Burns Group is a family-owned business, established in 1977 serving the civil construction and aggregates industry in the Southeast. Our portfolio includes heavy civil, logistics, and recycling divisions. Our core values and dedication to our people guide every aspect of our company. We invite you to contact us and see what it means to be #burnsbuilt.
THE JOB
The Project Manager is responsible for managing heavy civil construction projects from preconstruction through closeout. This role blends technical construction knowledge, financial oversight, planning, and leadership to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget.
Project Managers at Burns Dirt are hands-on, field-connected leaders who work closely with Crew Leaders, owners, subcontractors, and internal teams. The role emphasizes learning all aspects of Burns Dirt’s operations and fully integrating into project execution, financial management, and team leadership.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Preconstruction & Planning
- Review project plans, specifications, and site conditions.
- Prepare accurate quantity takeoffs and assist with estimating.
- Communicate bid requirements to material suppliers and subcontractors.
- Support proposal development and technical writing.
- Visualize two-dimensional plans in three dimensions to anticipate construction challenges.
Project Execution & Coordination
- Work with Crew Leaders to plan, schedule, and organize project activities.
- Prepare phase planning, resource planning, and construction schedules.
- Coordinate crews, materials, equipment, and subcontractors.
- Monitor project progress to ensure work is completed on schedule and within budget.
- Properly notify clients of delays related to weather, scope changes, or unforeseen conditions.
Financial Management & Cost Control
- Monitor job costs and productivity throughout the life of the project.
- Evaluate weekly construction methods and cost effectiveness.
- Identify budget risks and communicate concerns to Operations leadership.
- Prepare field estimates and manage change orders.
- Create and submit monthly pay applications.
- Review, manage, and approve subcontractor and supplier invoices.
Contract Administration & Communication
- Read, understand, and enforce plans, specifications, and contract requirements.
- Prepare and transmit submittals (materials, vendors) for approval.
- Negotiate revisions, changes, and additions to contractual agreements.
- Confer with owners, subcontractors, vendors, and design professionals to resolve issues.
- Maintain professional relationships with all project stakeholders.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Formulate reports using marked-up plans to show progress, costs, and scheduling.
- Track work progress against plans and budgets.
- Identify opportunities to improve project operations and efficiency.
- Submit improvement ideas and lessons learned to Operations leadership.
Burns uses AI tools across the business. As a Project Manager, you'll need to be able and willing to use them every day to plan, track, and communicate your work, and to act as the architect of your own efficiency by finding smarter ways to get the job done.
MEETING CADENCE & OPERATING RHYTHM
- Weekly Job Cost & Progress Review: Schedule, productivity, and budget tracking
- Weekly Operations Coordination: Alignment with Crew Leaders and Operations
- Monthly Financial Review: Pay applications, cost forecasting, and cash flow
- Quarterly Strategic Operations Review: Backlog planning, trends, lessons learned
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)
- Project schedule adherence
- Budget performance and cost variance
- Change order accuracy and timeliness
- Pay application accuracy and on-time submission
- Safety performance in coordination with field leadership
- Client satisfaction and relationship management
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in construction related field or equivalent experience
- 3-5 years of experience in construction
- Strong understanding of construction plans, specifications, and contracts
- Experience coordinating crews, subcontractors, and vendors
- Familiarity with Mississippi DOT and Alabama DOT standard specifications
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently
Preferred
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Previous field crew or Crew Leader experience
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional discretion
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
- Projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget
- Crew Leaders are supported and aligned
- Job costs are well-controlled with minimal surprises
- Change orders and pay applications are accurate and timely
- Clients view Burns Dirt as organized, responsive, and professional
WHY BURNS DIRT
Burns Dirt is a growing heavy civil contractor built on accountability, craftsmanship, and long-term thinking. We invest in our people, promote from within, and believe strong field leadership drives strong results. This role offers real influence, career growth, and the opportunity to shape how work gets done.
At Burns Dirt, we believe in a skills-first approach to recruitment and employment. We are committed to removing barriers, enhancing opportunities, and empowering individuals based on merit and potential.
Employment Eligibility: Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility will be required if selected for hire.
Equal Opportunity Statement: Burns Dirt is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
