Structural Steel Project Manager

Structural Steel Project Manager – Direct Hire Opportunity

Superior Skilled Trades is partnered with a growing company seeking a highly skilled Structural Steel Project Manager for their Structural Steel Division in Central California. This is a direct hire opportunity offering a competitive salary, generous discretionary bonus, and full benefits.

Salary: $100,000 – $150,000 + generous yearly discretionary bonus
Industry: Structural Steel 
Location: Office Fresno, CA Servicing Central California area (Must be willing to relocate to Fresno, CA)
 

Job Overview

The Structural Steel Project Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing structural steel projects from award through completion. This role ensures projects are thoroughly studied, properly prepared, and executed on time, within or ahead of budget, and in accordance with company quality and safety standards.

This position requires a boots-on-the-ground leader with deep knowledge of structural steel fabrication, detailing, erection, and construction project management. The ideal candidate is hands-on, decisive, and a creative troubleshooter who can step into the field, make real-time decisions, and support crews as needed—including wearing a tool belt and jumping in when required.

Projects range from large-scale commercial and institutional builds, including hospitals, schools, and other complex facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Review & Project Preparation

• Review and interpret contracts, drawings, plans, and specifications with a high level of accuracy and detail

• Convert contract and plan requirements into a clear, proactive execution strategy for fabrication and erection

• Own all aspects of project execution, accountability, and performance outcomes

• Break down plans to identify constructability issues, conflicts, and potential obstacles

• Create, submit, track, and resolve RFIs prior to and throughout the project lifecycle

• Add notes, RFI responses, key points, and fabrication/erection instructions to plan sets for team alignment

Project Planning & Management

• Develop and manage detailed project schedules, budgets, and work plans

• Track project costs, timelines, productivity, and deliverables

• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to maintain schedule and budget

• Maintain overall responsibility for project financial performance

Detailing & Shop Drawings

• Oversee and review structural and miscellaneous steel shop drawings for accuracy and compliance

• Communicate directly with detailers to ensure drawing completeness and constructability

• Understand and manage differences between submittal drawings and fabrication drawings

• In some cases, produce and submit hand shop drawings as required

• Ensure drawings are accurate prior to submittal and release to fabrication

Procurement & Buyout

• Procure all required project materials, steel, and equipment

• Solicit, evaluate, and manage subcontractor and vendor buyouts as needed

• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and schedule

• Maintain control of project budgets and expenditures

Field Leadership & Project Execution

• Serve as a boots-on-the-ground leader focused on daily field operations

• Perform field measurements and site verifications as required

• Develop site-specific erection procedures and execution plans

• Coordinate closely with fabrication and erection teams

• Be present on-site when necessary to prepare, execute, and resolve urgent issues

• Make immediate, on-the-spot decisions regarding construction methods, sequencing, and resource allocation

• Willingly wear a tool belt and assist crews to keep projects moving

Client & Relationship Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients and stakeholders

• Proactively communicate via phone, email, meetings, and project management software

• Manage scheduling, jobsite meetings, project updates, change orders, billing, and conflict resolution

• Maintain strong relationships with owners, general contractors, architects, engineers, and vendors

Team Leadership & Communication

• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and support to project teams

• Coordinate with project managers, production managers, detailers, and field supervisors

• Foster accountability, professionalism, and high-quality performance

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of structural steel fabrication, detailing, and erection processes

• Ability to interpret and coordinate between architectural, structural, and MEP drawings

• Skilled at identifying drawing conflicts and implementing practical field solutions

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Adobe Acrobat, Procore, and ERP systems

• Experience with Tekla Structures, AutoCAD, or equivalent detailing software

• Excellent time management, organization, and multitasking abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• High attention to detail, integrity, and professionalism

Education & Experience

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in the structural steel industry

• Proven experience managing structural steel projects from award through completion

• Background in fabrication, erection, detailing, or steel construction management required

• Experience managing large commercial or institutional projects preferred

• Solid understanding of structural engineering principles, construction codes, and standards

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer workstation for extended periods

• Must be able to stand, walk, and navigate active construction and industrial job sites for prolonged periods (up to 10 hours per day)

• Ability to climb ladders, scaffolding, and steel structures; comfortable working at heights

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment up to 50 lbs

• Regular bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching overhead or below waist level

• Adequate visual acuity to read plans, inspect welds, and assess alignment

• Manual dexterity to operate tools, equipment, and field technology (tablets, radios, laser levels)

• Ability to wear required PPE including hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, and fall protection

• Work performed on active job sites with exposure to moving equipment, elevated work areas, weather conditions, noise, dust, fumes, and construction materials

Schedule & Travel

• Monday – Friday, standard business hours with flexibility required

• Early mornings, extended hours, evenings, or weekends may be required based on project needs

• Travel to project sites throughout California; occasional overnight stays may be required

Relocation

• Relocation assistance available for the ideal candidate

Salary & Benefits

• Base Salary: $100,000 – $150,000 + generous yearly discretionary bonus

• Vehicle allowance or company-provided vehicle

• 401(k) retirement plan with 4% company match

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off (vacation, sick, holidays)

• Paid training and certifications

• Technology package (smartphone or tablet)

• Company events and employee recognition programs