Construction Project Manager in Palmer, Massachusetts at Peckham Industries

Job Summary

The Project Manager owns the successful delivery of asphalt paving projects from contract award through final closeout. This role is accountable for completing projects safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the quality standards required by the contract, the owner, and applicable agency specifications. The Project Manager leads field and office teams, serves as the primary point of contact for clients, subcontractors, and inspectors, and protects the company's margin and reputation on every job.

Projects may include highway and roadway resurfacing, mill and overlay, full-depth reconstruction, parking lots, commercial and municipal sitework, and public works contracts for MassDOT, CTDOT, and county and municipal owners across Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Essential Functions

1. Measurement. Manage project budgets by tracking job costs against the estimate, preparing monthly cost-to-complete forecasts, and taking early corrective action on overruns so each project meets or exceeds its bid margin.

2. Determined. Plan and maintain project schedules, coordinating crews, equipment, plant tonnage, and trucking so projects reach substantial and final completion by contract dates without idle time or liquidated damages.

3. Protect family and friends. Lead jobsite safety by developing site-specific safety plans, conducting daily hazard reviews, overseeing work zone traffic control to MUTCD and agency standards, and reporting incidents promptly so every project finishes with zero lost-time incidents.

4. Obligated. Oversee quality control by implementing QC plans and coordinating with testing labs and inspectors on density, smoothness, thickness, and mix testing so paving passes specification the first time, without rework or pay deductions.

5. Respect and engage. Serve as the primary contact for owners, engineers, and agencies, communicating progress, issues, and changes and resolving concerns quickly so clients are satisfied, award repeat work, and give strong contractor performance ratings.

6. Committed to serve. Document changed conditions, extra work, and quantity overruns, and prepare and negotiate change orders so the company is paid for all work performed and claims are kept to a minimum.

7. Determined. Prepare pay applications by verifying quantities and submitting accurate progress estimates on time so receivables stay current and retainage is released promptly at closeout.

8. Our word is our bond. Procure and manage subcontractors and suppliers by defining scopes, executing subcontracts and purchase orders before work starts, and monitoring performance so vendors meet schedule, quality, and cost commitments.

9. Humility. Direct and support superintendents and foremen by providing complete plans, look-ahead schedules, and resources so crew productivity meets or beats estimated production rates.

10. Results matter. Manage permits, certified payroll, Massachusetts and Connecticut prevailing wage, DBE/MBE/WBE participation, and environmental and stormwater requirements so projects remain compliant and audit-ready.

11. Mastery. Maintain daily reports, RFIs, submittals, quantity tracking, test results, and as-builts so project records are accurate, organized, and ready for closeout or review at any time.

12. Honesty and truth. Close out projects by completing punch lists, final quantities, warranties, lien releases, and owner acceptance within 60 days of substantial completion, and share lessons learned with estimating and operations to improve future bids.

13. Ownership and caring. Manage project budgets by reviewing job cost reports with job cost analysts, providing field input for monthly cost-to-complete forecasts, and taking early corrective action on overruns so each project meets or exceeds its bid margin.

Requirements, Education and Experience

1. Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

2. 5+ years of experience in asphalt paving, roadway, or heavy civil construction with a strong understanding of milling, reclamation, paving,

3. 3+ years managing projects with full responsibility for budget, schedule, and client relationships.

4. Proven record of delivering MassDOT and/or CTDOT projects is strongly preferred.

5. Experience managing multiple projects at once, with individual contract values typically from $200K to $1M+ with occasional projects exceeding $10M.

6. Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and contract documents, and verify quantities for billing, change orders, and material orders.

7. Ability to interpret job cost reports, explain variances, and partner with job cost analysts on cost-to-complete forecasts; skilled in change order management and pay application preparation.

8. Proficient with scheduling and project management software (e.g. XBE and B2W)

9. Clear written and verbal communication, with the ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts with owners, inspectors, and subcontractors.

10. Strong leadership skills to direct superintendents, foremen, and crews.

11. Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

12. Legal right to work in the U.S.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The actual rate or salary offered will be determined based on job-related factors, including relevant experience, education, qualifications, skills, and other legitimate business considerations, consistent with applicable law and the Company’s compensation practices.

Travel

Position may require up to 40% travel by personal vehicle to job sites throughout the region based on the needs of the role.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 50 lb. or more. This position works on or near moving mechanical parts, loud equipment, hot mix asphalt, fumes, dust, and live traffic, and requires wearing PPE on all job sites. Requires the ability to sit or stand for long periods of time as well as lifting, pulling, bending, kneeling, squatting, climbing, walking, reaching, driving, and repetitive motion, including walking on uneven ground and fresh asphalt and climbing into and out of trucks and equipment. The role also includes regular desk work, such as extended computer use, reviewing plans and reports, and phone and virtual meetings. Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions, including at night, and requires vision and hearing sufficient to read plans, assess site conditions, and recognize warning signals in loud environments.

Values:

At Peckham, you will experience our values wherever you work: corporate offices, plants, quarries, or paving operations. We share a common set of values - safety, integrity, dedication, and efficiency which are embedded in how we show up every day. Ours is a culture where we protect family and friends, our word is our bond, we are committed to serve and results matter. Our values are the foundation of our growth and we believe will pave the way for future success.