Division Manager-Heavy Civil Construction

About the Company

The company is a Southern California-based heavy civil general engineering contractor with deep expertise in self-performed public works, railroad, and utility infrastructure projects. They have built their reputation on operational excellence, field execution, and a hands-on approach to heavy civil construction.

About the Position

The company is seeking a hands-on Division Manager to lead and grow its heavy civil self-performed operations throughout Southern California. This is not a high-level delegator role — the ideal candidate is an operational leader who stays actively involved in project execution, estimating, and field operations when needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Own division P&L performance, including revenue, gross margin, operating margin, and cash flow.
• Oversee execution of self-performed heavy civil operations across utilities, earthwork, asphalt, concrete, and rail.
• Support estimating efforts on strategic pursuits by reviewing takeoffs, validating unit costs, and shaping bid strategy.
• Step directly into Project Manager responsibilities on critical or at-risk projects when needed.
• Mentor and develop PMs, estimators, superintendents, and field leadership teams.
• Maintain strong relationships with public agencies, railroad clients, and utility owners.
• Drive equipment utilization, field productivity, cost control, and operational efficiency.
• Partner with executive leadership on growth initiatives, market expansion, and capital planning.
• Champion company safety culture and quality standards across all operations.

Requirements

• Required Qualifications
• 10+ years of progressive experience in heavy civil construction.
• Current or recent experience as a Project Manager, Senior PM, Director, or Division-level leader.
• Strong self-perform background in:
• Utilities
• Earthwork / dirtwork
• Asphalt
• Concrete
• Active experience in the California heavy civil market.
• Proven success delivering public works, utility-owner, or agency-driven projects.
• Strong financial and operational acumen, including:
• P&L ownership
• Cost forecasting
• Change order management
• Field productivity oversight
• Estimating capability with the ability to review, build, and challenge estimates credibly.
• Demonstrated success developing and retaining strong field and office teams.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Rail project experience
• Caltrans project delivery experience.
• Bilingual English / Spanish.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary: $180,000–$250,000 DOE
• Company vehicle
• Profit sharing program
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Direct executive exposure
• Long-term growth runway into senior leadership