Project Manager, Operations Manager, Program ​/ Project Manager

Charlotte Office, 5601 Seventy-Seven Center Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America

Posted Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 5:00 AM

Wharton-Smith, Inc. is currently seeking an experienced Project Manager to work in the Water/Wastewater Division in the Charlotte, NC area. In this role, the successful candidate will be responsible for the overall performance of the project(s) from the estimating/pre-construction phase to successful completion including safety, owner satisfaction, cost, schedule, and quality control.

• Build strong relationships with client/owner, architect, and engineer. Ensure they will want to renew the construction experience with Wharton-Smith.
• Maintain a positive image of the company with clients, vendors, subcontractors, and team members.
• Partner with Preconstruction Services regarding value engineering/constructability, soliciting bidders, estimating assistance and generating proposals.
• Set up and maintain project cost accounting.
• Develop and maintain the project schedule.
• Support the permitting, testing and inspection requirements of the project.
• Familiar with owner contract requirements and delivery methods.
• Negotiate subcontractor agreements and equipment/material purchase orders.
• Develop a Schedule of Values and generate monthly payment applications.
• Review and approve subcontractor pay applications and vendor invoices.
• Track and evaluate subcontractor change management.
• Facilitate subcontractor and owner coordination/progress meeting and document meeting minutes.
• Manage execution of contracts, bonds, insurance certificates, contract compliance, and warranties.
• Monitor the submittal, shop drawing, and purchase order process to insure accurate and timely delivery of equipment and materials.
• Monitor budgets, schedules, cost reports and job progress and review with the project team on a weekly basis.
• Visit jobsites on a regular basis to review job progress, production planning boards, quality of work and safety on the job.
• Manage change orders, extra work orders, disputed claims, with owner and owner’s representatives to a successful conclusion.
• Resolve major disputes with vendors and subcontractors.
• Manage startup and commissioning of facility, where applicable.
• Provide owner training to the end user and turn-over contract close-out deliverables.
• Review and report project financial information, performance and any major conflicts to be resolved with Division Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or other relevant degree.
• Must have relevant water/wastewater construction experience
• Experience in managing self-perform crews is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Developing leader and team player with five plus years of experience in engineering, construction, or related field.
• Proven success in the completion of multimillion-dollar projects.