Project manager

Kauai Mechanical is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead commercial construction projects from award through successful closeout. This role is ideal for a construction professional who takes ownership, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and knows how to keep projects moving safely, on schedule, within budget, and to a high standard of quality. As Project Manager, you’ll oversee all aspects of your assigned projects, including project planning, scheduling, financial performance, submittals, RFIs, change orders, and closeout.

If you’re a construction professional ready to take ownership of complex commercial projects and be part of a team that takes pride in doing the job right, we want to hear from you.

Job Functions

• Own assigned commercial mechanical projects from contract award through final closeout.
• Serve as the primary point of accountability for safety, quality, schedule, cost, and customer satisfaction on each project.
• Review awarded contracts and construction documents.
• Identify scope, exclusions, allowances, and risk items.
• Confirm technical feasibility of the sold scope with the Installations Department Manager and Foremen.
• Manage the submittal process, prepare and route equipment and material submittals for approval by the Engineer of Record, General Contractor, and Owner.
• Track approvals and hold the project schedule accountable for on-time submittal completion.
• Manage Requests for Information (RFIs) draft, submit, and track RFIs; incorporate responses into project documents; and communicate impacts to the field team.
• Own change management, identify scope changes early, price and negotiate change orders with the General Contractor and Owner, and document approvals before proceeding with the work.
• Develop and maintain project schedules in coordination with the General Contractor's master schedule.
• Look ahead 2–4 weeks and drive proactive coordination with other trades, GCs, and Owners.
• Own project financials, labor budget vs. actual, material cost vs. budget, subcontract commitments, change order recovery, and monthly gross profit reporting.
• Escalate variances early and drive corrective action.
• Lead project buyout, select vendors and subcontractors, negotiate pricing and lead times, issue subcontracts and purchase orders in partnership with the Warehouse Manager, and track long-lead items (chillers, cooling towers, custom AHUs, controls hardware, specialty refrigeration).
• Own project billings, prepare monthly Applications for Payment (AIA G702 / G703 or equivalent), track receivables, follow up on outstanding payments, and manage lien releases.
• Attend Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings, GC coordination meetings, and internal project reviews.
• Represent Kauai Mechanical professionally with all project stakeholders.
• Coordinate closely with the Installations Department Manager, Foremen, and Field Leads on project execution, resource allocation, and field-level issue resolution.
• Support the field team on scope and technical questions.
• Partner with the Warehouse Manager and Warehouse Lead on material staging, delivery timing, long-lead item tracking, and site logistics.
• Manage permits and Kauai County Building Division / Department of Water coordination for assigned projects.
• Ensure inspections are scheduled and passed in a timely manner.
• Own project safety in partnership with the field team, enforce site-specific safety plans, participate in pre-task planning, and ensure crew compliance with Kauai Mechanical, GC, and OSHA safety standards.
• Own project quality, review installations against contract documents and industry standards; drive punch-list completion; support commissioning, startup, and Test & Balance activities.
• Manage project closeout, as-built documentation, O&M manuals, warranties, training deliverables, final billings, retention release, and customer sign-off.
• Maintain accurate project documentation in Service Titan and any project-management tools (Bluebeam, Procore, or equivalent) throughout the project lifecycle.
• Communicate effectively with the Installations Department Manager, General Manager, and other departments on project status, risks, and opportunities.
• Support proposal and estimating efforts when requested, pricing complex or high-risk elements, reviewing bid documents, and providing constructability input.
• Any additional duties or responsibilities deemed necessary.

Job Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; relevant degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
• Valid driver's license required, clean driving record preferred.
• 5+ years of mechanical construction project management experience, or equivalent combination of estimating and field experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing commercial HVAC, refrigeration, or plumbing construction projects on new construction, TI, or retrofit work.
• Working knowledge of commercial mechanical systems, chillers (air-cooled and water-cooled), cooling towers, VRF / VRV, RTUs, commercial kitchen equipment, refrigeration systems, ice machines, and BAS / DDC controls.
• Experience managing submittals, RFIs, change orders, and AIA billing (or equivalent).
• Experience working with General Contractors, owners, architects, and engineers on commercial construction projects.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, submittals, and control drawings.
• Working knowledge of project financials, labor and material tracking, change order pricing, gross profit reporting.
• Bluebeam Revu or comparable plan-markup software experience preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, and Outlook.
• Strong leader with the ability to hold subcontractors, vendors, and field teams accountable to schedule and quality standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable presenting project status to owners, GCs, and internal leadership.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions under time and cost pressure.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize across multiple projects, and complete work to a deadline.
• Discretion and professionalism with sensitive project pricing, contract, and personnel information.
• Understanding of how to maximize the productivity of the construction and technical workforce.
• Ability to walk active construction sites including rooftops, mechanical rooms, and elevated work areas.