You will manage safety, quality, schedule, budget, and risk, coordinate field teams, engineers, and subcontractors, and act as the main liaison with owners and agencies while building relationships and ensuring contractual compliance.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field required.
• 10 years of progressive construction experience, preferably with a general contractor.
• Proven ability to manage projects from pre-construction to closeout.
• Strong negotiation skills and relationships with owners, subcontractors and vendors.
• Demonstrated leadership with at least 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience with Primavera P6, MS Project, and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate all project phases within budget and quality standards.
• Develop, update, and manage project schedules with critical path tracking.
• Lead project teams including field supervision, engineers, and subcontractors.
• Identify and mitigate risks to maintain project continuity.
• Enforce safety, quality, and environmental compliance policies.
• Administer and enforce contract requirements across parties.
• Prepare, negotiate, and process change orders, RFIs, and submittals.
• Oversee budgets, cost tracking, and financial forecasting for profitability.
• Secure permits and ensure subcontractor insurance coverage and compliance.
• Manage procurement of materials and subcontracted services.
• Mentor and develop project team members; provide coaching and feedback.
• Conduct performance evaluations and set clear goals.
• Serve as liaison between clients, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Maintain relationships with project owners, engineering firms, vendors, and agencies.
• Organize meetings and prepare monthly status reports.
• Oversee closeout and ensure smooth project handovers and sign-offs.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Negotiation

Communication

Team leadership

Risk management

Safety focus

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or construction management

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Financial reporting systems

Job description

The Heavy Civil Senior Project Manager is responsible for the administrative, technical, and operational management of heavy highway and civil construction projects from inception to completion. As the primary point of contact, the Project Manager ensures projects progress efficiently, meeting safety, budget, schedule, and quality goals while maintaining strong relationships with all stakeholders.

Successful candidates will bring a passion for construction, strong leadership skills, and a results-driven approach to drive projects forward and uphold the company’s commitment to excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and coordinate all project phases, ensuring timely completion within budget and quality standards.

• Develop, update, and manage project schedules, including critical path tracking and resource allocation.

• Lead project teams, including field supervision, engineers, and subcontractors, ensuring alignment with project objectives.

• Identify and mitigate project risks, resolving issues proactively to maintain project continuity.

• Implement and enforce project safety, quality, and environmental compliance policies.

• Administer and enforce contract requirements, ensuring compliance by all parties.

• Prepare, negotiate, and process change orders, RFIs, and submittals efficiently.

• Oversee project budgets, cost tracking, and financial forecasting to optimize profitability.

• Secure necessary permits and ensure subcontractor insurance coverage and compliance.

• Manage procurement, ensuring materials, equipment, and subcontracted services align with project needs and timelines.

• Supervise, mentor, and develop project team members, fostering a culture of growth and accountability.

• Provide training opportunities and coaching to enhance team skill sets and career development.

• Conduct performance evaluations, set clear goals, and provide continuous feedback.

• Serve as the primary liaison between clients, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with project owners, engineering firms, vendors, and local agencies.

• Organize and facilitate project meetings, ensuring clear communication and collaboration among all stakeholders.

• Prepare and submit monthly project status reports, keeping leadership informed of progress and challenges.

• Oversee the final stages of project completion, ensuring compliance with contract specifications.

• Conduct punch list walkthroughs and ensure timely resolution of outstanding issues.

• Maintain and organize all project documentation, including as-built drawings and warranties.

• Ensure a smooth transition to project owners and secure necessary approvals and sign-offs.

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field required.

• 10 years of progressive construction experience, preferably with a general contractor managing large-scale heavy highway and civil construction projects.

• Proven ability to successfully manage projects from pre-construction to final closeout.

• Strong negotiation skills and experience developing relationships with owners, subcontractors, and vendors.

• Demonstrated leadership ability with at least 5 years of supervisory experience.

• Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining attention to detail.

• Proficiency in project management software, scheduling tools (Primavera P6, MS Project), and financial reporting systems.

• Thorough knowledge of heavy civil and highway construction methods, including grading, drainage, structures, and paving.

• Roadway and structures experience highly preferred.

• Familiarity with VDOT regulations, environmental compliance, and permitting processes.

• Passion for the construction industry and a strong desire to contribute to the company’s success.

Curtis Contracting, Inc. (CCI) is a Class “A” contractor prequalified with VDOT and has been in business since 1985. The company is organized into multiple divisions, including Civil, Heavy Highway, Road & Bridge Maintenance, and Federal.

Curtis Contracting, Inc. was founded on the principles of ethics, partnering, quality, integrity, safety, and environmental stewardship. These values continue to guide our leadership team and daily operations. We hope you will consider joining our team.

Curtis Contracting, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.