The Project Manager supports Brennan’s Submarine Cable Group by leading the planning, execution, and delivery of nearshore cable installation projects across the U.S. and Canada. This is a part-time traveling position that can operate remotely when not assigned to a project site. The role oversees financial performance, engineering requirements, schedule management, and client communication to ensure projects are completed safely, profitably, and in full compliance with technical specifications. The PM partners closely with senior leadership, field leaders, subcontractors, and industry experts to execute complex marine construction work and uphold Brennan’s high standards of quality and process excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead overall project administration, including developing work scopes, organizing cost structures, preparing, monitoring, and updating master and rolling schedules.
- Serve as the primary point of contact while managing multiple projects, facilitating progress meetings, distributing agendas and logs, and maintaining strong communication with Superintendents to ensure safe, high-quality execution.
- Prepare and process contract modifications, change orders, and RFQs, review vendor and subcontractor pricing for accuracy and compliance with contract requirements.
- Oversee project financials, including job cost updates, monthly progress reports, subcontractor invoice review, and owner billing preparation in coordination with the Regional Director.
- Direct and support Assistant PMs, Project Engineers, and interns by providing task coordination, prioritization, and performance feedback.
- Manage document control for each project, including cost reports, drawings, testing/inspection records, submittals, and material/equipment logs.
- Prepare shop drawings, participate in job layout, verify dimensions, and review all vendor and subcontractor submittals for compliance and coordination.
- Identify, investigate, and resolve design conflicts, incomplete information, and technical issues by collaborating with subcontractors, designers, engineers, and owners.
- Conduct site visits to maintain a consistent presence with clients, crews, and safety staff.
- Support estimating and business development through takeoffs, small-scope quoting, bid reviews, go/no-go decisions, and contract negotiation assistance.
- Collaborate with Superintendents to manage and resolve project claims, including subcontractor extras, insurance matters, and other disputes.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, construction management, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
- 5–10 years of heavy civil construction experience with strong, hands-on field exposure.
- Experience in submarine cable installation or marine construction environment preferred.
- Experience with offshore and nearshore marine operations preferred.
- Solid understanding of project management systems, including scheduling, cost control, estimating, procurement, and value engineering.
- Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
- Working knowledge of contracts, subcontracts, and construction costs.
- Cross-disciplinary communication skills — capable of translating between marine engineering, electrical engineering, and construction management teams.
- Proficiency with MS Excel and Word, as well as scheduling/project management tools such as Primavera P6 and MS Project.
- Experience with CAD and 3D modeling software.
- Ability to travel extensively across the U.S. and Canada (up to 50%).
Who is Brennan?
J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. (Brennan) is a 100-year-old, family-owned company that specializes in water-based environmental remediation and marine construction headquartered in La Crosse, WI that offers our employees growth, challenging work, empowerment, and meaningful work. Brennan is known for tackling complex maritime projects, providing unique solutions through teamwork and collaboration, and maintaining a family-orientated culture.
Why choose us?
- We are a company voted by our employees as a certified Great Place to Work®, and recognized by Fortune magazine as a Best Workplace in Construction.
- Our culture sets us apart. We strive to make our company the best possible place to work. We work hard to continue to build a culture in which every individual is important and the key to our success.
- Our focus on safety and quality is unmatched in the industry, and our ability to innovate has enabled us to succeed.
- We are a family-focused company and are determined to provide a rewarding career that offers above-average compensation.
- We offer an industry-leading benefits package. We are proud to offer our employees and their families group health, dental and vision insurance plans, 401(K) program with generous matching, annual bonus eligibility and profit-sharing program.
J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Notice to Staffing Agencies
J.F. Brennan Company Inc. (“Brennan”) and its subsidiaries will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Brennan, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Brennan mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Brennan employees, or to Brennan’s resume database will be considered Brennan property. Brennan will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Brennan will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Brennan’s recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Brennan will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such an agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Brennan’s Chief Human Resources Officer or his/her designee. No other Brennan employee is authorized to bind Brennan to any agreement regarding the placement of candidate by Agencies.