Project Manager III Sycamore, IL

Project Manager III

Location: Sycamore, IL

Salary & Incentive Compensation

$100,000 - $150,000 annually, plus auto allowance

Eligible for Curran Contracting's incentive bonus program.

About Curran Contracting

Established in 1936, Curran has grown into a premier contractor, known for its expertise in site development, excavation, mass grading, asphalt paving, soil modification, underground utilities and asphalt sales. With a strong presence across multiple industries—serving commercial, industrial, and government clients—Curran operates from key locations: Crystal Lake, DeKalb, Island Lake, Sycamore, and Oswego, Illinois, as well as Merrillville, Indiana.

For over 85 years, Curran has cultivated a reputation for excellence by consistently delivering high-quality results on every project. This success is driven by an unwavering commitment to our core values: Family, Continuous Improvement, Integrity, Partnership, and Respect. These values form the backbone of our operations and have enabled us to maintain lasting relationships with clients, stakeholders, and communities alike.

Job Summary

The Project Manager III is a senior-level construction professional responsible for leading some of Curran's most complex and high-profile site development projects. This role serves as the driving force behind project success, overseeing planning, execution, financial performance, risk management, client relationships, and team leadership from project award through closeout.

As a trusted leader within the organization, the Project Manager III partners closely with owners, general contractors, field operations, estimators, subcontractors, and executive leadership to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, profitably, and in alignment with client expectations. This position requires strong business acumen, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to balance strategic decision-making with day-to-day operational execution.

Beyond project delivery, the Project Manager III plays a key role in developing future leaders, strengthening client partnerships, and contributing to Curran's continued growth and reputation as an industry leader.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead all project startup activities, ensuring thorough setup, planning, and documentation.
• Develop, manage, and optimize project schedules while sequencing subcontractors and resources for maximum efficiency.
• Maintain consistent communication with field leadership to ensure alignment of manpower, equipment, materials, and project priorities.
• Own project financial performance, including cost forecasting, WIP analysis, cash flow management, and profitability.
• Review and negotiate subcontractor and vendor agreements to ensure alignment with project scope, schedule, and contractual requirements.
• Lead change order development, pricing, negotiation, and execution while proactively identifying and mitigating project risks.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, owners, engineers, and key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage escalated project issues and disputes with professionalism and a solutions-oriented approach.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and performance coaching to Project Engineers, Project Managers I and II, and other project team members.
• Conduct regular field reviews to ensure safety, quality, productivity, and project objectives are being achieved.
• Collaborate with Operations and field teams to develop and execute project strategies that drive successful outcomes.
• Partner with the Estimating Department to support bid reviews, project handoffs, and preconstruction planning efforts.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, company policies, regulatory standards, and client expectations.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and implement best practices that enhance operational efficiency and project performance.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of construction project management principles, including scheduling, cost control, forecasting, and risk management.
• Strong leadership presence with demonstrated success leading teams and influencing positive project outcomes.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Proven negotiation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to analyze project performance and drive profitability.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities while maintaining a high level of organization and attention to detail.
• Proactive decision-maker capable of identifying risks, evaluating options, and implementing effective solutions.
• Commitment to safety, quality, client satisfaction, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to mentor and develop team members while fostering a culture aligned with Curran's core values.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of project management experience within the construction industry required.
• 6-9 years of overall construction industry experience preferred.
• Experience managing heavy civil, site development, excavation, grading, paving, or related infrastructure projects strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Experience with project scheduling software and Vista/HeavyJob preferred.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods both at a desk and while driving or riding in a vehicle.
• Regularly required to tour active construction sites and must comply with Curran's safety policies, including wearing and maintaining required PPE (e.g., hard hat, safety vest, eye protection, hearing protection, safety-toe footwear).
• Exposure to varying outdoor weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, dust) is common.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. of materials, equipment, or presentation items.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to safely operate a personal or company vehicle to and from job sites, meetings, and for other business purposes.
• Employees are expected to conduct themselves professionally and uphold Curran's core values at all internal and external work-related events, as well as daily interactions and operations.

Benefits & Additional Compensation

• Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits
• Profit Sharing
• 401(k) Plan with up to 5% employer match
• Leadership Development Coaching, Ongoing Training & Company Events
• 13 PTO and 10 Paid Holidays

Guided by our values of Family, Respect, Partnership, Integrity, and Improvement, this job description provides a general overview of responsibilities. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Curran Contracting reserves the right to adjust duties, titles, and roles as necessary to support business needs.

Curran Contracting Company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, citizenship status, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local employment laws or regulations in every location in which the company has facilities.