Construction Manager

Summary

The Construction Manager is a member of the Struthers Recreation Operations team and is responsible for leading the successful installation and construction of commercial playgrounds, outdoor fitness spaces, site amenities, safety surfacing, shelters, and related recreation projects. This position manages projects from pre-construction planning through final completion, ensuring work is performed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with contract requirements, manufacturer specifications, and company quality standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Promotes the Company’s mission and values-based culture through demonstrated leadership, teamwork, accountability, and commitment to customers and communities.
2. Manages multiple recreation construction and installation projects from project award through final completion and customer acceptance.
3. Reviews contracts, project specifications, site plans, installation drawings, scopes of work, and customer requirements to confirm project readiness.
4. Develops and maintains project schedules, labor plans, material requirements, equipment needs, installation timelines, and project budgets.
5. Coordinates site readiness, permits, utility considerations, material deliveries, subcontractor schedules, inspections, and customer communications.
6. Assigns and oversees installation crews and subcontractors based on project scope, location, qualifications, and availability.
7. Conducts pre-construction meetings and communicates project expectations, schedules, safety requirements, site conditions, and responsibilities.
8. Monitors project progress, labor hours, materials, subcontractor costs, equipment usage, change orders, and overall job profitability.
9. Visits active job sites to verify progress and workmanship, address field conditions, and ensure compliance with contract and installation requirements.
10. Ensures equipment, amenities, shelters, and surfacing systems are installed according to manufacturer specifications, applicable codes, accessibility requirements, and industry standards.
11. Identifies and resolves project delays, product shortages, site conflicts, punch-list items, warranty concerns, and customer issues in a timely manner.
12. Maintains accurate project documentation, including schedules, daily reports, photographs, change orders, inspection records, incident reports, and completion documents.
13. Reviews subcontractor invoices and project-related expenses for accuracy and appropriate approval.
14. Ensures compliance with company safety policies, OSHA requirements, customer-specific rules, and required personal protective equipment.
15. Investigates and reports job-site injuries, property damage, near misses, and other safety concerns in accordance with company procedures.
16. Conducts final project walkthroughs and coordinates the timely completion of outstanding punch-list items.
17. Builds and maintains positive relationships with customers, general contractors, municipalities, schools, parks departments, vendors, and subcontractors.
18. Recruits, evaluates, and maintains a dependable network of qualified installation subcontractors.
19. Provides leadership, coaching, direction, and performance feedback to assigned employees and installation crews.
20. Collaborates with Sales, Design, Project Coordination, and Finance to support estimating, scheduling, forecasting, and continuous process improvement.
21. Other duties may be assigned by the Manager or Supervisor.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of five years of construction, installation, field operations, or project management experience preferred.
• Prior experience supervising construction crews or subcontractors required.
• Experience with commercial playgrounds, recreational equipment, safety surfacing, landscaping, concrete, sitework, or general construction strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of construction plans, specifications, schedules, budgets, and job-cost reporting required.
• Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification, or the ability to obtain certification, preferred.
• OSHA 10-hour or OSHA 30-hour certification preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.

Travel

Frequent travel to project and customer locations throughout Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Florida Panhandle is required. Overnight travel and work outside regular business hours may occasionally be necessary based on project needs.

Computer Skills

Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and project-management software. Ability to learn and effectively use company systems for scheduling, job costing, documentation, and reporting.

Other Requirements

• Ability to regularly visit active construction and installation sites and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods on uneven or unfinished surfaces and to climb, bend, kneel, reach, and inspect installed equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds when necessary and wear required personal protective equipment.
• Ability to maintain flexible availability to respond to project schedules, field conditions, and customer needs.

Other Skills

• Strong project-management, planning, organizational, leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, schedules, crews, budgets, and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with customers, contractors, employees, vendors, and public agencies.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, contracts, installation instructions, and technical specifications.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and commitment to safety, quality, profitability, and customer service.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining timely and effective communication with internal stakeholders.

PlayCore is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.