Project Management Lead Jobs in California
Project Management Lead jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, defense, healthcare, and large-scale infrastructure, with openings at every level from associate project manager through senior program lead. The heaviest hiring occurs in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where employers like Northrop Grumman, Kaiser Permanente, and Apple maintain large, established project delivery organizations. Agile delivery, cross-functional technology programs, and capital construction oversight are the most in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Company Description
Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries.
Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programmes as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success.
Our capabilities include programme, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions.
We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier programme, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.
Job Description
Turner & Townsend is looking for a Pre-Construction Project Management Lead to join our team. The Pre-Construction Project Management Lead will be a member of the management team and will primarily be responsible to support the Director of Project Management in driving growth and profitability of the business unit through leadership, new business development, client management and service delivery.
Responsibilities:
- Support the Director of Project Management in managing new and existing client relationships, driving new revenue through the generation of new work and contract renewals on existing accounts.
- Attending client interviews to present our service offerings.
- Support the Director of PM by interviewing prospective candidates.
- Provide weekly updates regarding the status of projects, initiatives, and staffing, and where appropriate, highlighting issues of concern, and/or conflict.
- Provide effective line management for the staff members assigned to you, including coaching and mentoring, as necessary to assist them in achieving professional and career growth objectives.
- Utilize industry standard spreadsheets and accounting tools to track the ongoing margin levels, monthly fee/resource forecasts for each commission and financial reports.
- Ensure client invoices are accurate and issued on a timely basis. Following up on accounts receivables.
- Leadership of project management team responsible for initial programming and design of infrastructure projects around the country.
- Liaison with municipal authorities having jurisdiction over infrastructure projects.
Project / Program Specifics:
- Managing multiple project managers designing operational sites for EV Charging.
- Influencing and guiding the Pre-Construction Project Management team on a rapidly growing account.
- Coordinate with the wider Project Delivery team on regular deliverables.
- Developing processes and templates.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, engineering or field related to construction is preferred.
- Minimum 10 years of relevant experience working in a project management role in the construction industry.
- Experience managing client accounts effectively and efficiently.
- Experience managing teams of individual project managers and supporting staff.
- Strong knowledge of construction types and local codes.
- Strong understanding of all aspects of the construction project life cycle.
- Ability to develop strong relationships with internal team members, clients, and cross-functional team members.
- Business development experience with existing and new clients, including cross-selling opportunities.
- Relevant technical and leadership experience overseeing major construction projects or programs.
- Demonstrates excellent presentation, verbal, written, organizational and communication skills.
Additional Information
The salary range for this full-time role is $170K - $180K per year. Ranges are determined by role and level and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range is a reflection of base salary only, not of a total compensation package. Please note Turner & Townsend reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on candidate’s experience and qualifications.
On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs.
Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.
We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.
Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
Turner & Townsend does not accept any speculative or unsolicited CV’s that have been sent to our internal recruitment team or hiring managers from agencies outside of our preferred supplier list or that have not followed due process. Any speculative or unsolicited CV’s will be treated as a direct application.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time.
Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e-mail accounts, are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review.
See All 1,005+ Project Management Lead Jobs in California
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Find Project Management Lead JobsProject Management Lead Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Project Management Lead Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- BKF Engineers46

- Apple38

- Google32

- OpenAI29

- TikTok26

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software283
- Consulting & Professional Services190
- Electronics & Hardware64
- Construction & Real Estate53
- Science & Research52
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in project management lead jobs across California.
- PMP certification from PMI or equivalent credential recognized by California employers
- Five or more years leading cross-functional project teams through full delivery lifecycle
- Demonstrated experience managing budgets, schedules, and stakeholder communication plans
- Proficiency with project management platforms such as Jira, Smartsheet, or MS Project
- Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, computer science, or a related field
- Experience with Agile, Scrum, or hybrid delivery frameworks in a California industry context
Project Management Lead Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a project management lead in California?
The clearest path is a bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a technical discipline followed by several years in coordinator or analyst roles, then earning the Project Management Professional certification from PMI. California employers in technology, healthcare, and defense treat the PMP as the standard credential for lead-level roles. Large California institutions such as UC system campuses and major health networks also hire from internal promotion pipelines, so joining as a project coordinator and demonstrating delivery results is a well-worn route.
How much do project management leads make in California?
Project management leads in California earn a median of about $120,910 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $69,180 for the lowest 10% to over $188,560 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire project management leads in California?
Employers hiring project management leads in California right now include BKF Engineers, Apple, and Google, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of defense contractors, major health systems, and enterprise technology headquarters means demand for experienced project leads stays consistent across economic cycles.
Which California cities have the most project management lead jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose have the most project management lead openings in California right now. The Bay Area and Los Angeles dominate because of their dense technology, entertainment, and healthcare employer bases, while San Diego draws significant volume from defense contractors and biotech firms headquartered along the I-15 corridor.
Are there remote project management lead jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 25% of project management lead openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how much of the coordination work happens in digital tools rather than on a physical site. The most remote-friendly specialties are technology program management and IT delivery, while construction and facilities project leads typically require regular on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a project management lead in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a project coordinator or project analyst role at a large California employer, then building toward a lead title internally. Kaiser Permanente, the UC system, and major California defense contractors all hire entry-level project staff and promote from within. Earning a CAPM certification from PMI gives candidates without a long track of delivered projects a credible signal. Lateral moves from operations, business analysis, or product owner roles are also common entry points at California technology companies.
Where can I find and apply to project management lead jobs in California?
You can find and apply to project management lead jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to each one.
See All 1,005+ Project Management Lead Jobs in California
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