Construction Manager

As valued members of the KJ family, you've already witnessed our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence firsthand. Now, it's time to take your career to the next level within our organization. Explore the opportunity below to grow, develop, and continue making a difference as part of our dedicated team. Your journey with KJ is just getting started!

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Construction Manager in California to lead major water, wastewater, and infrastructure construction projects that support communities and strengthen our growing market presence.

With a strong pipeline of complex, long‑term infrastructure projects, this role offers the opportunity to step directly into meaningful work, provide day‑to‑day leadership in the field, and guide construction delivery from planning through closeout.

You’ll help lead active projects with construction schedules that may span several years, coordinate closely with clients, contractors, designers, and field teams, and contribute to continued growth with the backing of a national, employee‑owned firm.

As a Construction Manager
, you’ll lead construction execution, coordinate project stakeholders, mentor field teams, and support successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects.

• Lead construction execution
  :
  Review RFIs (Requests for Information) and submittals for compliance with specifications. Review technical plans and specifications for compliance with owner and contractor requirements. Review as‑built contractor drawings monthly. Prepare daily reports, track schedule compliance, manage material testing, and special inspection activities. Manage startup activities and commissioning processes. Support the Project Manager with technical reviews and project delivery activities.
• Drive schedule, budget & contract performance
  :
  Review and manage contractors' schedules, providing recommendations to the owner. Review and recommend approval of monthly pay applications. Manage construction management and project budgets. Review and recommend approval of contract change orders. Review and approve daily extra work tags and assess budget impacts. Apply knowledge of construction contracts and Public Contract Code requirements.
• Monitor regulatory compliance & stakeholder alignment
  :
  Interface with the public, regulatory agencies, and permitting authorities. Maintain compliance with SWPPP requirements and project documentation standards. Identify and manage construction risks and compliance requirements.
• Lead and mentor project teams
  :
  Lead the project construction team to successful project completion. Supervise Resident Engineers and Inspectors. Train and mentor Junior Inspectors and team members. Conduct performance reviews and provide developmental feedback. Model best practices in construction management and professional conduct.
• Grow the business and build talent
  :
  Support business development efforts, including proposals and interviews. Lead interview teams as needed. Identify and recruit qualified construction management professionals through industry networks.

• Immediate impact
  :
  Step into active, long‑term infrastructure projects already underway.
• Leadership opportunity
  :
  Lead critical construction work while helping shape how KJ grows locally.
• Stability and momentum
  :
  Join a respected, employee‑owned firm with a strong national presence and meaningful infrastructure work.

• Professionalism
  :
  Ability to interact professionally both internally and externally at all levels of an organization.
• Communication and collaboration
  :
  Strong writing, editing, and research skills.
• Construction knowledge
  :
  Working knowledge of construction administration, Division I specifications and their application, safety, and contracts.
• Work Style
  :
  Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Tools, systems, or methods
  :
  Proficient with Microsoft Office products and Engineering and Inspection related software.
• Leadership approach
  :
  Field‑oriented leadership style with a focus on accountability, mentorship, ownership, and practical decision‑making.

• Education
  :
  Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering,…