VP of Project Management -Excavation Construction Projects

Vaco by Highspring; Carmel (IN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring is seeking a Vice President of Project Management to build and lead the PM function for excavation and underground site work in Central Indiana. You will oversee a team of Project Managers and Project Engineers, set PM standards, and partner with the COO and field leaders to scale operations.

The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, driving portfolio performance, QA/QC, safety, and client relations across a growing regional footprint.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Construction Management preferred or equivalent experience.
• Deep project management fundamentals in civil/underground site work.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across owners, trade partners, and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Project Managers and Project Engineers with clear growth paths.
• Establish and champion PM standards, processes, and best practices across excavation and site work.
• Provide regular coaching, performance reviews, and talent development.
• Oversee staffing, resource planning, and company growth strategy with senior leaders.
• Ensure project oversight of cost, schedule, scope, and stakeholder outcomes.

Skills

PM experience

People management

Communication skills

Tech proficiency

Education

Bachelor's in Construction Management

Job description

Vice President of Project Management - Excavation & Underground Site Work

Vaco has partnered with a growing excavation and construction company in Carmel, IN to hire a Vice President of Project Management to build and lead its project management function as the company scales.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our client is a fast-growing civil site work contractor based in Central Indiana, specializing in underground infrastructure - sanitary sewer, water, and site utility construction - for municipal, public, and private clients across the region and beyond. Now in its seventh year, the company has grown roughly 30% year-over-year, with revenue climbing from $32M in 2025 to a projected $40M in 2026 and a backlog already exceeding $40M for 2027. As a merit-shop contractor that self-performs approximately 95% of its work, the company has built a reputation for getting dirt moved and pipe laid the right way - and is now investing in senior leadership to match its growth trajectory.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Our client is seeking an experienced Vice President of Project Management to lead and grow the project management function across the company's excavation and underground site work portfolio. This is a highly visible, senior leadership role with direct P&L accountability across all active projects, oversight of the Project Manager and Project Engineer team, and a seat at the leadership table as the company scales into a larger regional player. You'll report directly to the COO and partner closely with the General Superintendent, estimating, and field leadership to set the standard for how projects are planned, staffed, and executed.

This is an ideal opportunity for a proven excavation/underground construction leader who is ready to step out of the day-to-day PM chair and into a role building, mentoring, and leading a team of project managers - while still staying close enough to the work to guide it.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Build, lead, mentor, and develop a team of Project Managers and Project Engineers, setting clear expectations and growth paths.
• Establish and champion project management standards, processes, and best practices across all excavation and site work projects.
• Conduct regular one-on-ones, performance reviews, and coaching sessions to strengthen the bench of project management talent.
• Recruit, onboard, and develop future project management talent as the company continues to scale.
• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and collaboration across the project management team.

Project Oversight & Execution

• Own portfolio-level cost, schedule, scope, and stakeholder outcomes across all assigned excavation site work projects.
• Provide senior oversight of project kickoff, buyout, subcontracts, and procurement across the project team.
• Monitor job cost, productivity, and cash flow at a portfolio level, and direct recovery plans when projects trend off-track.
• Ensure QA/QC, safety, and closeout documentation standards are met across every project.
• Conduct regular site visits across the portfolio to oversee project execution and support field and PM teams.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with owners, owner representatives, architects, engineers, trade contractors, and vendors at a senior level.
• Serve as an escalation point and senior representative for the company on high-profile or complex projects.
• Represent the company at key project meetings, trade organizations, and industry events.

Strategic Coordination & Communication

• Partner closely with the COO and General Superintendent on staffing, resource planning, and company growth strategy.
• Review project documents, plans, and specifications, and guide resolution of complex field challenges.
• Collaborate with estimating to ensure smooth project handoff and buy-in on scope, budget, and schedule.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure all projects conform to quality standards and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Drive adoption of standard operating procedures and cost, time, and quality standards across the department.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We're looking for a proven excavation/underground construction leader who is ready to build and lead a team - someone who has walked in the Project Manager's shoes, has the track record to prove it, and now wants to develop others and shape how the department runs. The leadership team is hands-on, direct, and values honest, two-way communication over politics. Candidates should be energized by that kind of environment.

• 7+ years of experience in excavation, underground utility, or civil site work construction project management is required.
• Prior people management or team leadership experience is required, along with a genuine desire to build, mentor, and lead a team of project managers.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management preferred; equivalent experience will also be considered.
• Deep project management fundamentals - civil/underground site work experience (sanitary, water, sewer, infrastructure) strongly preferred.
• A track record of ownership, follow-through, and developing others, with the ability to balance strategic oversight and hands-on involvement when needed.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust across owners, trade partners, and internal teams at all levels.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-accountability culture with direct, candid feedback.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, with general technology/computer proficiency.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & LOGISTICS

Location: Based out of Central Indiana, with regular travel to active job sites

Work Style: In-office and on-site - this role is not eligible for remote work

Travel: Local day trips (2-3 hours) across the project portfolio, no overnight travel required

Project Footprint: Primarily Central Indiana/Greater Indianapolis, with projects in Northwest Indiana, Rochester, and Columbus, IN