Civil engineering technician Jobs in Columbia, SC

Project Manager – Heavy Civil Construction

Location: South Carolina
Reports To: Field Operations Manager

About the Opportunity

Join a respected and fast-growing heavy civil construction firm delivering complex, high-impact projects across South Carolina. This is an opportunity for a driven Project Manager to take full ownership of diverse civil projects—ensuring they are executed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

You’ll step into a collaborative, high-performance environment that embraces advanced construction technologies, industry best practices, and continuous improvement. If you’re passionate about building infrastructure that strengthens communities—and you’re ready to lead from the front—this role offers challenge, visibility, and long-term career growth.

What the Project Manager Will Do

Lead Project Success

• Oversee all phases of heavy civil construction projects—from initiation to closeout—ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery with exceptional quality.

• Partner closely with General Superintendents, Superintendents, and Foremen to build a cohesive, high-performing field team.

• Establish project objectives, scope, milestones, and deliverables in alignment with client expectations and company standards.

Drive Planning & Execution

• Develop and manage detailed project schedules, budgets, cost controls, and resource allocations.

• Conduct regular site inspections to assess progress, validate workmanship, monitor safety compliance, and identify risks.

• Manage procurement activities including bid evaluations, contract negotiations, and vendor selection.

Ensure Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain rigorous oversight of construction plans, specifications, and regulatory requirements.

• Proactively identify risks, implement mitigation strategies, and resolve project challenges with speed and clarity.

• Ensure full compliance with OSHA, MSHA, and all federal, state, and local regulations.

Communicate & Coordinate

• Serve as the primary liaison among owners, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors to ensure seamless communication.

• Prepare weekly project status reports, monthly invoicing, submittals, RFIs, and other required documentation.

• Maintain project files using the company’s SharePoint-based filing system.

• Participate in monthly WIP reviews and provide accurate, timely forecasting.

Support Business Growth

• Assist leadership with business development activities, meetings, and events with private developers, mining groups, and DOT clients.

• Support hiring efforts through candidate screening, interviewing, and evaluation.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Maintain complete and accurate expense reports and credit card receipts.

• Review project time sheets for payroll accuracy and proper job cost coding.

• Assist with maintaining MSHA compliance documents.

• Participate in required Contour, OSHA, and MSHA training sessions.

• Maintain a professional appearance and keep personal work vehicle in good condition.

Key Tasks

• Develop comprehensive project execution plans, including procurement, logistics, and resource strategies.

• Coordinate daily construction activities and ensure adherence to schedule and specifications.

• Evaluate and select contractors and subcontractors based on experience and cost-effectiveness.

• Monitor project KPIs, track progress, and provide clear and consistent updates to stakeholders.

• Manage all project documentation including permits, drawings, contracts, and change orders.

• Lead or participate in project meetings to address challenges and ensure alignment with objectives.

• Conduct project evaluations upon completion to identify improvements and implement corrective actions when needed.

Knowledge & Skills

Candidates should possess—or be motivated to learn—skills in:

• Heavy civil project management and risk mitigation.

• Budget creation, cost control, and financial reporting.

• Construction contract negotiation and claims management.

• Regulatory compliance, including federal, state, and local permitting.

• MS Project, Office 365, SharePoint, Trimble technologies.

• OSHA and MSHA regulations and best practices.

Personal Attributes

• Honest, respectful, and professional in all interactions.

• Strong communicator with the ability to build trust across teams and clients.

• Flexible, adaptable, and culturally aware.

• Strong work ethic and commitment to safety.

• Positive, solutions-focused approach to internal and external customers.

Physical & Environmental Demands

• This role involves both field and office work, often in challenging environments.

• Must be able to lift, pull, and manage materials or equipment as needed.

• Work may occur outdoors in extreme weather conditions, including heat and cold.

• Exposure to hazardous or toxic substances is possible; appropriate PPE and precautions are required.

Mental Demands

• Must manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining schedule discipline.

• Problem-solving and rapid decision-making are key to minimizing delays and maintaining momentum.

• Ability to handle high-stakes situations and deadlines with professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.

• Professional certifications such as EIT, PE, PMP, OSHA, or MSHA.

• Minimum 3 years of successful heavy civil project management experience.

• Strong skills in organizing, prioritizing, and managing complex tasks.

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and technical documents.

• Experience with construction management and project scheduling software.

If you’re driven by delivering exceptional infrastructure projects, leading high-performing teams, and contributing to meaningful work across South Carolina, this is your opportunity to excel.