Construction Project Lead Jobs in San Diego, CA
Construction Project Lead jobs in San Diego are concentrated in mission-critical sectors including military construction, commercial development, and infrastructure, with activity centered in Kearny Mesa, Downtown, and Otay Ranch. Demand is strong year-round, driven by ongoing federal projects and a surge in mixed-use and transit-oriented development. Employers hiring right now include Burns & McDonnell, Electrical Consultants, and ICF. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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JBW Federal is a subsidiary company of the Kanaka Foundation - An NHO who's mission is to support Native Hawaiians.
You will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Pet insurance
- Annual membership to Costco or Sam's
- 401K
- ...and much, much more!
Job Description: The Project Manager is responsible for the safe completion of the project within the budget, on schedule, to the company's quality standards, and to the customer's satisfaction. It is his/her responsibility to initiate any action required to achieve the above objectives and ensure that all project activities are consistent with company policy.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Project planning and mobilization.
- Accepting the project from the estimating department at budget transfer.
- Processing submittals to achieve the project schedule and the contract documents.
- Expediting the material deliveries of subcontractors and vendors.
- Proactively promotes the company's safety policies and programs.
- Cost reports weekly and monthly review of job cost reports and preparation of monthly analysis. Carefully analyze cost AND schedule problems and initiate new alternatives, which will cause a course correction.
- Participates in the business development process including client contacts, relationships, proposals, and presentations for selected projects.
- Establishes and maintains professional working relationships with owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors.
- Progress payments preparing and submitting the monthly draw requests consistent with the contract documents while achieving project revenue forecasts.
- Processing and approving the monthly sub/vendor invoices in both a timely and accurate fashion.
- Supervises staff, including establishing and communicating performance expectations, providing positive and constructive feedback, determining training and development needs, and conducting on-the-job training.
- Collecting all accounts receivable, including retainage. Closing out the project in compliance with contract documents.
- Ensuring a clean and orderly job site is maintained.
- Has overall responsibility for project success, including safety, schedule, profitability, quality, and customer satisfaction.
- Responsible for understanding and administering prime contract terms and conditions, contract documents, subcontract agreements, purchase order agreements, insurance, etc.
- Preparation and review of estimates with attention to the following: adherence to cost control system, equipment requirements and utilization, constructability, framework, materials, manpower, general conditions, schedule, insurance, etc.
- Leads the Project Team in the review of manpower, equipment, material resources to ensure the successful and profitable execution of the work.
- Ensures that as many levels of detailed schedules are prepared and distributed as required to support the project schedule.
- Document project impacts per contract requirements.
- Prepare all change orders, supplements, and cost control budget adjustments.
- Manages all billings to ensure timely submission of payment applications and collection of payments from the owner in order to maintain a positive cash flow position.
- Manages the overall payment process with the subcontractors.
- Manages the timely preparation and execution of purchase order agreements and subcontracts with respect to insurance certificates, bonds, and the appropriate lien waivers.
Experience, Education, Certification:
- B.A. or B.S.in Engineering, Construction Management or Architecture, or equivalent experience.
- Electrical Engineer preferred, Medium to High voltage knowledge required.
- 5 - 7 years of experience in managing commercial construction projects and a thorough knowledge of contract documents, materials, equipment utilization, scheduling systems, productivity analysis, construction operations, and cash flow procedures is essential.
- Proficient management, leadership, business development, and technical skills.
- Well-developed written and verbal communication skills.
- Must be detail-oriented and have the ability to work well within a deadline-driven environment.
- Perform functions efficiently and accurately with little direct supervision.
- Must maintain a professional attitude and conduct oneself in a positive manner at all times.
- Must respect and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Must be able to perform in fast-paced, changing environment.
- Positive attitude and professional customer service skills.
Kanaka Family of Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information (family medical history), or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws. EEO/AA employer/Vet/Disabled.
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Find JobsConstruction Project Lead Job Market in San Diego
Who's Hiring
- Burns & McDonnell58

- Electrical Consultants58

- ICF19

- CBRE19

- Nika19

Construction Project Lead Jobs in San Diego: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a construction project lead job in San Diego?
San Diego's strongest hiring comes from federal defense contractors, commercial developers, and public infrastructure agencies managing port, transit, and utility projects. Roles concentrate in Kearny Mesa, Chula Vista, and the Downtown core. Candidates with experience coordinating subcontractors on large-scale commercial or government builds stand out here. A PMP or OSHA 30 certification gives a measurable edge in San Diego's compliance-conscious federal and municipal project environment.
Which companies hire construction project leads in San Diego?
San Diego construction project lead roles are posted by Burns & McDonnell, Electrical Consultants, and ICF and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. The local market includes a strong mix of federal defense contractors, regional commercial builders, and public agencies managing transit, port, and municipal infrastructure projects across the county.
Are there remote construction project lead jobs in San Diego?
Yes, though only in limited capacities, since hands-on site oversight is core to most construction project lead roles. About 25% of construction project lead openings tied to San Diego are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to focus on scheduling, budgeting, and stakeholder reporting rather than active site management. San Diego's technology and defense sectors occasionally post hybrid leads overseeing distributed project teams.
How can I get a construction project lead job in San Diego with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in San Diego is starting as a project coordinator or assistant superintendent with a regional commercial contractor or public works firm. San Diego's active military base construction and affordable housing pipeline regularly absorb entry-level coordinators who can demonstrate scheduling or estimating fundamentals. Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity San Diego or pursuing an internship through a local community college construction management program can build the site-hour record that local employers want to see.
Related Jobs in California
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