Project Manager - Excavation, Grading & Utilities in Cookeville

Date Posted: Saturday, November 1, 2025

Job Snapshot

Job Description

Project Manager – Excavation, Grading & Utilities
Location: Nashville, TN

A growing heavy‐civil contractor in the Nashville market is seeking a seasoned Project Manager to lead excavation, site grading and underground utility projects. You will oversee full life cycle delivery—from bid and mobilization through construction, close-out and warranty.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage all aspects of heavy civil projects including excavation, mass grading, stormwater systems, water lines, sanitary sewer, and underground utilities.

  • Lead project planning: cost estimating, scheduling, crew and subcontractor coordination, material procurement, budget monitoring, and quality control.

  • Interface with owners, engineers, municipal agencies, and key stakeholders, maintaining communication and resolving issues proactively.

  • Ensure adherence to project specs, drawings and regulatory requirements; handle RFIs, change orders, submittals and documentation.

  • Drive performance against schedule, budget, safety and quality objectives.

  • Mentor and develop site superintendents and staff; foster a team‐oriented culture and continuous improvement mindset.

Required Qualifications

  • 5+ years’ experience managing heavy civil/infrastructure projects with scopes including grading, excavation and underground utilities (water/sewer/storm).

  • Bachelor’s degree (engineering, construction management or related) preferred; equivalent field experience considered.

  • Strong knowledge of heavy equipment operations, earthwork production, underground utility construction methods and jobsite logistics.

  • Experience with budgeting, scheduling tools (MS Project, Primavera or similar), cost tracking and reporting.

  • Proven leadership and communication skills—comfortable working with clients, contractors and internal teams.

  • Familiarity with municipal and state utility construction requirements, permits and inspection processes.

  • Commitment to safety culture, jobsite compliance and proactive risk mitigation.

Benefits & Culture

  • Competitive base salary plus performance‐based bonuses.

  • Comprehensive benefits package: health, dental, vision insurance, paid holidays and vacation. Demo Plus Group+1

  • Opportunity for professional growth within a well-equipped, well-resourced organization committed to large-scale infrastructure.

  • Busy, engaging work environment where no two days are the same and project scope scales up quickly.


If you are a hands-on Project Manager with heavy civil infrastructure experience ready to take full ownership of complex grading and utility jobs in the Nashville area - Apply Today!

Confidential Inquiries: Contact Mark Jeffree at mark.jeffree@gogpac.com.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.