Project Manager, Operations Manager, Program ​/ Project Manager

Confidential Search – High-Impact Role with a Small, Growing GC

We are representing a respected California General Contractor specializing in residential and light commercial work throughout the Inland Empire and Orange County. This is an opportunity to join a lean, high-accountability team where individuals wear multiple hats, work closely with ownership, and directly influence operations, systems, and project execution.

As a Project Manager
, you will own the full lifecycle of active construction projects from contract execution through final closeout, with direct responsibility for scope, time, and cost on every job. This role supports a mix of residential remodels, additions, ADUs, Habitat for Humanity projects, and select commercial and public works assignments
, requiring someone who can adapt their approach across project types and sizes. Based in Riverside, CA
, this is an office-based role with regular field site visits and regional travel throughout the Inland Empire and Orange County
. Reporting to the CEO, you will be trusted to lead project delivery with strong financial discipline, proactive communication, and consistent follow-through in a fast-moving environment where organization and accountability matter.

• Manage projects from contract award through closeout by owning scope, schedule, and budget
  , coordinating subcontractors and vendors, and keeping work aligned with project requirements and client expectations.
• Build and maintain project schedules using baseline planning and Gantt-style scheduling
  , monitor critical path impacts, and drive recovery plans when timelines begin to slip.
• Own project financial performance through budget management, cost-to-complete forecasting, variance analysis, cost code tracking, and gross margin visibility across active jobs.
• Administer subcontractor and vendor activity, including subcontract execution, compliance verification such as COIs, licenses, and DIR registration where applicable
  , pay application review, and performance follow-up.
• Maintain strong documentation discipline by reading and interpreting plans and specifications, issuing and tracking RFIs, submittals, change orders, and daily logs
  , and preserving records that support project clarity and risk management.

• Demonstrated success in construction project management
  , including the ability to independently oversee active jobs and keep multiple stakeholders, deadlines, and deliverables moving in coordination.
• Strong command of the three pillars of project delivery: scope, time, and cost
  , with the judgment to identify risks early and take action before issues grow.
• Clear financial literacy in construction, including comfort discussing gross margin
  , managing project budgets, understanding cost codes, and distinguishing committed costs from actual spend.
• Solid technical ability to read architectural, structural, and MEP drawings
  , interpret specifications and contract documents, and recognize issues that could affect execution, pricing, or schedule.
• Professional communication style with a high level of responsiveness, accountability, and follow-through when working with clients, architects, engineers, inspectors, leadership, and field partners.

• Minimum 3 years of construction project management experience
  , ideally with a small-to-mid-size general contractor.
• Proven ability to manage project budgets, forecasting, cost tracking, variance analysis, and change order administration
  .
• Ability to answer practical plans-reading and basic construction questions and apply that knowledge in real project conditions.
• Experience preparing and delivering weekly project reporting that includes schedule status, labor or subcontractor updates, budget visibility, and project issues.
• Familiarity with construction management software such as Buildertrend, Procore, or similar, along with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Valid California driver’s license with an insurable driving record.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check
  .
• Comfort supporting public works-related requirements when assigned, including general conditions and compliance-oriented…