Project Manager

During our forty plus years of continuous operation, Western Builders has proudly earned the reputation of being a merit shop “builder’s builder” specializing in preconstruction, general contracting, and construction management for academic, senior housing, and healthcare clients.

Based in Granby, Massachusetts, we are a privately held subsidiary of The O’Connell Companies. This unique affiliation allows us to provide clients the collaborative and personalized experience of working with a modest-size company with direct access to a broad range of resources typical of much larger businesses, including experts in engineering, environmental regulations, and law. The result is greater effectiveness and efficiency in achieving success and client satisfaction in a broad range of complex and challenging projects.

Western Builders has a great opportunity to join our team as a Project Manager.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Project Executive, the Project Manager takes prompt and thorough measures to maximize the success of assigned projects. With analytical thought and sound judgement, makes decisions and recommendations that affect the Company’s reputation and the project’s profitability.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Thoroughly study the project’s plans, specifications, existing conditions and estimate in preparation for executing the work. Review documents with Job Superintendent to develop further understanding and consensus on approach. Prepare for the Hand-Off Meeting led by Estimator to understand the estimate's pricing strategies.

Confer with Cost Accountant to ensure project estimate is properly cost coded. Examine the Owner Contract and develop a thorough understanding of the financial terms, such as fee structure, shared savings, contingency, insurance requirements, bonds, etc. Create a plan to manage these terms and populate templates to properly execute them. Submit to Cost Accountant for review.

Develop and maintain a critical path schedule. Include buyout, submittal and lead-time tasks linked to construction activities. Complete monthly updates, in addition to construction progress, track Owner/ Architect responsibilities and changes in sequencing/ scope. The project schedule shall not only monitor the end date but detect conflict and accurately reflect the project sequence as it unfolds.

Buyout the project as effectively as possible. Use the project schedule, expected lead times and market conditions to prioritize subcontracts. Complete subcontractor scope reviews with the Site Superintendent and Estimators’ input. Look to close scope gaps and take back overlaps throughout the process. Reduce the Company’s risk by securing contractors and materials as soon as possible.

Work with the superintendent to set up meetings, as required, with subs, Owner and Architect, such as; MEP coordination, pre-installation, foreman’s look-ahead, and start-up meetings.

Prepare and submit permit applications with necessary paperwork, including Construction General Permit- US EPA, SWPPP, eNOI- US EPA, AQ 06- MassDEP, Building Permit. Initiate talks with Fire Department, DPW and private utilities to ensure the requirements of local jurisdiction are met.

Keep project logs; buy-out, lead time, submittal, rfi, drawing, MBE/WBE participation, drawdown schedule etc., up to-date and distribute to the appropriate parties. Use logs to inform Project Executive of project status and hold people accountable for their impact on the job.

Prepare for and lead OAC meetings. Keep concise meeting minutes and distribute for record. Review project logs and schedule in the meeting. Use a Team mentality to successfully lead the project while still preserving Western’s contractual rights. Understand the impact of circumstances beyond our control and formally put the Owner on notice according to contract terms.

Recognize changes of scope and pursue compensation. Verify subcontractor pricing by reviewing past costs, tracking manhours and reviewing scope with project superintendent. Expeditiously negotiate and execute change orders with the Owner to keep Western Builders from taking on unnecessary risk.

Work with Contract Administrator to ensure subcontractors comply with Western Builders’ insurance requirements. Monitor second-tier subs and their compliance as well. Inform the Superintendent of non-compliant contractors and remove them from the job.

Take steps to provide a safe work site. Consider subcontractors safety record, allow time in the schedule for proper execution of the work, and budget for necessary supplies. Support the Superintendent’s on-site safety efforts by addressing concerns with the subcontractor's management.

Thoroughly examine the project contracts. Understand the terms of the Owner and subcontractor contracts and exercise the language to protect Western Builders’ interests. Use fact-based logic to make proactive decisions. When considering conflict management, refer to the contract for guidance and adhere to the language.

Provide mentoring, training and guidance to Assistants, or other fellow employees lower in grade, to collectively progress career development within the Company. Create a Team environment with a high level of morale, spirit, and job satisfaction.

Manage all financial aspects of the project. Understand the current status and potential issues of the job to make accurate cost projections. Improve cash flow by submitting timely requisitions and tracking their progress.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Effective communication, organizational, diligent attention to detail, time management, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Thorough knowledge of commercial construction (i.e., understand construction means & methods, ability to read and interpret drawings, specs, etc., experience with estimating, takeoffs, review and approve submittals, shop drawings, contracts, PO’s, change orders, RFI’s, requisitions, proposals, etc.).
• Strong work ethic and sense of urgency
• Proficient in Computer software (i.e., Microsoft Office, Procore, Bluebeam)
• Take ownership and responsibility of one’s own work.
• Ability to travel
• Work independently

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering or equivalent education and experience.
• 5 years in a management capacity role such as Assistant Project Manager, Project Manager, or other comparable leadership in the construction industry
• OSHA 10

PREFERRED

• First Aid & CPR Certified preferred

Western Builders offers a competitive salary & excellent benefits including health and dental insurance, life insurance, 401k.  EOE.