Division Manager – Public Works

Kimmel & Associates

. Build and lead the public works division from strategy and pursuit through estimating and project delivery .

Posted 9/23/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $250,000 - $285,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in project management and operations within the construction industry, with a strong focus on public works, estimating, and compliance with public contracting requirements. Proven ability to build and lead teams while developing strategic relationships with public agencies and municipalities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Project ManagementEstimating and BiddingPublic Contracting ComplianceLeadership in Construction OperationsRelationship Development with Public Agencies

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

EstimatingBiddingProject ManagementHeavy Civil ConstructionShoringFoundationsExcavationDemolitionPublic ProcurementCompliance with LBE/DBE Programs

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationClient DevelopmentRelationship ManagementEntrepreneurial Mindset

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Civil EngineeringBachelor's Degree in Construction Management

Industry Keywords

Public WorksBay Area Public AgenciesMunicipalitiesPrevailing WageBondingOperational DisciplineMarket Development

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build and lead the public works division from strategy and pursuit through estimating and project delivery
Develop and leverage relationships with Bay Area public agencies and municipalities
Identify, pursue, and win public works opportunities ranging from approximately $100K to $3M
Lead estimating, bidding, and bid strategy while also managing awarded projects
Navigate public contracting requirements, including LBE/DBE programs, prevailing wage, bonding, and related compliance requirements
Partner directly with ownership on business strategy and market development
Independently oversee day-to-day project execution and client relationships
Provide leadership for field operations involving shoring, tie-backs, micropiles, helical piles, drilling, sheet piling, earthwork, and demolition
Establish processes, documentation, reporting, and operational discipline for public-agency clients
Recruit, develop, and lead the team as the division expands
Establish the division as a significant and sustainable public works operation

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years of progressive construction experience, with significant responsibility in project management and/or operations
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred
Demonstrated experience combining estimating/bidding and project management responsibilities
Established relationships with Bay Area public agencies, municipalities, or other public-sector clients
Experience with heavy civil and/or specialty construction, including shoring, foundations, excavation, demolition, or related scopes
Understanding of public contracting processes; experience with LBE/DBE, prevailing wage, bonding, and public procurement is strongly preferred
Strong commercial and financial understanding of construction projects
Ability to operate with significant autonomy in an entrepreneurial, smaller-company environment
Strong leadership, communication, client-development, and relationship-management skills
Entrepreneurial mindset with the desire to build something rather than simply maintain an existing operation
Growth opportunity designed for an early-to-mid career leader with substantial career runway ahead

Benefits

Comp & perks

$250,000–$285,000 base salary
Opportunity for equity and/or partnership, based on the candidate and division's development
High degree of autonomy and direct access to company ownership
Opportunity to build and lead a new business division
Clear potential for advancement into executive-level leadership
Benefits package to be discussed with qualified candidates