Our client, a growing leader in infrastructure and energy construction, is seeking an experienced Project Manager / Estimator to establish and lead a new drilled foundations division. This role will focus on managing and estimating drilled pier, shaft, and caisson projects across diverse geotechnical environments. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise, strong leadership skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset to build operational capabilities from the ground up.
This is a full-time, onsite position with relocation support available. Approximately 20% travel for site visits and pre-bid meetings is expected.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation of bids and estimates for drilled pier and caisson projects ranging from $250K to $3M.
- Oversee all aspects of project management, including budgeting, scheduling, and field execution.
- Develop internal processes for cost estimation, site analysis, and project controls.
- Collaborate with engineering, construction, and procurement teams to ensure successful project delivery.
- Establish a self-performing drilled foundations capability within the client’s broader construction operations.
- Hire, train, and lead a core field team (driller and 2–3 assistants) to support ongoing work.
- Participate in pre-bid meetings and conduct site evaluations nationwide.
- Create and implement standard operating procedures to enhance efficiency, quality, and profitability.
- Anticipate and mitigate project risks associated with variable soil conditions and complex subsurface environments.
- Champion a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement across all operations.
Qualifications
Required :
Minimum of 5 years of experience estimating and managing drilled pier, shaft, and caisson projects.Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.Strong background in geotechnical and foundation construction with field experience in variable soil conditions.Proficiency in estimating and takeoff software such as HCSS HeavyBid, Bluebeam, or equivalent.Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to direct field crews and coordinate project planning.Proven track record of successfully managing budgets, timelines, and client relationships.Preferred :
Experience with substation or transmission line foundations (2–12 ft diameter shafts up to 50 ft deep).Knowledge of federal, state, and municipal construction regulations.Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to establish and scale a new operational unit.Familiarity with self-perform construction strategies and subcontractor management.Personal Attributes :
Proactive problem-solver with strong time management and organizational skills.Analytical, detail-oriented, and forward-thinking.Confident communicator capable of navigating challenging conversations.High energy, collaborative, and motivated to build and lead a high-performing team.