Assistant Construction Manager

Location: Chesapeake, VA
Job Type: Contract-to-Hire
Field Assignment

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an Assistant Construction Manager to support the successful execution of complex construction and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) projects. This field-based role will assist project leadership with managing project safety, quality, scheduling, cost control, subcontractors, procurement, documentation, client communications, and overall project execution activities.

The Assistant Construction Manager will work closely with Construction Managers, Project Managers, Site Managers, and Program Managers on a diverse portfolio of projects across multiple industries including aviation, commercial buildings, electrical transmission & distribution, manufacturing, power generation, oil & gas, process facilities, water infrastructure, and industrial construction.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Construction Support

• Assist project leadership with day-to-day management of safety, quality, schedule, cost control, contracts, procurement, and field operations.
• Support development and implementation of project execution plans, staffing plans, procurement plans, quality assurance plans, safety plans, and subcontracting plans.
• Assist with project mobilization and demobilization activities.
• Secure and coordinate project permits and regulatory approvals.
• Support project setup, work breakdown structures, scheduling, forecasting, reporting, and project closeout activities.
• Prepare and distribute project meeting minutes, reports, and project documentation.

Client & Contract Administration

• Support client relationship management and assist with project-related communications.
• Assist with contract negotiations, purchase orders, subcontract agreements, and change orders.
• Prepare Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and support subcontractor bidding and selection processes.
• Manage project documentation including RFIs, submittals, change management activities, and claims mitigation efforts.
• Support invoicing processes for clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Verify insurance requirements, licenses, bonds, and other contractual obligations are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Promote and support company safety programs, policies, and training initiatives.
• Participate in project safety, quality, financial, and compliance audits.
• Assist with maintaining compliance with company procedures and project requirements.
• Collaborate with field leadership to ensure subcontractor compliance with safety, quality, contractual, and schedule requirements.

Field Operations & Workforce Support

• Coordinate material receiving, inventory control, storage, and transportation activities.
• Assist with onboarding craft personnel and field supervision staff.
• Support labor planning, staffing coordination, and workforce management activities.
• Analyze labor costs, crew rates, production rates, and equipment utilization.
• Monitor craft classifications, labor burdens, benefits, and workforce compliance requirements.
• Assist with craft training and workforce development initiatives.
• Support management of construction equipment inventory and utilization.

Project Controls & Financial Support

• Support project cost reporting, forecasting, cash flow analysis, and financial tracking.
• Monitor project progress and earned value performance metrics.
• Assist with project risk assessments and mitigation planning.
• Track project schedules and support schedule recovery efforts as needed.
• Prepare project status reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant construction industry experience.
• Applicable industry experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment.
• Understanding of project controls, document management, scheduling, and cost tracking processes.
• Basic understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet company driving requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting EPC, construction management, or program management projects.
• Familiarity with project management, scheduling, document control, and cost control software.
• Experience working on projects within aviation, commercial, industrial, manufacturing, energy, oil & gas, power generation, transmission & distribution, transportation, government, or water infrastructure sectors.
• Knowledge of construction labor planning, workforce management, and craft operations.
• Experience supporting subcontractor management and field construction activities.