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Senior Construction Manager
The Senior Construction Manager is an experienced project leader responsible for managing complex construction projects independently on behalf of Paragon's ownership clients, from pre-construction through closeout.
Location
Irvine, CA
Work Type
Full-time
Salary
$150 - 175K
Experience
8-12 Years
Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the Senior CM oversees all aspects of project delivery from pre-construction through closeout, while also serving as a mentor and resource to junior Construction Managers and Assistant Construction Managers. This role bridges day-to-day project execution with strategic client communication and is well-suited to a professional with deep field knowledge, strong financial acumen, and a track record of delivering large-scale projects. This is a full-time position based in Irvine, CA with site visits and remote flexibility.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Client Management
• Independently lead one or more complex construction projects as the primary owner's representative.
• Serve as the main client contact for day-to-day project matters; escalate strategic issues to the Executive Construction Manager.
• Lead project kickoff meetings, monthly owner-architect-contractor (OAC) meetings, and executive progress presentations.
• Proactively manage client expectations, anticipate project risks, and communicate mitigation strategies clearly.
Advanced Contract & Financial Oversight
• Administer and interpret complex owner-contractor and owner-consultant agreements; identify and resolve contract disputes.
• Maintain and update the Master Development Budget; prepare detailed variance analyses and financial forecasts.
• Review and process pay applications, change orders, and invoices with a high level of financial scrutiny.
• Assemble and transmit monthly billing packages, ensuring full compliance with lender, agency, or ownership requirements.
• Manage change order negotiations and provide recommendations to ownership on cost and schedule impacts.
Construction Oversight & Quality Control
• Direct contractor and consultant performance across all project phases, with particular attention to schedule adherence and quality standards.
• Conduct site visits, review progress documentation, and verify percentage of completion.
• Lead constructability reviews and value engineering exercises during pre-construction.
• Resolve complex field issues, coordinate design team responses to RFIs, and manage the submittal review process.
Team Mentorship & Coordination
• Mentor and provide guidance to Construction Managers, Assistant Construction Managers, and Construction Administrators.
• Delegate tasks appropriately to project team members and review their work product.
• Support the Executive Construction Manager in developing team capabilities and applying firm-wide best practices.
• Participate in recruiting, onboarding, and performance feedback for junior team members.
Compliance & Closeout
• Ensure project compliance with building codes, safety regulations, prevailing wage requirements, and CWA/DAS obligations on applicable projects.
• Lead project closeout activities, including final punchlist management, lien waiver collection, retainage release, and closeout package assembly.
• Maintain audit-ready project records in Procore throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support firm-level compliance reporting and documentation initiatives.
Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field; significant equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum 8-12 years of progressive construction management or owner's representative experience.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex, high-value projects in commercial, institutional, healthcare, or public works sectors.
• Strong command of construction contracts, cost control, schedule management, and change order analysis.
• Proficiency in Procore; advanced Excel skills; familiarity with Microsoft Project or equivalent scheduling tools.
• Experience with California prevailing wage, CWA compliance, and public agency project delivery.
• Excellent client-facing communication skills and experience preparing executive-level reports.
• PMP, CCM, California contractor license, or LEED credential is a strong plus.
Benefits
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company matching
• Term life insurance
• Paid time off and 10 company holidays per year
• Professional development opportunities and continuing education support
If you're a results-driven construction professional with a track record of delivering complex projects, we'd love to hear from you. Apply below to join the Paragon team.
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