Assistant Project Manager in Los Angeles, California at KDG Construction Consulting

KDG Construction Consulting is seeking an Assistant Project Manager to lead and coordinate construction activities within a high-priority, large-scale infrastructure modernization environment. Reporting to the Senior Project Manager, this role is responsible for managing the technical scope, cost, schedule, and performance of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection (MEPF) and specialty systems. The Assistant Project Manager will act as the primary liaison for all MEPF design and construction activities. This position will lead the development and implementation of design coordination, installation, and turnover plans, ensuring schedule certainty and budget delivery while maintaining a strong health, safety, and environmental culture. This role requires a leader capable of optimizing risk mitigation and managing complex building system interfaces within an active, mission-critical environment.

Position Summary: The Assistant Project Manager is responsible for managing the scope, cost, schedule, and operational interfaces of all MEPF-related design and construction activities for the program. This role requires a professional with a solid understanding of the MEPF project life cycle—from concept and technical evaluation through installation, startup, commissioning, and turnover. The Assistant Project Manager will ensure that construction work meets all required design standards, codes, and project criteria while coordinating closely with diverse stakeholders to preserve project constraints and objectives.

Key Responsibilities
Project & Design Management Support:
• Serve as the primary technical liaison for MEPF systems and manage design scope to ensure alignment with operational requirements.
• Oversee installation, testing, startup, and commissioning activities, applying comprehensive knowledge of various MEPF disciplines and installation techniques.
• Verify that all work is performed and inspected according to the latest versions of plans, specifications, codes, and energy/sustainability standards.
• Monitor budget estimates and staffing requirements for the defined MEPF scope and schedule to maximize efficiency and meet budget goals.
• Prepare periodic reports and technical progress indicators (KPIs) summarizing construction activities for senior management and project leadership.

Construction & Operational Coordination:
• Work with the Construction Contractor and stakeholders to coordinate system shutdowns, tie-ins, and phasing plans to ensure seamless integration.
• Oversee the construction process to identify and resolve technical, constructability, and integration challenges in an active operating environment.
• Participate in all necessary coordination meetings with the Construction Contractor, trade partners, and multidisciplinary operational stakeholders.
• Ensure effective implementation of all policies and procedures, including project labor agreement (PLA) policies and infrastructure assessments.
• Review Contractor RFIs, submittals, and technical change proposals for merit and evaluate contractor performance for approval of pay applications.

Risk, Financial & Stakeholder Leadership:
• Lead stakeholder engagement to identify, communicate, and resolve technical needs while preserving project principles and constraints.
• Ensure the use of sound and safe construction practices to attain required quality control and system performance at maximum efficiency.
• Identify possible technical problem areas and take preventative action to ensure critical milestones are met for each phase of the project.
• Maintain excellent working relationships with design, construction, and maintenance professionals geared toward open communication and mutual problem-solving.

Qualifications Required:
• 10+ years of experience in construction management, with a strong emphasis on managing MEPF systems for large-scale infrastructure or public facility programs (aviation experience preferred).
• Proven experience with various delivery methods, including Design-Bid-Build, CMAR, and Design-Build.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex building systems (BAS, power, HVAC, life safety, controls) within an active operating environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Bluebeam; familiarity with Revit/BIM coordination tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related technical field.

Preferred:
• Master’s degree in a related technical field.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PE, CCM, LEED, AAAE, AICP, or DBIA.
• Specific experience emphasizing concourse, headhouse, or central utility plant scopes of work.
• Experience in assembling KPIs and decisions for Executive Governance and presentations.

Core Competencies:
• High level of leadership and stakeholder engagement skills to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to work under pressure and coordinate within an active operating environment.
• Expert knowledge of MEPF design standards, codes, commissioning, and system performance.
• Commitment to maintaining high team morale through professionalism and open communication.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to ensure on-schedule completion and successful system turnover.
• Ability to work various shifts as needed, including after-hours or weekend work, to perform the duties of the position.

Anticipated Salary Range: $137,000.00 – $149,000.00 per year

About KDG: KDG Construction Consulting is a leading provider of program, project, and construction management services. The firm serves clients in a broad range of markets throughout Southern California, including aviation, transportation, and infrastructure. KDG provides a full spectrum of management and technical services spanning the entire life cycle of a construction project.

Employment with KDG: KDG is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.