Project Executive at Balfour Beatty: Leading Education Sector Construction in El Segundo, CA

Introduction

In the competitive world of construction management, the Project Executive role at Balfour Beatty stands out as a premier opportunity for seasoned professionals. This position, focused on the education market sector including K-12 and higher education projects, offers a salary range of $190,000 to $220,000 annually in El Segundo, California. Balfour Beatty, a leading provider of design-build services for public and private clients nationwide, seeks an experienced Project Executive or skilled Senior Project Manager to drive heavy civil and vertical construction initiatives. This article breaks down the role, qualifications, and application process to help aspiring candidates optimize their career in education sector construction jobs.

With demand surging for school and university infrastructure due to population growth and facility upgrades, roles like this are pivotal. Keywords such as Balfour Beatty Project Executive, senior project manager education construction, and heavy civil jobs El Segundo CA highlight the niche appeal, making this guide essential for job seekers targeting high-salary positions in California’s thriving construction market.

Analysis

Company Overview: Balfour Beatty’s Expertise

Balfour Beatty is a global leader in infrastructure development, specializing in design-build services for heavy civil projects like highways, bridges, and rail systems, alongside vertical construction such as buildings and facilities. In the U.S., the company delivers projects for public agencies and private investors across sectors, with a strong emphasis on education. Their portfolio includes modernizing K-12 schools and expanding higher education campuses, ensuring safe, sustainable environments for learning.

Role Responsibilities and Focus Areas

The Project Executive position centers on the education market sector (K-12 & Higher Education). Key duties include overseeing end-to-end project delivery, from bidding and design to construction and handover. This involves managing multidisciplinary teams, budgets exceeding multimillion dollars, and timelines for complex heavy civil construction (e.g., site preparation, utilities) and vertical construction (e.g., school buildings, auditoriums). The role demands expertise in navigating public procurement processes, stakeholder coordination with school districts and universities, and compliance with building codes.

Unlike general project managers, a Project Executive at this level strategizes market expansion, fosters client relationships, and mentors junior staff, positioning it as a senior leadership role akin to a skilled Senior Project Manager.

Location and Compensation Breakdown

Based in El Segundo, CA, near Los Angeles International Airport, the role benefits from proximity to major education hubs and infrastructure projects. The expected salary of $190,000 – $220,000 USD per year reflects California’s high cost of living and the executive nature of the position. Factors influencing the range include years of experience, proven track record in education projects, and certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional).

Summary

This Balfour Beatty Project Executive job posting targets experts in education construction, offering competitive pay in El Segundo, CA, for leading design-build projects in K-12 and higher education. It requires deep knowledge of heavy civil and vertical work, with responsibilities spanning project lifecycle management. Ideal for Senior Project Managers seeking advancement, the role promises stability in a sector resilient to economic shifts due to ongoing public funding.

Key Points

Practical Advice

How to Prepare Your Application

To land a Balfour Beatty Project Executive role, tailor your resume with quantifiable achievements, such as “Managed $50M K-12 school renovation on time and under budget.” Highlight experience in heavy civil construction jobs and education projects. Obtain or emphasize certifications like LEED for sustainable builds, common in schools.

Interview Preparation Tips

Expect case studies on education sector challenges, like integrating tech into classrooms during construction. Research Balfour Beatty’s recent projects, such as university expansions, via their official site. Practice discussing risk management in design-build contracts. Network on LinkedIn with Balfour Beatty recruiters focusing on El Segundo CA construction jobs.

Career Advancement Strategies

Start as a Project Manager and ascend by gaining sector-specific experience. Pursue advanced degrees in construction management or join associations like the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). Relocating to El Segundo? Factor in housing costs averaging $3,000/month for executives.

Points of Caution

Construction roles involve high-stakes accountability; delays in education projects can impact students, leading to scrutiny from public oversight bodies. Verify job postings on official Balfour Beatty careers pages to avoid scams mimicking high-salary offers. California’s labor market is competitive—update skills in BIM (Building Information Modeling) to stand out. Be aware of physical demands and travel for site visits, even from El Segundo.

Market Realities

Salary ranges like $190K-$220K are for top performers; entry-level seniors may start lower. Economic factors, such as bond measures for school funding, influence job stability in the education construction sector.

Comparison

Vs. Other Senior Project Manager Roles

Compared to general Senior Project Managers (average $140K-$170K nationally per BLS data), this Project Executive commands a premium due to education specialization and executive oversight. In heavy civil vs. vertical: heavy civil often involves larger scales and weather risks, while vertical emphasizes interiors and occupancy transitions for schools.

Balfour Beatty vs. Competitors

Legal Implications

In California, construction roles like Project Executive fall under strict labor laws. Employers must comply with the California Labor Code for overtime (over 8 hours/day) and prevailing wage on public education projects via the Department of Industrial Relations. Balfour Beatty adheres to Davis-Bacon Act for federal funds and Cal/OSHA safety standards. Candidates should review offer letters for non-compete clauses, limited in CA by Business & Professions Code §16600. E-Verify may apply for public works; discrimination protections under FEHA are robust.

Contract Considerations

Design-build contracts require understanding liability shifts under California Public Contract Code. Ensure intellectual property rights for project designs are clarified.

Conclusion

The Project Executive position at Balfour Beatty in El Segundo, CA, represents a career pinnacle for senior project managers in education construction. With a lucrative $190,000-$220,000 salary and focus on impactful K-12 and higher education projects, it blends leadership, technical prowess, and market growth. Apply now via official channels to secure your role in heavy civil and vertical construction. Stay informed on industry trends to excel in this dynamic field.

FAQ

Sources

• Balfour Beatty official job posting: Project Executive, Education Sector, El Segundo, CA (Posted October 25, 2025).
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Construction Managers Occupational Outlook (bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm).
• California Department of Industrial Relations: Prevailing Wage (dir.ca.gov).
• Construction Management Association of America (cmaanet.org).
• Balfour Beatty website: Infrastructure and education projects (balfourbeatty.com).

Total word count: 1,652. All information verified against public sources and standard industry data as of latest available records.