Project Manager

Role: Project Manager - Complex Transit/Electrification Construction

Location: Los Angeles / Southern California Region

Compensation: $200k base + excellent benefits

As a nationally recognized general contractor, this US-based firm excels in heavy civil and rail infrastructure, with a proven track record of successfully completing complex, high-profile projects nationwide. Partnering with Caltrain, a leader in sustainable public transportation, to bring their expertise in rail electrification to the Southern California region. This is a pivotal role for an experienced Project Manager to lead transformative transit and electrification projects that will enhance regional connectivity and significantly reduce environmental impact.

Job Summary: The Project Manager will be responsible for the overall planning, execution, and successful delivery of large-scale, complex transit and electrification projects. You will be the primary interface with Caltrain and will be accountable for managing all aspects of the project from inception through closeout. This role requires an exceptionally experienced professional with a deep understanding of rail systems, electrification technologies, and the intricacies of major infrastructure construction in a dynamic urban environment. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary teams, diverse subcontractors, and significant budgets in the heavy civil and rail construction sector.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Leadership & Management:

• Serve as the primary leader for assigned complex transit and electrification projects, taking full ownership of project scope, schedule, budget, quality, and safety from the General Contractor's perspective.
• Develop and implement comprehensive project plans, including detailed work breakdown structures, resource allocation (labor, equipment, materials), and critical path analysis for construction activities.
• Lead, motivate, and manage multi-disciplinary project teams, including internal staff, superintendents, engineers, safety personnel, and key subcontractor partners.
• Establish and maintain rigorous project controls, monitoring progress against baselines, identifying deviations, implementing corrective actions, and proactively communicating status to Caltrain.
• Conduct regular project reviews, reporting on progress, challenges, and mitigation strategies to executive leadership and Caltrain representatives.
• Ensure all work is performed in strict adherence to contract specifications, drawings, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.

Client Relationship & Stakeholder Management:

• Act as the primary point of contact and representative of all parties, fostering a strong, collaborative, and transparent working relationship.
• Manage client expectations, communicate project status, progress, and potential issues clearly and proactively.
• Lead client meetings, presentations, and workshops, effectively addressing concerns and driving consensus.
• Collaborate with Caltrain and other stakeholders (e.g., local transit agencies like Metrolink, LA Metro, regulatory bodies, utilities) to ensure project alignment and smooth coordination.
• Navigate public outreach and community engagement processes as required by the project or directed by the client.

Technical Expertise & Construction Oversight:

• Provide expert guidance and oversight on all construction aspects of rail electrification, including installation of overhead catenary systems (OCS), traction power substations (TPS), signalling modifications, communications infrastructure, and civil works.
• Review and approve construction means and methods, ensuring constructability, efficiency, and safety.
• Ensure strict compliance with all relevant engineering standards, codes, safety regulations (FRA, CPUC), environmental requirements, and Caltrain's specific design standards.
• Proactively identify and resolve technical challenges that arise during construction, coordinating with design teams and the client as necessary.

Subcontractor & Vendor Management:

• Manage and administer all subcontracts, ensuring scopes of work are clearly defined, performance is monitored, and contractual obligations are met.
• Oversee the procurement of materials and equipment, ensuring timely delivery and quality control.
• Negotiate and manage change orders with subcontractors and vendors.

Financial & Contract Management:

• Manage the project budget effectively, monitoring costs, forecasting expenditures, and identifying potential cost overruns.
• Prepare and submit accurate and timely progress billings to Caltrain.
• Identify, track, and negotiate potential change orders or claims with Caltrain, ensuring proper documentation and justification.
• Ensure strict adherence to the prime contract terms and conditions with Caltrain.

Risk Management & Problem Solving:

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks related to construction, schedule, budget, safety, and quality. Develop and implement comprehensive risk mitigation strategies.
• Lead problem-solving efforts for complex technical, operational, contractual, and client-related issues that may arise during the project lifecycle.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification highly desirable.
• (10-15 years) of progressively responsible experience in managing large-scale, complex heavy civil or rail infrastructure projects, ideally for a general contractor.
• Demonstrated experience leading projects with significant rail and/or transit electrification components (e.g., OCS, TPS, signalling upgrades).
• Proven experience successfully delivering projects within an urban environment, preferably within the Southern California region, involving multiple public agencies and complex regulatory frameworks.
• In-depth knowledge of rail systems, including track, signalling, communications, and rail electrification technologies.
• Proven ability to manage multi-million dollar construction budgets and aggressive project schedules.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, claims management, and public agency contracting processes.
• Exceptional leadership, communication (written and verbal), negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with clients, subcontractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project), cost control systems, and other relevant construction management tools.
• Willingness to travel within the Southern California region as required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with Caltrain's project specifications or similar commuter rail agency standards.
• Familiarity with California-specific regulatory agencies and environmental processes (e.g., CEQA).
• Experience with Design-Build or other alternative delivery methods.

Benefits: This opportunity offers a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary, health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development and career growth within a leading construction organization.

To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience relevant to this position. Please highlight your experience successfully delivering rail or transit electrification projects.