Senior Construction Manager (Water/Wastewater Infrastructure)

Founded in 1919, KJ has always looked to the future. With a talented team of professionals and a culture of continuous improvement, we deliver exceptional engineering, environmental consulting, and construction management services, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Using advanced analytics, technology, and tools, KJ improves designs, reduces risk, and finds better ways to deliver projects from planning through construction. KJ is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for clients, including green infrastructure design, strategies to reduce energy use and environmental impacts, award-winning water reuse projects, and efficient construction management practices that ensure quality, safety, and on-time delivery. We are known for our dedication to industry-leading client service and tailored solutions.

Kennedy Jenks is seeking an experienced Senior Construction Manager to join our expanding team in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. In this role, you will oversee the successful delivery of major water and wastewater infrastructure projects, providing leadership throughout construction, startup, commissioning, and project closeout. The Senior Construction Manager is responsible for ensuring compliance with plans and specifications, managing schedules and budgets, overseeing change management, maintaining project safety, coordinating project teams, and supporting the implementation of complex process, instrumentation, control systems, and automation improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the day-to-day leader for assigned projects.
• Foster strong working relationships with clients, owners, designers, contractors, inspectors, vendors, and regulatory agencies.
• Conduct regular meetings with field staff to address project progress, risks, and issue resolution.
• Facilitate the fair and timely resolution of project-related issues and disputes.
• Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with approved plans, specifications, budget, schedule, and quality requirements.
• Coordinate and manage subconsultants, specialty contractors, and technical resources.
• Observe, monitor, and document contractor work, including RFIs, submittals, change orders, field directives, progress payments, schedules, and other project records.
• Lead construction oversight for treatment process equipment, instrumentation, electrical systems, SCADA systems, and control system installations.
• Coordinate with design engineers, controls integrators, equipment vendors, and operations staff to ensure successful implementation of control system and automation solutions.
• Review and monitor startup plans, commissioning procedures, functional testing documentation, and system acceptance testing activities.
• Support and facilitate startup, testing, commissioning, and operational readiness activities for water and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Assist in troubleshooting process, instrumentation, control system, and operational issues during startup and commissioning.
• Coordinate owner training and turnover activities to ensure a smooth transition of facilities into operation.
• Monitor development and distribution of project meeting agendas and meeting minutes.
• Generate monthly project status reports and communicate project performance to stakeholders.
• Take responsibility for project safety performance and mentor team members in safe work practices.
• Maintain current project agreements, contract documentation, and change orders.
• Oversee project accounting and management activities, including timesheet approvals, project reporting, billing reviews, and financial performance monitoring.
• Cultivate strong client relationships through regular communication regarding project status, construction activities, and contract matters.
• Prepare and distribute owner-required project reports and presentations.
• Attend and, when necessary, represent the owner at public and stakeholder meetings.
• Mentor and support the development of project personnel through coaching, training, and quality review of work products.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Manage field inspection staff and project office personnel assigned to projects.
• Coordinate staffing needs and resource availability with Kennedy Jenks leadership.
• Encourage staff growth and participation in internal and external training opportunities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience managing water, wastewater, or industrial infrastructure projects through construction, startup, commissioning, and closeout.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field. Relevant experience may be substituted.
• Experience with treatment process equipment, instrumentation, SCADA systems, PLC-based control systems, and facility automation.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or managing startup, commissioning, operational readiness, and facility turnover activities.
• Understanding of control systems design implementation and integration of electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, and process systems.
• Experience coordinating with controls integrators, automation specialists, equipment vendors, contractors, and operations personnel.
• Familiarity with commissioning plans, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), functional testing, and system turnover processes.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred but not required.
• CCM, PMP, or other relevant professional certifications are a plus.
• Proficiency with project management software such as Procore, SharePoint, and Unifier is a plus.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, contract administration, scheduling, cost management, and quality control.
• Familiarity with water and wastewater treatment facility construction, including process equipment, instrumentation, electrical infrastructure, SCADA systems, and control system installations.
• Knowledge of building codes, construction standards, and current project delivery methodologies.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with clients, owners, contractors, designers, and regulatory agencies.

This position requires full-time on-site presence, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Candidates must be comfortable working in active construction environments with varying site conditions and limited amenities.

Compensation: The anticipated salary range for this position is $140,000 to $180,000, depending on education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications, seniority, and familiarity with water and wastewater facilities.

Benefits: Kennedy Jenks offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k), bonus opportunities, tuition reimbursement, professional registration support, competitive PTO and holiday programs, and additional employee benefits.