Project specialist Jobs in Santa Ana, CA

Summary

We are representing a highly respected and growing General Contractor seeking a seasoned Senior Project Manager or Project Executive with deep experience leading Division of State Architect (DSA) and Public Works projects throughout the Greater Los Angeles and Orange County markets.

This role is designed for a senior construction leader who has successfully delivered large-scale public sector projects from pursuit through closeout and is ready to take on broader organizational responsibility - whether that means overseeing multiple project teams, mentoring junior staff, or serving as the senior point of contact for public agency clients and stakeholders.

The ideal candidate brings a strong command of DSA compliance, public contracting law, and the operational rigor required to deliver publicly funded construction on time, within budget, and in full regulatory alignment. This is a high-visibility role with direct impact on the company's public sector growth strategy and reputation in the market.

Projects typically include large-scale K-12 school new construction and modernization, community college campus projects, municipal facilities, public infrastructure, and other DSA-regulated or publicly bid construction programs.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead and oversee multiple DSA and Public Works projects simultaneously from preconstruction through DSA closeout
• Develop and maintain master project schedules, budgets, and execution plans
• Direct and mentor Project Managers, Senior Project Engineers, and field Superintendents across active project portfolios
• Establish project controls, communication protocols, and compliance frameworks at project inception
• Oversee procurement strategy, subcontractor buyout, and long-lead material planning

Financial & Contract Management

• Own full project financials including budgeting, cost forecasting, cost-to-complete, and variance reporting
• Negotiate and manage prime contracts, subcontract agreements, and change orders in compliance with public contracting requirements
• Manage owner pay applications, GMP reconciliation, and subcontractor payment workflows
• Identify financial risks early and implement proactive mitigation strategies
• Ensure compliance with DIR regulations, prevailing wage requirements, and certified payroll obligations

Client & Stakeholder Leadership

• Serve as the primary senior point of contact for public agency owners, DSA representatives, design teams, and school district officials
• Lead OAC meetings, DSA coordination sessions, and executive-level project reviews
• Build and maintain long-term client relationships that support repeat work and future pursuits
• Represent the company in interviews, presentations, and preconstruction engagements with public agencies

Quality, Compliance & Closeout

• Enforce adherence to DSA-approved documents, quality standards, and all applicable code requirements
• Oversee IOR coordination, DSA field engineer relationships, and inspection milestone planning
• Drive complete and timely DSA Form 6 closeout, certified payroll compliance, and project record documentation
• Ensure delivery of all closeout packages including as-builts, O&M manuals, warranties, and agency sign-offs

Project Experience Required

• DSA-Regulated K-12 School New Construction & Modernization Programs
• Community College / Higher Education Campus Projects
• Municipal Facilities & Public Infrastructure
• Publicly Bid Projects (DIR, Prevailing Wage, Certified Payroll, Public Contract Code)
• Projects ranging from $20M - $150M+

Experience managing multiple concurrent public sector projects and serving as a senior client-facing leader strongly preferred.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Project Management experience with a strong focus on DSA and Public Works construction
• Proven track record delivering large-scale, publicly funded projects on schedule and within budget
• Deep knowledge of DSA processes including plan review, inspection protocols, IOR coordination, and Form 6 closeout
• Thorough understanding of public contracting law, DIR compliance, prevailing wage, and certified payroll requirements
• Experience mentoring and developing project teams including PMs, SPEs, and APMs
• Proficiency with Procore, Bluebeam, MS Project, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and client relationship skills
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field required; PMP or CCM designation a plus

Compensation & Benefits

• Highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Performance-based bonus tied to project and company results
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Vehicle allowance or company vehicle
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Executive-level growth opportunities including potential equity or profit participation
• Long-term position within a stable, expanding public sector builder