Ryan Contracting Company · Celebrating 35 Years

Project Manager

Heavy Civil Construction  |  Sewer, Water & Roadway Reconstruction

About Ryan Contracting Company

For 35 years, Ryan Contracting Company has been building the underground and surface infrastructure that Minnesota communities depend on. We specialize in sewer and water reconstruction, road building, curb and gutter, and grading work for municipalities, counties, state agencies, and private developers across the region. Our reputation is built on quality craftsmanship, schedule reliability, and a workforce that takes ownership of every project.

Position Summary

The Project Manager takes ownership of awarded heavy civil infrastructure projects from contract handoff through close-out — including road paving, underground utilities (water mains, sanitary sewers, storm water), and site grading. This role is responsible for delivering awarded projects on time, within budget, and in compliance with all client and regulatory requirements. The Project Manager does not perform bid estimating, but serves as a constructability and field-knowledge resource to the Estimating team when consulted during the bid phase. Once a project is awarded, the Project Manager works closely with municipalities, state agencies (such as MnDOT), private developers, subcontractors, and Ryan Contracting’s Superintendents, Foremen, and field crews to drive the work to completion.

This is a remote / hybrid position. Ryan Contracting Company maintains offices in both the north metro and south metro for the convenience of our team, and Project Managers split their time between jobsites, the office of their choice, and remote work as the project schedule allows.

Key Responsibilities

Project Award & Lifecycle Management

• Take ownership of awarded projects, leading the handoff from the Estimating team through construction and final close-out.
• Serve as a constructability and field-knowledge resource to Estimators during the bid phase when consulted, providing input on means, methods, sequencing, and site conditions (the Project Manager does not perform bid estimating).
• Review awarded contracts, plans, and bid assumptions to fully understand project scope, schedule, and cost basis at handoff.
• Prepare cost and expenditure statements and forecasts at regular intervals throughout each project.
• Evaluate change orders, scope adjustments, and value-engineering opportunities, including economic feasibility analysis.
• Attend pre-construction meetings and represent Ryan Contracting Company professionally.
• Communicate any questionable areas or field conditions back to the Estimating team before proceeding so bid assumptions can be validated or revised.

Scheduling & Coordination

• Communicate with Estimators and customers to build and maintain project schedules.
• Build and maintain detailed project schedules using company's tools and software.
• Work with the Foreman to develop daily and long-range work schedules.
• Ensure Foremen have a clear weekly and monthly schedule and that equipment and people are scheduled appropriately.
• Ensure Foremen coordinate workload with other departments as needed.
• Maintain proactive communication with customers and Estimators so all parties know when work is scheduled to be completed.

Site & Field Operations

• Oversee all utility work and ensure work is performed according to specifications.
• Supervise field staff including Foremen and crews.
• Manage utility placement, relocation, and installation in coordination with utility owners and project specifications.
• Coordinate subcontractors and handle on-site logistics.
• Read, interpret, and communicate work orders to field crews.
• Understand project specifications and material mixes (concrete, aggregate base, paving, etc.).
• Communicate the day’s work plan with Foremen each morning and provide crews with the resources they need to succeed.
• Ensure jobsites are kept clean and orderly daily.
• Maintain accurate and detailed field reports.
• Check field logs to confirm reporting must-haves are present before approving.

Procurement & Vendor Management

• Maintain a directory of qualified suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors.
• Evaluate vendors, obtain material quotes, review costs and value, and direct purchasing decisions.
• Oversee supervision of subcontractors and subordinate staff.

Client & Regulatory Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for municipal, county, state agency, and developer clients.
• Communicate regularly with job Superintendents and inspectors to keep work moving.
• Communicate changes as they happen — to crews, customers, and senior leadership.
• Help manage customer expectations through clear, timely, and honest communication.
• Prepare and present progress reports and progress schedules to clients.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and local, state, and federal permits.

Safety & Field Standards

• Create a safe work environment and lead by example on every jobsite.
• Adhere to all Ryan Contracting Company safety policies and ensure all employees do the same.
• Meet with the assigned crew at the start of each shift and stretch with them.
• Wear required PPE at all times; monitor employees for PPE compliance and address any issues directly with non-compliant individuals.

Leadership & Team Development

• Establish expectations and a strong work ethic across all crews.
• Manage equipment and personnel to deliver projects efficiently.
• Give clear, consistent direction so crews always know what is expected of them.
• Train and mentor field staff, promoting skill development and teamwork.
• Train and develop employees for advancement within Ryan Contracting Company.
• Be a positive influence on others within the organization.
• Lead with integrity — be professional and respectful, and maintain appropriate confidentiality.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 5–10+ years in heavy civil construction with a strong background in pipe laying, earthwork, and underground utility installation.
• Education: Real-life field experience is what we value most. A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management is welcomed but not required — proven hands-on heavy civil construction experience matters more to us than a diploma.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with project management, scheduling software, and Microsoft product suite. Experience with HeavyJob, Primavera P6, or B2W is a plus. Working familiarity with estimating systems (HeavyBid, Bid2Win) sufficient to collaborate with the Estimating team is preferred but not required.
• Knowledge: Working understanding of MnDOT specifications, municipal sewer and water standards, and applicable environmental and safety regulations.
• Skills: Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills; ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience managing public-bid projects for Minnesota municipalities, counties, or MnDOT.
• Established relationships with regional subcontractors, suppliers, and utility owners.
• OSHA 30, confined space, and traffic control certifications.
• Demonstrated success delivering multi-million dollar heavy civil projects on schedule and under budget.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $80,000 – $165,000+ per year, commensurate with experience and project portfolio.
• Performance Bonus: 10–20% annual bonus potential based on meeting and exceeding performance goals.

Ryan Contracting Company offers two benefit paths for this position. Candidates may choose between the Non-Union path and the Union path based on their preference and eligibility.

Option 1: Non-Union Benefits

• Health Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, and Short-Term Disability (STD).
• Company-Paid Benefits: Basic Term Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability (LTD).
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company match.
• Paid Time Off: PTO and Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST).
• Company-paid holidays.
• Referral bonuses — earn rewards to help us recruit new talent.
• Annual Performance Bonus opportunity.
• Company vehicle and company phone.

Option 2: Union Benefits

• Ryan Contracting Company is signatory with Operating Engineers Local 49 and Laborers Local 563.
• Health & Welfare benefits and pension are administered through your union.
• As a salaried employee, you will be a non-bargaining union member.
• Vacation and PTO administered through your union.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Referral bonuses — earn rewards to help us recruit new talent.
• Annual Performance Bonus opportunity.
• Company vehicle and company phone.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to Ryan Contracting Company. Please include relevant project experience, software proficiencies, and references.

Ryan Contracting Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.