Job Description
Summary Our client is a boutique, full-service real estate advisory and construction management firm supporting complex development projects across Southern California. Their expertise spans the full project lifecycle—from early-stage planning and entitlement through design, procurement, and construction execution. With a team comprised of highly credentialed professionals across engineering, project management, and construction disciplines, the firm has built a strong reputation for delivering high-impact public sector projects, particularly within large, multi-stakeholder environments. They are currently seeking a highly experienced Project Manager to support major capital improvement programs in collaboration with one of the largest public school districts in the region. This is an opportunity to step into a highly visible role requiring deep familiarity with large-scale, publicly funded construction programs and the ability to navigate complex institutional frameworks similar to LAUSD. Duties & Responsibilities Lead and manage multiple large-scale construction projects within a public agency or school district environment, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and schedule Act as a key liaison between district representatives, internal leadership, consultants, contractors, and regulatory bodies Oversee and evaluate construction progress against baseline schedules, identifying risks and implementing corrective actions as needed Review, negotiate, and manage change orders with a strong understanding of downstream impacts to cost and timelines Provide comprehensive contract administration oversight for architects, engineers, and consulting partners Monitor and manage project financials, including budgets, forecasts, cost controls, and payment applications Resolve complex construction-related issues, disputes, and claims in alignment with public sector requirements and standards Support procurement and bid processes, including development of bid packages and evaluation of contractor proposals Coordinate extensively with internal departments such as Environmental Health & Safety, Facilities Planning, Asset Management, Inspection, and Maintenance & Operations Ensure strict compliance with public agency requirements, including documentation, reporting, and audit readiness Provide direction and oversight to Owner’s Authorized Representatives (OARs) and project support staff Contribute to the development and implementation of internal processes and best practices to enhance program delivery Qualifications & Requirements Minimum of 17 years of full-time professional experience in project and/or construction management At least 5 years of experience managing large capital programs, with individual project values exceeding $50 million (non-cumulative) Proven track record delivering projects within public school districts, higher education systems, or similarly complex public works environments (strong preference for LAUSD or comparable districts) Demonstrated expertise navigating large, multi-layered organizations with strict compliance, reporting, and stakeholder coordination requirements Strong working knowledge of: Public sector contract administration Cost control, budgeting, and financial oversight within funded programs CPM scheduling and project controls Claims avoidance, dispute resolution, and change management Quality assurance and regulatory compliance Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field OR equivalent combination of education and extensive industry experience Ability to obtain Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification within one year if not already held Highly Preferred Experience: Direct experience working with LAUSD Facilities Services Division or similarly structured organizations Familiarity with Division of the State Architect (DSA) processes, documentation, and approvals Experience coordinating with departments such as OEHS, A/E Technical Support, Inspection Units, and Asset Management within large districts Experience with Design-Build project delivery Proficiency with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools and workflows Exposure to LEED-certified or high-performance building programs Preferred Licenses & Credentials: Active Certified Construction Manager (CCM) designation Licensed Architect or Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of California Key Attributes: Executive-level communication skills with the ability to interface effectively across all levels of a public agency St