Project Manager - Water/Wastewater

Project Manager

Company:Rice Lake, a WRG Company

Location:Deerwood, MN

Direct Reports: Fewer than 10

Classification:Full-Time, Exempt

Travel:Frequent day trips; light to moderate overnight travel

Position Summary

The Senior Project Manager leads highway heavy, industrial, and commercial construction projects from the handoff from estimating through final closeout. This leader owns project financial performance, directs multiple project teams and superintendents, and ensures every job meets client requirements and is delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead projects from estimating handoff through closeout, delivering on schedule, within budget, and to Company safety, quality, and procedural standards.
• Oversee multiple project management teams, superintendents, and site labor teams; assign workload and align PM teams across projects.
• Lead pre-construction planning and build all-trade schedules with PMs and superintendents, including mobilization, demobilization, pour sequences, utilities, and deliveries.
• Secure all required permits and licenses before work begins.
• Run regular progress meetings with owners and engineers and manage project correspondence.

Financial Management

• Own project margin, cash flow, projections, and overall profitability.
• Set project budgets from the estimate and bid; verify takeoffs, finalize supplier selection, and identify additional profit opportunities.
• Track quantities and cost coding to drive productivity analysis and accurate job cost forecasting.
• Oversee accurate, timely pay applications and A/R invoicing; follow up on past-due accounts.
• Approve invoices, manage expense reporting, and apply correct sales tax and exemption requirements for each job.

Contracts, Procurement & Subcontractors

• Interpret owner contract terms on schedule, delays, claims, damages, and risk.
• Define scope, solicit and evaluate quotes, and compose or approve subcontracts and purchase orders as an authorized signatory.
• Manage change orders and maintain backup for all work outside original scope.
• Coordinate and monitor subcontractors, confirm insurance is in place before mobilization, and ensure trade partners are treated fairly.
• Build and maintain a reliable, competitive supplier network in partnership with purchasing.

Safety, Quality & Risk

• Champion the Company's safety culture; ensure crews and subcontractors meet job site safety standards and lead corrective actions as needed.
• Monitor work quality for conformance with plans, specifications, and industry standards.
• Identify project-specific risks and advise leadership on builder's risk coverage.
• Stay current on OSHA codes, regulatory requirements, and EEO/WBE/MBE project goals.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop project teams (fewer than 10 direct reports); set clear expectations and KPIs and review performance regularly.
• Identify and develop future leaders and support succession planning.
• Forecast labor, equipment, tooling, and housing needs and partner on recruiting when outside hiring is required.
• Model Company values and foster an inclusive, continuous-learning environment.

Client Relations & Business Development

• Serve as a trusted point of contact for owners, engineers, and clients.
• Identify bidding opportunities aligned with the Company's core strengths and support customer presentations.
• Represent the Company through industry associations, award submissions, and career events.

Project Closeout

• Lead punch-list walkthroughs and closeout tracking; deliver as-builts, O&M manuals, and AIA G706/G706A affidavits.
• Ensure submittal, RFI, change order, and drawing logs are complete and current throughout the project.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field, or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience.
• 5+ years of successful project management experience at the PM III level or equivalent, managing highway heavy, industrial, or commercial projects for a general contractor.
• OSHA 30 training.
• Proven ownership of project margin, cash flow, forecasting, and contract administration.
• Experience leading project managers, superintendents, and field teams.

Knowledge & Skills

• Construction means and methods, project controls, and scheduling.
• Strong plan and specification interpretation, math, and data analysis.
• Clear written and verbal communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, cloud-based tools, construction management and takeoff software, AutoCAD, PDF workflow tools, ERP and reporting systems, and scheduling software.

What Success Looks Like

A proactive, trustworthy, and adaptable leader who earns respect in the field and the office, communicates with empathy across all levels, negotiates effectively, and brings sound judgment, creativity, and industry insight to every project.

Compensation

$75,000 – $120,000 per year, based on experience and location.

Benefits

• Medical coverage through BlueCross BlueShield
• Dental and vision coverage through UnitedHealthcare
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-paid Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Doctor On Demand telehealth
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid Time Off

Equal Opportunity Employer

Water Resources Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Recruiting Agency Notice

Water Resources Group does not accept unsolicited resumes or phone calls from staffing or recruiting agencies for this position.