ROLE PURPOSE

The Project Manager leads the full execution of assigned projects from preconstruction through closeout, managing a portfolio of concurrent projects across varying sizes and disciplines. This seat carries full ownership - of outcomes, of the team, and of the standard. The PM receives a structured preconstruction handoff from the Area Operations Manager and from that point owns all planning and execution in partnership with the Project Accountant and Finance Director.

ACCOUNTABILITY ROLES

1. Project Leadership & Accountability

Owns the direction, performance, and outcomes of all assigned projects. Leads visibly - in the field, at owner meetings, and through daily communication that keeps every team member aligned.

2. Preconstruction Ownership & Project Setup

Receives the formal AOM handoff and owns preconstruction from that point forward - establishing the financial foundation, schedule framework, subcontractor buyout, and owner alignment before mobilization begins

3. Financial Performance & Procurement Control

Controls project budgets, forecasts, purchase order approvals, and billing review. Owns every variance explanation and recovery action. Financial outcomes are PM-owned - executed in partnership with the Project Accountant and validated by the Finance Director.

4. Scheduling, Coordination & Risk

Owns the master schedule and three-week lookaheads in partnership with the Superintendent. Risk is identified and addressed before it affects production - not after.

5. Safety, Quality & Compliance

Quality Assurance owner for every project. Prevailing wage compliance, DIR requirements, and public contract obligations are PM-accountable outcomes. Safety and quality are actively led - never delegated.

6. Union Labor & Public Works Administration

Manages union labor under applicable CBAs, maintains professional relationships with union stewards, and ensures public agency documentation and subcontractor compliance obligations are met on every project.

7. Team Development & Continuous Improvement

Coaches and holds Superintendents, PEs, and FEs accountable for results and cultural alignment. Raises the performance bar project over project - individually and collectively - validated through scorecards. Actively develops people toward their next role.

8. Client, Subcontractor & Vendor Relations

Represents High-Light Electric with professionalism and integrity. Issues are resolved early, scope discipline is enforced consistently, and client feedback is actively sought and applied.

9. Documentation & Closeout

Owns the accuracy and completeness of all project documentation from preconstruction through closeout. Leads post-project debriefs and applies lessons learned forward.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

The following outcomes define what must be true for this seat to be performing at the Mendoza standard. These are the measurable results this role is accountable for - individually and across the portfolio.

• Projects are financially predictable, controlled, and transparent - variances are identified early and met with a defined recovery action.
• Preconstruction is complete and the project is operationally ready before the first crew mobilizes.
• The master schedule reflects current field conditions at all times and risk is addressed before it impacts production or margin.
• Safety, quality, and compliance standards hold without exception on every project, every phase.
• Billing, purchase orders, and closeout documentation are accurate, complete, and submitted on schedule.
• Prevailing wage, certified payroll, DIR, and public contract obligations are met in full on every project.
• The project team is aligned, accountable, and developing - performance improves project over project, validated through scorecards.
• Clients, agencies, and stakeholders are informed and confident throughout the project lifecycle - issues are resolved before they escalate.
• Lessons learned are captured after every project and applied forward - this seat raises the bar, not just maintains it.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and progressive field experience considered.

Experience

• 5-8 years of progressive project management experience in civil or infrastructure construction - public works strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing public agency projects including prevailing wage, certified payroll oversight, and DIR requirements.
• Working knowledge of electrical construction operations sufficient to manage scope, schedule, and cost alongside a technically deep Superintendent.
• Familiarity with union labor environments and collective bargaining agreement administration.
• Proven track record delivering projects safely, profitably, and on schedule.
• Experience developing project teams and sustaining cultural alignment.

Required

• OSHA 30-Hour Construction (Cal/OSHA preferred)
• Valid Driver's License

Preferred Certifications

• PMP - Project Management Professional (PMI)
• CCM - Certified Construction Manager (CMAA)
• Lean Construction Certification (LCI-CPC or equivalent)
• NFPA 70E - Electrical Safety in the Workplace

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regular travel across Central and Southern California; Nevada and Arizona as operations expand.
• Must walk, stand, climb, and move within active construction and roadway environments.
• Work regularly occurs during nighttime hours and within or adjacent to live traffic - heightened situational awareness and strict safety protocol adherence required.
• Must remain reachable and responsive during active operations, night shifts, and critical escalations.

USE OF THE AI IN THE HIRING PROCESS

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support certain stages of our hiring process, such as application review or initial screening. These tools are intended to improve consistency and efficiency, but they do not replace human judgment.

All hiring decisions are ultimately made by people. In some cases, qualified candidates may be invited to speak directly with leadership early in the process.

OTHER DUTIES

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice, consistent with the needs of High-Light Electric, Inc. and the Mendoza Companies ecosystem.