Senior Construction Project Manager - Defense Technology / Advanced Manufacturing

About Hughes Marino

Hughes Marino is a nationally recognized, award-winning corporate real estate advisory firm specializing in representing occupiers, never landlords. Our Construction Project Management practice serves as owner's representative and third-party CM for some of the most dynamic companies in the country, guiding clients through complex projects with independent, conflict-free expertise.

We are currently seeking a Senior Construction Project Manager to join our Orange County team, supporting a growing portfolio of Hardware Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and defense technology projects.

The Role

As Senior PM, you will serve as Hughes Marino's owner's representative on the ground, acting as the trusted extension of our clients' internal teams. You'll be their eyes, their advocate, and their expert across all facets of construction. This is not a GC or developer role. You will hold the client's interests exclusively, managing the full project team on their behalf and ensuring every decision serves their goals, budget, and timeline.

This is a high-visibility position with direct exposure to client executives, technically demanding project types, and real ownership of outcomes.

What You'll Own

• Full lifecycle owner's rep / third-party CM oversight of multiple concurrent Hardware Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and commercial construction projects, from programming and design through completion and closeout
• Day-to-day management of complex, mission-critical projects on behalf of clients, with direct accountability to their executive stakeholders
• Development and stewardship of project budgets, schedules, and client-directed milestones, independent of GC or design team interests
• Assembly, procurement, and leadership of full project teams on the client's behalf: architects, engineers, GCs, and specialty contractors
• Mentorship and management of up to two internal Hughes Marino PMs or project engineers
• Change order review and negotiation, invoicing oversight, TI allowance reimbursement, and project closeout, all from the owner's perspective
• Lease and Work Letter review for construction-related provisions in coordination with Hughes Marino's brokerage team
• Ongoing collaboration with Hughes Marino advisors and client stakeholders as project requirements evolve

What We're Looking For

• 7-10 years of construction project management experience, ideally with time spent in an owner's rep, third-party CM, or client-side PM role
• Experience with Hardware Technology and Advanced Manufacturing projects is strongly preferred -- candidates with this background will be prioritized
• Candidates coming from GC or subcontractor backgrounds are welcome, but must demonstrate a genuine shift to owner-side advocacy and perspective
• Design-Build experience strongly preferred -- candidates with this background will be prioritized
• Proven ability to manage and hold accountable external vendors and design teams while simultaneously leading internal junior staff
• Highly proficient in Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Project
• Sharp communicator, written and verbal, comfortable presenting to and advising C-suite stakeholders
• Self-directed, deadline-driven, and adaptable across multiple active projects in a fast-moving environment
• Local candidates only: Orange County

Compensation & Details

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience ranging from $150,000-190,000
• Competitive benefits package and long-term career growth within Hughes Marino
• Combination of in-office and onsite project work; based out of our Orange County office
• Regular travel to project sites as required
• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Construction Management, Engineering, or Architecture