Project Manager, Operations Manager, Contracts Manager

Our client is a long-standing commercial general contractor delivering high-quality construction projects across West and Central Florida. Their core work includes K-12 + higher education, municipal / institutional, healthcare, and large-scale commercial projects. They’re known for running organized, schedule-driven jobs with a strong focus on safety, quality, and client satisfaction, and they’re seeking an experienced Project Manager to help lead major projects in the Polk County region.

The Axel Group is seeking a proven, hands‑on Project Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of commercial projects ranging from $5M–$20M, including K-12 schools, gymnasium/school buildings, healthcare facilities, and higher‑ed renovations/additions (Polk County / Lakeland / Winter Haven / Haines City area).

This is a 100% on‑site role where the Project Manager will act as the primary driver of project execution - owning the schedule, budget, subcontractor coordination, documentation, and stakeholder communication from preconstruction handoff through closeout. The ideal PM is field-driven, organized, and confident working directly with subs, inspectors, architects/engineers, and municipal stakeholders to keep the job moving.

• Oversee all phases of project planning, execution, and closeout for multiple commercial projects in Polk County.
• Maintain full ownership of project budget, cost tracking, buyout, forecasting, and change management.
• Drive and manage the master schedule, look‑aheads, milestones, and sequencing coordination with field leadership and subcontractors.
• Serve as the primary on‑site point of contact for subcontractors, inspectors, owners’ reps, and county/municipal stakeholders.
• Lead project documentation and workflow including RFIs, submittals, meeting minutes, daily reports, change orders, and closeout packages.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and consultants to resolve design conflicts and field conditions efficiently.
• Run weekly progress meetings and ensure clear communication of constraints, action items, and next steps.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, partnering with the field team to uphold standards.
• Support procurement/logistics planning: long‑lead items, material releases, deliveries, and site coordination.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal leadership and provide accurate project status updates on schedule, budget, and risk items.
• Utilize construction management software and documentation tools to keep processes consistent and organized.

• 4+ years of Project Management experience in commercial construction (GC or CM environment).
• Proven track record managing projects in the $5M–$20M range from start to finish.
• Experience in education (K-12 / higher ed), healthcare, and/or municipal/institutional construction preferred.
• Strong grasp of project financials, scheduling, subcontractor management, and change order processes.
• Confident communicator with owners, design teams, inspectors, and public sector stakeholders.
• Highly organized with strong documentation habits and follow‑through.
• Proficient with construction management software and standard project documentation tools.
• Ability to work on‑site 100% throughout the project duration (Polk County: Lakeland / Winter Haven / Haines City area).
• Valid driver’s license (and any required credentials for municipal site access as needed).

• Work on high‑visibility, community‑impact projects across the Polk County region (education, healthcare, institutional).
• Join a respected, long‑standing builder with a strong reputation for quality, safety, and execution.
• Stable pipeline of work and a collaborative environment with strong internal support.
• Competitive compensation with reimbursement for project‑related expenses.
• Long‑term opportunity with a well‑established Florida GC.