Senior Project Manager — Public Works / K-12 Construction

Diamond Peak Recruiting; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Leadership autonomy

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Diamond Peak Recruiting is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead complex public-sector construction projects in the Seattle area, with a focus on K-12 facilities and public works. You will drive projects from preconstruction through closeout, coordinating with districts, agencies, architects, engineers, contractors, and communities to deliver safe, on-time, on-budget results.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years of PM experience in public-sector construction, strong leadership, and

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive construction project management experience.
• Experience delivering K-12, municipal, or public-sector projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business, or related field.
• Strong contracts, controls, scheduling, estimating, and cost management.
• Experience with public procurement and contracting processes is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, organization, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, procurement, construction, and closeout of complex K-12 and public works projects.
• Develop and manage schedules, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow.
• Serve as primary contact for owners, architects, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Manage contracts, change orders, RFIs, submittals, pay apps, and documentation.
• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate design, estimating, procurement, and construction teams.
• Lead project meetings and report progress, risks, milestones, and financials to leadership.
• Ensure compliance with public works requirements, building codes, safety standards, and contracts.
• Oversee subcontractor and consultant performance and resolve issues.
• Maintain relationships with school districts, public agencies, and communities.
• Mentor and lead project managers, engineers, and coordinators.
• Drive closeout, commissioning, turnover, and warranty activities.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Communication

Project controls

Scheduling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management/Engineering/Architecture/Business

Tools

Microsoft Office

Construction PM platforms

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead complex public-sector construction projects across the Seattle area, with a particular focus on K-12 educational facilities and public works programs.

This role is ideal for a seasoned construction professional who understands the unique requirements of publicly funded projects and can confidently manage projects from preconstruction through closeout. You will work closely with school districts, public agencies, architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and community stakeholders to deliver safe, high-quality projects on schedule and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, procurement, construction, and closeout of complex K-12 and public works projects.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow.
• Serve as the primary project contact for owners, architects, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Manage contracts, change orders, RFIs, submittals, pay applications, and project documentation.
• Identify project risks and develop proactive mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate design, estimating, procurement, and construction teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead project meetings and communicate progress, risks, milestones, and financial performance to senior leadership and clients.
• Ensure compliance with applicable public works requirements, building codes, safety standards, and contractual obligations.
• Oversee subcontractor and consultant performance and resolve issues as they arise.
• Maintain strong relationships with school districts, public agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Mentor and provide leadership to project managers, engineers, coordinators, and other project team members.
• Drive successful project closeout, commissioning, turnover, and warranty activities.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive construction project management experience, preferably with a general contractor, construction manager, or owner’s representative.
• Proven experience delivering K-12, municipal, civic, or other public-sector construction projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, project controls, scheduling, estimating, and cost management.
• Experience with public procurement and contracting processes is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, organization, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Proficiency with common construction/project management platforms and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to travel to project sites throughout the Seattle area as needed.

Preferred Experience

• K-12 school construction or major modernization projects.
• Public works or municipal capital improvement programs.
• Experience working directly with school districts or public agencies.
• Familiarity with Washington State public works requirements and prevailing-wage environments.
• Experience with alternative delivery methods such as GC/CM, Design-Build, or Design-Bid-Build.
• PMP, CCM, LEED, or other relevant professional certification.

What They Offer

• $155,000-$185,000 base salary, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Competitive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead high-profile projects that directly impact local communities.
• Collaborative, professional environment with significant autonomy and leadership responsibility.
• Career growth opportunities within a growing construction organization.