With nearly two decades of experience at PCL, all within the California Buildings division, Mark Schneider has built a career defined by leadership, dedication and a deep understanding of construction operations. As an operations manager based in Los Angeles, he oversees all active projects in the region, focusing on strategic project execution and high-level management. His role centers on aligning the right people with the right opportunities, ensuring teams are well-supported, empowered to grow and positioned for success. For Schneider, effective leadership means fostering both individual development and project excellence.
Schneider holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Lehigh University, a path inspired by his natural strengths in math and science and a curiosity about how things are built. Encouraged by a friend who worked at PCL, he interviewed with the company during the final year of his studies and immediately felt a strong alignment with its values and culture. That connection led him to join PCL straight out of college, launching a long and fulfilling career.
When reflecting on the most memorable projects of his career, Mark Schneider highlights the ever-evolving nature of construction, with each project bringing together a new team, a different role and a unique set of challenges. Among them, the historic renovation of Bob Hope Patriotic Hall stands out not for its simplicity, but for the personal and professional growth it sparked. The project demanded creative problem-solving, from working within the constraints of an aging structure to carefully preserving historic elements while integrating modern infrastructure. Schneider considers the experience a pivotal moment in his operations career, and one that tested his adaptability and deepened his expertise in managing complex, high-stakes projects.
From the very beginning of his career at PCL, Schneider recognized a defining quality of the company: people genuinely care. Whether it was about the success of a project or the well-being of an individual, he consistently felt supported by those around him. Over the years, that feeling has only deepened, and Schneider strives to ensure that every employee, whether new or seasoned, experiences that same sense of support and connection.
Schneider believes this culture of care also extends to PCL’s clients. When employees are deeply committed to their work and the company, it fosters a heightened sense of accountability. That commitment translates into a genuine interest in understanding client goals and delivering on expectations. It’s this level of care and responsibility, he believes, that sets PCL apart from its competitors.
Outside of PCL, Schneider has been deeply involved with the ACE Mentor Program in Los Angeles, a commitment that has spanned several years and evolved alongside his career. Early on, he served as a mentor at a local chapter, dedicating his time to guiding students interested in architecture, construction and engineering. As his professional journey progressed, so did his role within the organization—he now serves on the board of ACE Los Angeles, a position he has held for the better part of five years.