Project Manager I / Project Manager II
2 days ago
Colton
Job DescriptionSalary: 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. High-Light Electric operates in California's public works environment as a union electrical infrastructure contractor managing public agency relationships, prevailing wage compliance, and union labor on every project. A High-Light Electric Project Manager leads with discipline, moves with urgency, and earns advancement through results and cultural alignment not tenure. 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 • 58 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. MENDOZA WAY The Mendoza Way is the cultural standard this seat is held to from day one discipline, ownership, urgency, and purpose. The PM is visible: early to the site, present in owner meetings, and connected to both field and office teams. They develop others, coach through challenges, and treat every project as a training ground for the next generation of leaders. The character this seat requires is equally non-negotiable. The PM challenges teams on productivity directly and respectfully, ensures information reaches the crew level not just the supervisory layer and holds quality and safety as personal standards. They are confident without ego, coachable without being passive, and transparent in performance conversations without being prompted. Confidentiality and professionalism define how they operate at all times. 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. CORE VALUES EXPECTATIONS Driven by Legacy, Guided by Purpose Every decision protects the Mendoza name and long-term mission. Ownership and discipline over shortcuts, always. Disciplined: Expects and Delivers Excellence Thorough planning, deliberate execution, complete follow-through. Disorder and inconsistency are never accepted as operating norms. Optimistic & Beginner's Mindset Challenges met with confidence and humility. Feedback actively sought. Mistakes converted into stronger systems and sharper leadership. Serving with Integrity & Commitment Commitments honored without exception. Communication honest and direct. Personal comfort never placed ahead of the project, team, or standard. Embrace the Change Enjoy the Ride Change and pressure are led through not around. Pride, gratitude, and genuine engagement define how this seat shows up every day. COMPETENCIES Soft Skills • Clear, confident communicator across all levels field crews to executive leadership., • Decisive under pressure; maintains composure and credibility when conditions are difficult., • Holds others accountable directly and delivers feedback constructively and without delay., • Develops people toward their next role not just their current one., • Proficient in construction management platforms Procore, Viewpoint, or equivalent., • Experienced in master scheduling, three-week lookaheads, and schedule variance analysis., • Skilled in forecasting, cost-to-complete modeling, earned-value analysis, and cost proposal preparation., • Knowledgeable in public works contracting, prevailing wage, DIR compliance, and union CBA administration., • Capable of preparing change order documentation, RFI packages, and claims support., • Identifies cost-saving opportunities that improve margin without compromising quality or compliance., • Proficient in data-driven project management; trains others in Mendoza systems and reporting tools. 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. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY High-Light Electric, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 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.