Project Manager, Program ​/ Project Manager, Operations Manager

Overview

Project Manager - CBP Border Barrier Design-Build

Location: Southwestern US (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona)

Division: Federal Services

Position Overview

SLS is seeking a highly qualified Project Manager (PM) to lead execution of CBP border infrastructure Design-Build projects in the Southwestern US (Texas, New Mexico, and/or Arizona). The Project Manager is responsible for the overall delivery of the project, including cost, schedule, contract compliance, risk management, and coordination with government stakeholders throughout all phases of work.

Projects include vertical barriers, waterborne barriers, patrol roads, access roads, and associated attributes, executed under multi-phase, fast-track federal contracts with partial and full Notices to Proceed (NTPs). The PM will manage concurrent design and construction activities, multiple CLINs, and geographically dispersed work fronts while maintaining strict compliance with CBP contract requirements.

This position reports directly to the Project Executive and carries full profit and loss responsibility for assigned projects. The Project Manager is considered Key Personnel and will routinely interface with CBP Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs), inspectors, and other government officials.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field.
• Ten (10) or more years of experience as a Project Manager on heavy civil or infrastructure construction projects with values of $10 million or greater.
• Demonstrated experience managing federally funded construction projects, preferably for CBP, USACE, DHS, NAVFAC, or similar agencies.
• Proven experience delivering at least two (2) heavy civil Design-Build projects, including concurrent design and construction execution.
• Experience managing linear infrastructure projects such as barriers, roadways, pipelines, utilities, or similar corridor-based work.

The Project Manager shall be responsible for, at a minimum, the following:

• Serve as the primary project lead responsible for overall execution, performance, and compliance of CBP border barrier Design-Build projects.
• Manage the project lifecycle from contract award and startup through design, construction, change management, closeout, and warranty.
• Maintain full accountability for project cost control, forecasting, earned value, and profitability across all contract CLINs.
• Oversee Design-Build execution, including coordination with the Designer of Record to manage design packages, reviews, and government approvals during active construction.
• Plan and execute work under partial and full NTP conditions, ensuring proper sequencing, resource allocation, and uninterrupted progress where required.
• Provide leadership and oversight to the Project Superintendent, Scheduler, Safety Manager, Quality Control Manager, and Project Controls staff.
• Manage and administer federal contract requirements, ensuring all technical, administrative, and reporting obligations are satisfied in a timely and defensible manner.
• Lead change management efforts, including RFIs, REAs, change proposals, negotiations, and contract modifications in coordination with CBP.
• Serve as the primary interface with CBP representatives, maintaining professional, transparent, and well-documented communications.
• Oversee development and maintenance of the project baseline schedule, including recovery planning and mitigation strategies for schedule risks.
• Manage subcontractor procurement, contract negotiations, and performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms and project objectives.
• Ensure compliance with federal safety, quality, and environmental requirements, including oversight of SWPPP implementation and environmental constraints.
• Chair and lead regular project meetings, including internal coordination meetings and government progress meetings.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of daily, weekly, and monthly reports, including progress, cost, schedule, risk, and issue tracking.
• Identify risks early and implement proactive mitigation strategies to protect schedule, cost, and contract compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Project Executive or Division President in support of contract execution.

This position supports active CBP border infrastructure construction, which includes:

• Linear construction corridors extending dozens of miles
• Multiple concurrent work fronts with non-contiguous segments
• Fast-track schedules with limited float and strict sequencing requirements
• Remote, outdoor work environments with high heat and variable terrain
• Work near rivers, waterways, and flood-prone areas
• Security-restricted sites requiring background checks and badging
• Continuous coordination with federal law enforcement and government agencies
• High levels of government oversight, documentation, and audit scrutiny
• Candidates must be comfortable operating in a high-visibility,…