Highway / Roadway Principal Project Manager - Construction Management (New Jersey Projects)

GFT is seeking a Principal Project Manager to join our Construction Management and Inspection team in New Jersey. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of our New Jersey offices.

At GFT, we're not just engineering the future; we're meticulously building it. Our comprehensive suite of construction and program management services reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence, safety, innovation, and sustainability. Our construction management services are the cornerstone of our commitment to transforming communities and enhancing lives. We oversee every construction phase to help ensure projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and to the highest safety and quality standards.

What you'll be challenged to do:

As a Principal Project Manager, you'll support the delivery of key infrastructure projects across New Jersey-ranging from roadway and bridge construction to utility projects for clients such as the NJTA and NJDOT. In this leadership role, you'll manage project execution while also driving growth and business development efforts within our Construction Services Business Group.

This represents an excellent career opportunity for a proven self-starter capable of leading complex construction management efforts and mentoring multidisciplinary teams while maintaining strong relationships with agency clients and contractors.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Lead and manage highway and infrastructure construction projects across New Jersey

• Oversee all phases of contract administration, budget, schedule, and construction from notice to proceed through closeout

• Coordinate with clients such as NJTA, NJDOT, PANYNJ, NJ TRANSIT, and local public agencies to ensure quality and regulatory compliance

• Drive new business pursuits, serving as Capture Manager for proposals when needed

• Build and manage relationships with contractors, consultants, and agency stakeholders

• Supervise and mentor construction management and inspection staff

• Monitor project performance and provide regular updates to senior leadership

• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, environmental regulations, and quality standards

• Lead teaming efforts and manage subconsultants

• Represent the firm in internal coordination and external project progress meetings

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field

• New Jersey PE License required

• 15-20+ years of progressive experience in construction management and inspection, including roles such as Resident Engineer

• Strong record of managing civil infrastructure projects for public agencies (e.g., NJDOT, NJTA, municipalities)

• Experience with project delivery, operations, and team leadership across multi-disciplined construction projects

• In-depth knowledge of New Jersey construction and inspection standards and practices

• Skilled in managing teams, schedules, budgets, and client communications

• Familiarity with construction safety protocols, environmental compliance, and QA/QC procedures

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Business development experience and established relationships within the New Jersey infrastructure market

The salary range for this role is $160,000 - $225,000; Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance

• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan

• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual

• Tuition reimbursement for continued education

• Commitment to professional development and support for participation in professional organizations

• Incentive compensation for eligible positions

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives. GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property of GFT.

Location: New Jersey
Working Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM
Employment Status: Full-time
Salary Range: $160,000 - $225,000: Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location.

#LI-ST1

#ONSITE