Senior Project Manager at MKL Careers Senior Project Manager at MKL Careers in Castro Valley, California Posted in 15 days ago.

Type:

full-time

Job Description:

Senior Project Manager - K-12 Construction (Bay Area)

Location:

San Francisco Bay Area, CA Reports to: VP of Operations /

Area Project Executive Employment Type:

Full-Time About the Role We are seeking a Senior Project Manager with deep experience delivering K-12 public school construction and modernization projects in the Bay Area. This is a high-visibility role with a clear growth path into an Area Project Executive position for candidates who demonstrate strong client relationships, operational leadership, and business development instincts. The ideal candidate already has an established network of relationships with Bay Area school districts, DSA (Division of the State Architect), and local subcontractor/trade partners, and is looking for a platform to build and lead a growing regional program. Key Responsibilities Serve as the primary point of contact for owners, architects, and district stakeholders on assigned K-12 projects, from preconstruction through closeout. Manage all phases of project delivery, including budgeting, scheduling, subcontractor buyout, RFIs/submittals, quality control, and safety compliance. Navigate DSA approval processes, close-out, and certification requirements specific to California public school construction. Lead project teams including assistant project managers, superintendents, and field engineers. Maintain and grow relationships with existing Bay Area school district clients; identify and pursue new pursuit opportunities. Partner with preconstruction and business development teams on proposals, interviews, and district presentations. Mentor junior project management staff as part of a long-term succession and growth plan. Monitor project financial performance, including forecasting, change order management, and margin protection. Represent the company at industry events, district board meetings, and community outreach as needed. Qualifications 8+ years of construction project management experience, with a significant focus on K-12 public school projects in California. Established relationships with Bay Area school districts, DSA representatives, and regional subcontractor community strongly preferred. Working knowledge of DSA processes, Prop 39/51 funding mechanisms, DSA closeout, and public bidding/procurement requirements (e.g., lease-leaseback, design-build, hard bid). Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent experience). Proven ability to manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously. Strong financial acumen - experience managing project P&L, forecasting, and change management. Excellent communication and relationship-management skills with public agency clients. Proficiency with project management software (Procore, MS Project, or similar). Demonstrated interest and readiness to grow into a broader regional leadership role. Growth Path This role is structured as a direct pipeline to Area Project Executive , with responsibilities expanding over time to include: Oversight of a portfolio of projects and project managers across the Bay Area Ownership of regional client relationships and repeat-work strategy P&L accountability for the area's K-12 program Direct involvement in strategic planning and business development leadership Compensation & Benefits Competitive base salary, commensurate with experience Performance bonus tied to project and regional growth targets Vehicle allowance / mileage reimbursement Full benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match) Relocation assistance available for qualified out-of-area candidates (Bay Area local network still required)