Construction Project Manager

Summary

The Construction Project Manager leads cross functional project management efforts to ensure successful delivery of complex construction and operational projects. This role oversees project prioritization, resource planning, budgeting, progress tracking, and ROI measurement.

The Senior Construction Project Manager is responsible for ensuring all assigned projects are properly scoped, designed, and executed with strict control over scope, budget, and schedule. The primary objective is to deliver high quality construction projects on time and within budget, using the most cost effective and efficient methods.

Job Description

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide overall leadership and accountability for the planning, design, execution, and closeout of assigned construction projects, including new facility development, facility expansions, renovations, and capital improvement initiatives. Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within approved budgets, and in alignment with operational and business objectives.
• Manage and coordinate architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure designs are constructible, cost‑effective, operationally efficient, and compliant with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage front‑end project development activities, including feasibility analysis, scope definition, conceptual estimates, schedules, risk assessments, and capital approval documentation. Support capital planning efforts by contributing to business cases, ROI evaluations, and project prioritization decisions.
• Oversee permitting, entitlements, and regulatory approvals by coordinating with local, state, and federal Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). Proactively manage zoning, code compliance, inspections, and approval milestones to mitigate schedule and regulatory risks.
• Develop, manage, and maintain detailed project budgets, cash flow forecasts, and Estimate Final Costs (EFCs). Monitor cost trends, evaluate financial impacts, manage contingencies, and ensure strict adherence to internal financial controls and reporting requirements.
• Create, manage, and control integrated project schedules, including design, permitting, procurement, construction, commissioning, and turnover activities. Identify critical path items, manage contractor resources, and ensure milestone and completion date compliance.
• Support the preparation, negotiation, and administration of contracts, including scopes of work, unit pricing, bid alternates, procurement strategies, and operational constraints. Manage change orders in accordance with departmental guidelines, ensuring accurate scope, schedule, and budget adjustments.
• Identify, assess, and actively manage project risks across safety, cost, schedule, quality, operational continuity, and regulatory compliance. Develop mitigation strategies and escalate material risks and recommended actions to leadership in a timely manner.
• Maintain consistent and transparent communication with internal leadership, operations teams, clients, and external partners regarding project status, financial performance, risks, schedule impacts, and operational considerations. Prepare executive‑level updates and presentations to support informed decision‑making.
• Lead commissioning, startup, and project closeout activities. Ensure systems perform as designed and coordinate operational readiness, training, warranties, as‑built documentation, and structured turnover to operations with clearly defined acceptance criteria.
• Demonstrate proficiency in construction and project management software and Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Utilize project and contract management systems effectively for documentation, reporting, and daily operational needs.
• Perform additional duties as required to support departmental initiatives, organizational goals, and continuous improvement efforts.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Business, Supply Chain or Engineering
• 7 years of project and portfolio management experience in an operations and service based organization, preferably in the waste management industry
• Knowledge of project management/construction management and demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio of projects more than $5M annually.
• Knowledge of project accounting, estimating, scheduling, budgeting, document management, contract management and cost forecasting.
• Expert knowledge of Process Improvement techniques and methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to drive and manage change
• Excellent communication skills across all levels. Ability to prepare presentations for department management review that drive related decisions.
• Excellent collaboration and ability to build internal and external relationships
• Able to effectively manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to perform physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA or MS Engineering
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Six Sigma/Lean certification or experience.
• Agile Project Management certifications or experience.
• Experience with Work Day.
• Waste industry experience

Physical/Environmental Demands:

• Exposure to dust, smoke, fumes, odors, & noise occasionally.
• Exposure to grease, oil, chemicals, & wet conditions occasionally.
• Primarily works in office setting, but will be required to travel in the field.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefit package Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401K, Profit Sharing & Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Recognition programs
• Professional development learning

Athens will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and any other applicable state, federal or local laws. EEO/M/F/disability/veteran