Project Manager - Ground-Up Commercial Construction

Strong retail and grocery experience required

Murrieta, CA (In Office) + Some travel to Western U.S. Jobsites as needed (UT, NV, CA, AZ)

Position Overview

Colorado West Construction is a full-service general contractor specializing in large-format, ground-up national retail construction, commercial site development, structural steel projects, and corporate brand-driven builds across the Western United States.

We are seeking a highly experienced Project Manager with a proven background managing large-scale, ground-up retail and grocery projects from preconstruction through closeout.

This role requires experience supporting retail and grocery builds with fixed opening dates, strict brand standards, and high-volume vendor coordination. You will work in close partnership with the Superintendent to drive execution, maintain schedule integrity, and ensure successful turnover aligned with client-driven opening schedules.

Key Responsibilities

Ground-Up Retail & Grocery Project Delivery

• Manage full lifecycle of ground-up retail and grocery projects from preconstruction through closeout
• Collaborate with Superintendents and subcontractors to maintain master project schedules aligned with store opening timelines
• Support field teams with two-week look-ahead planning and schedule enforcement to maintain project flow
• Assist with material/equipment procurement and coordination of subcontractors and vendors across multiple scopes
• Ensure project execution aligns with brand standards and retail turnover expectations

Client & Vendor Coordination

• Serve as primary point of contact for Owner, Architect, and client representatives
• Lead and participate in weekly OAC (Owner/Architect/Contractor) meetings, driving alignment and accountability
• Coordinate with:
  • Specialty vendors
  • Fixture installers
  • Refrigeration contractors
  • Client-directed installation and merchandising teams
• Ensure consistent alignment between office and field to support milestone-driven store openings

Budget, Contracts & Change Management

• Manage project budgets, cost tracking, and forecasting throughout the project lifecycle
• Oversee subcontractor buyout, scope reviews, leveling, and contract execution across multiple trades
• Drive proactive change order management (owner + subcontractors), ensuring cost impacts are identified and approved prior to execution
• Maintain financial control to support budget adherence and project performance

Schedule & Documentation Discipline

• Maintain project documentation in Procore, ensuring accuracy and consistency
• Oversee and manage:
  • RFIs
  • Submittals
  • Change events
  • Procurement logs
• Ensure RFIs and submittals are handled with urgency and clarity to avoid schedule delays
• Identify schedule risks early and implement recovery strategies to maintain project timelines
• Ensure reporting meets client expectations and schedule requirements

Closeout & Turnover

• Support Superintendent with pre-punch and deficiency tracking in Procore
• Oversee completion of all closeout documentation, including:
  • Warranties
  • Final Documentation
  • Billing
• Drive timely turnover aligned with scheduled store opening deadlines

Required Experience

• 5+ years as a Project Manager for a General Contractor
• Proven experience managing ground-up retail and grocery projects
• Experience in , ground-up, tilt-up, grocery, and large-format retail construction environments
• Experience working on projects for national retail chains or brand-driven clients
• Demonstrated success supporting projects with fixed opening/store opening dates
• Experience working with client representatives and vendor-heavy retail environments
• Strong understanding of retail sequencing and turnover requirements
• Proven ability to manage multiple high-activity projects and trades

Technical Requirements

• Procore proficiency preferred
• Microsoft Project preferred
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word)

Required Documentation for Consideration

To be considered, candidates must provide:

• Project list of ground-up retail and grocery projects managed
• Project size, value, and completion dates
• References tied to large-format retail, grocery, or similar projects

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license
• Willingness to travel to active job sites as needed (Western U.S.)
• Must be able to lift and carry objects up to 40 pounds.
• Physical stamina and the ability to work in outdoor environments.
• Ability to lift, bend, kneel and stand for extended periods

Compensation & Benefits

Job Type: Full-time

Annual Salary: *$100k - $160k *Competitive base salary based on verified experience

Allowances: Per Diem (when applicable), Company Fuel Card, Vehicle Allowance

Travel: 100% travel required | Western U.S. (including but not limited to UT, NV, CA, AZ) | Murrieta, CA HQ

Schedule: Mon-Fri

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) Employer match, Paid Holidays, Vacation, CA Sick Time, Savings & Discounts Programs

Company Sponsored benefits include: Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), In-house Wellness Program and Travel Assistance

Optional benefits include: STD, Accidental, Hospital Confinement, Cancer Insurance, Legal and ID Shield,

Check out our website to learn more about us at www.cwc.la

This is an at-will position. The Company may modify job duties as needed and employment may be terminated by either party at any time. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and we provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities (ADA/FEHA).