Project Manager

The Axel Group is currently seeking a Project Manager to join our client’s team supporting their Media, PA / Philadelphia area operation. Our client is a well-established design-build ground improvement / heavy civil contractor that partners with leading owners, GCs, and developers across markets such as industrial/warehouse & distribution, commercial development, roadway/highway & infrastructure, and private site development. Their work is centered around geotechnical / ground-improvement solutions - stabilizing weak or variable soils so major construction projects can be built safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

This Project Manager role is aligned with heavy civil and site infrastructure work that happens at the earliest (and most critical) phase of a project. You’re not managing interior fit-outs - this is earthwork and foundations, drilling/piling-adjacent scopes, and technically demanding ground improvement work where planning, coordination, and execution directly impact everything that follows.

While the role is tied to the Media, PA / Philly office, the client also has an office presence in NJ, and the work is primarily regional across NJ and SE/central PA-generally within a 50-60 mile radius (strong presence in NJ/PA and not a “travel far every week” role). The position offers the opportunity to join a respected contractor in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment with strong long-term runway and continued regional work in the pipeline.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Enforce company safety standards and OSHA requirements across assigned projects; partner with the project team and Corporate Safety Manager to identify hazards and maintain consistent compliance in the office and field.
• Build and manage project schedules, aligning manpower, equipment, and production goals with field leadership to meet deadlines.
• Lead scope and contract coordination - prepare SOW documentation, negotiate with subcontractors/suppliers, and confirm scope alignment early for smooth execution.
• Develop project budgets and monthly forecasts; monitor job costs, cost-to-complete, and key metrics, addressing issues early to protect margin.
• Price, document, and negotiate change orders/claims, including schedule impacts and supporting documentation, to resolve scope changes promptly.
• Review contract docs/specs; manage RFIs/clarifications; resolve drawing conflicts and interpretation issues to prevent field disruption.
• Manage progress billing and backup documentation; support AR follow-up and cash collection efforts as needed.
• Serve as the main liaison between clients/GCs/owners, subcontractors, vendors, and internal teams to keep communication clear and projects organized.
• Maintain jobsite presence for coordination, QC, documentation, submittals, and analysis; support small crews when needed to keep production moving.
• Partner with Corporate Operations to build regional labor/equipment resources, refine procedures, and expand technical capabilities for long-term scalability.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to communicate clearly with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong documentation habits and follow-through.
• Strong understanding of project controls: schedule tracking, cost tracking, forecasting, buyout, and change management.
• Ability to identify potential issues early and implement solutions to maintain safety, schedule, quality, and profitability.
• Ability to problem-solve quickly in the field, including addressing unforeseen conditions, scope changes, and coordination challenges.
• Comfortable balancing office-based PM responsibilities with field presence (roughly 50/50).
• Ability to read, interpret, and manage work from drawings, specifications, and contractual requirements.
• Ability to coordinate a variety of people across different roles (operations, field crews, subcontractors, vendors, client/GC teams).
• Ability to work in active heavy civil / site infrastructure environments and represent the company professionally on job sites and in client meetings.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a Project Engineer / Assistant Project Manager / Project Manager capacity within heavy civil, geotechnical, ground improvement, foundations, site development, utilities, or related construction.
• Experience with subcontractor/vendor management, project documentation (RFI/submittals), budgeting/forecasting, and change orders strongly preferred.
• Ground improvement or drilling/piling-adjacent experience is a plus, but not required if the civil background is transferable.