Construction Project Manager – Contracts & Budget Management

Construction Project Manager – Contracts & Budget Management

Location: Auburn, CA (Hybrid)

Duration: 12 months

Travel: Required for project site visits (approximately twice per week during active project phases, then as needed)

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Construction Project Manager – Contracts & Budget Management to support a portfolio of capital construction and infrastructure projects involving utility, water, dam, and related facilities. This role is responsible for overseeing project budgets, contract administration, consultant and contractor management, procurement coordination, and overall project governance from planning through execution.

The ideal candidate will bring strong commercial and construction project management experience, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while collaborating with engineering teams, procurement professionals, contractors, consultants, and business stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 5–6 concurrent capital construction and infrastructure projects.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for project stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and internal teams.
• Develop, manage, and monitor project budgets, forecasts, funding plans, and cost performance.
• Track project expenditures, identify budget variances, and implement corrective actions to maintain financial objectives.
• Administer engineering, consulting, and construction-related contracts throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead contract negotiations, change order reviews, amendments, and commercial discussions with third-party vendors and service providers.
• Partner closely with procurement and supply chain teams during sourcing, contracting, and vendor management activities.
• Oversee engineering studies, consultant deliverables, and technical service agreements.
• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate project risks related to cost, schedule, scope, and contract performance.
• Coordinate activities across multiple business units and stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
• Conduct regular project status reviews and provide updates on budget, schedule, risks, and contract performance.
• Perform site visits to monitor project progress, contractor performance, and construction activities.
• Support the development and implementation of project management best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor and provide guidance to less experienced project management professionals as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in project management, construction management, project controls, engineering, utility infrastructure, or capital project delivery.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification required.
• Demonstrated experience managing construction, engineering, consulting, or infrastructure-related contracts.
• Strong experience with project budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and financial reporting.
• Experience negotiating contracts, managing change orders, and administering third-party agreements.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication, leadership, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams across engineering, construction, procurement, and business operations.
• Proficiency with project management and financial reporting tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting utility, water, dam, hydroelectric, civil infrastructure, or capital improvement projects.
• Knowledge of construction contracting methods, project controls, and capital project governance.
• Experience managing engineering consultants, construction contractors, and external service providers.
• Familiarity with procurement processes and contractor selection activities.
• Experience working within regulated utility, public infrastructure, or large capital project environments.