Construction Project Manager (STERLING)

Benchmark is a premier design-build, site and underground utility construction firm, completing over 500 projects spanning over eight (8) years. With a heavy focus on mission critical facilities, our teams collaborate seamlessly to ensure our customers receive the highest level of service in the construction industry. At Benchmark, our success is fueled by our exceptional workforce. We prioritize training and professional development, encouraging our team to expand and enhance their unique skills, so they can fully realize their potential. If you are driven and passionate about excellence, we want to hear from you. Join us and be a part of our dynamic team, where your skills and ambitions will be nurtured and valued. 

Job Summary

The Project Manager (PM) is responsible for the successful execution of utility construction projects from planning through completion within a design-build environment. This includes managing project schedules, budgets, resources, subcontractors/vendors, and client communication. The PM works under the guidance of the Senior Project Manager and collaborates closely with superintendents, field staff, and support departments to ensure that projects meet or exceed client expectations and company standards. This role requires strong organizational skills, leadership, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment. 

Key Roles & Responsibilities

• Safety Compliance: Champion a strong safety culture on site, ensuring all project personnel adhere to company safety policies and promoting continuous safety improvement. Partner with the safety department to enforce compliance with safety standards and procedures.  
• Project Execution: Lead day-to-day project operations, including planning, procurement, coordination, and execution from initiation through closeout.
• Preconstruction Support: Assist in the transition from estimating to active project management by ensuring all project information, including plans, specifications, schedules, quotes, and resource requirements, are complete, accurate, and ready for seamless project initiation and execution. Collaborate closely with the estimating team, as requested, to ensure scope clarity, constructability, and appropriate resource planning during the bidding phase.
• Scheduling: Develop and maintain detailed project total, interim and look ahead schedules, monitor milestones, adjust timelines as needed, and collaborate with field teams to keep projects on track.
• Budget & Cost Management: Build, manage and track project budgets, monitor job costs weekly, and coordinate with the accounting team to ensure financial accuracy. Ensure cost impacts are properly documents and change orders are properly and timely submitted and tracked. Develop accurate cost forecasts based on project progress and anticipated future expenses. Implement cost control measures to ensure projects remain within budget. Analyze project spending and identify areas for potential cost savings. Proactively communicate any budget concerns to the Senior Project Manager.
• Client Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for clients on assigned projects. Provide regular progress updates, respond to inquiries, and ensure client satisfaction.
• Team Coordination: Collaborate with superintendents and field personnel to ensure proper resource allocation (labor, equipment, materials). Support field operations by maintaining clear and constant office-to/from-field communication.
• Subcontractor & Vendor Management: Oversee the procurement and performance of subcontractors and suppliers. Ensure contracts are adhered to, materials arrive on time, and installation meets quality standards. 
• Quality Assurance: Serve as the primary responsible party for ensuring all work is performed according to project specifications and quality requirements. Fully understand the project requirements and lead the efforts on engaging and educating other project staff on the same. Participate in and ensure inspections are performed consistently and routinely, deficiencies are limited to a minimum, and corrections are completed timely as the project progresses.

• Documentation & Reporting: Establish and oversee a comprehensive document control system and manage the maintenance of comprehensive and accurate project documentation including RFIs, submittals, change orders, daily reports, as-built files, meeting minutes, and project correspondences. Prepare and present progress reports for internal leadership and clients as requested.   
• Design Coordination & Control: Ensure the seamless flow of design information, proactively managing version control and collaborating with the BIM team to identify and resolve potential design conflicts. Ensure that all design changes are properly communicated and implemented during execution. Oversee the submittal review process to ensure timely approvals and minimize project delays.
• Other Duties: Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

• Risk Identification: Identify potential issues or obstacles early and work with the SPM and field staff to implement solutions that mitigate impacts to the project timeline and budget.
• Closeout & As-Built Coordination: Manage the project closeout process, including compiling as-built documentation, coordinating final inspections, and ensuring punch list items are completed efficiently. 

• Team Leadership & Development: Develop and lead a high-performing project team (Assistant Project Managers and Field Engineers). Provide guidance, mentorship, and training to team members, delegate tasks effectively and empower team members to take ownership of their responsibilities and grow. Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment. Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback. 

Daily Tasks

• Participate in regular check-ins with the Senior Project Manager to report progress, discuss challenges, and align on project strategy.
• Review weekly cost reports and labor tracking to ensure projects remain within budget. Flag deviations and collaborate with the SPM to resolve issues. Review and approve vendor invoices, ensuring proper cost allocation.
• Conduct site visits and attend project meetings regularly to monitor progress, inspect work quality, and coordinate with superintendents and foremen to address field conditions.
• Interface with clients by attending meetings, distributing meeting minutes, and ensuring that client requests or changes are effectively communicated to all stakeholders.
• Manage project documentation by ensuring all files are current, compliant with standards, and properly archived. Facilitate the flow of documents between project team members, subcontractors, and clients, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
• Processes change orders by reviewing scopes, managing pricing, maintaining logs, and obtaining approvals. Track impacts to project cost and schedule throughout the change management process.
• Identify issues early and escalate complex challenges to the Senior Project Manager as needed. Implement corrective actions to keep the project on track.
• Support team development by fostering a positive environment, mentoring assistant project managers or coordinators, and sharing lessons learned with peers.
• Actively manage design information flow by ensuring the latest approved drawings and documents are available to the project team, subcontractors, and field personnel. Ensure all design changes are properly communicated and implemented. Collaborate with the BIM team to facilitate effective coordination and clash detection. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related field (or equivalent technical experience).
• Minimum of 5+ years of demonstrable experience in utility construction, heavy civil, infrastructure, or related sectors.
• Strong working knowledge of construction documents, including plans, specifications, and scope of work.
• Experience in managing multiple construction projects simultaneously – preferably in a design-build environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in project scheduling, using tools like MS Project, Primavera P6, or Procore.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills for effective client and team interactions.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience mentoring or supervising project teams and subcontractors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience in contract management, including change order processing, claims, and dispute resolution.
• Deep understanding of safety standards and protocols, including OSHA requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites regularly.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to make effective decisions under pressure.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects, deadlines, and client requirements effectively. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in independently developing and managing project budgets and cost controls.
• Experience leading large-scale, complex utility, or infrastructure projects with budgets over $10 million.
• Knowledge of environmental compliance, permitting, and regulatory approvals in utility construction.
• Proven track record of business development, including proposal preparation, client presentations, and maintaining key client relationships.
• Experience working within multi-disciplinary teams and coordinating with BIM, design, construction, and operations teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead customer negotiations, conflict resolution, and dispute avoidance.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret project data, financial reports, and risk assessments.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management training.
• OSHA 30-hour certification preferred.
• Experience with BIM coordination and clash detection.
• Familiarity with local regulations and permitting processes related to utility construction. 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to climb, bend, kneel, stand, walk, and move around the construction site regularly.
• Capacity to lift and carry equipment, materials, and documents weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable working at heights and on uneven surfaces.
• Ability to perform job site inspections and walk through construction areas for extended periods.
• Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for operating tools or inspecting work.
• Adequate visual acuity to assess construction work, read plans, and review safety protocols.
• Willingness to work in various weather conditions, including rain, heat, and cold.
• Ability to climb ladders, scaffolding, and staircases as required.

Why Join Benchmark Utility Services 

Benchmark Utility Services offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits and a dynamic work environment that values excellence, teamwork, and professional growth. If you possess the Qualifications and skills to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. 

Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Please apply online with Benchmark Utility Services at: https://benchmark-utility-services.viewpointhr-ats.com/job/963450/construction-project-manager?s=cl