Owner-Developer Construction Superintendent Job Description (3–12 Units)
Position Title: Construction Superintendent – Owner-Developer (Light Multifamily) Project Type: Small-scale multifamily residential (3 to 12 units / townhomes, walk-ups, boutique rentals/condos) Position Type: Full-time Project Locations: Cambridge, Somerville, Medford, & surrounding areas
Position Summary
The Construction Superintendent for an Owner-Developer manages all daily on-site operations with a direct focus on protecting the ownership group's long-term asset value, budget, and investment returns. Unlike a third-party General Contractor, this role bridges the gap between field construction, design iteration, and eventual property management. The ideal candidate treats the project like their own property, balancing aggressive delivery schedules with uncompromising quality control.
Key Responsibilities
Developer-Centric Site Management
Direct all daily construction activities to ensure alignment with the developer's financial and aesthetic vision.
Coordinate seamlessly with the in-house development team, design architects, and property management.
Manage and hold independent subcontractors directly accountable, cutting out middleman GC layers.
Review structural and finish plans early to flag constructability issues and cost-saving opportunities.
Cost Control & Material Stewardship
Oversee material procurement, verifying that deliveries match purchase orders exactly to prevent waste.
Review subcontractor change order requests critically before submitting them to the development office.
Protect the project budget by managing site logistics, preventing material theft, and minimizing rework.
Long-Term Quality & Turnover Strategy
Enforce rigorous quality control standards, focusing on hidden components that affect long-term maintenance (e.g., waterproofing, insulation, MEP routing).
Manage the municipal inspection process directly to secure the Certificate of Occupancy efficiently.
Lead the final unit turnover process, coordinating punch lists with the leasing or sales team for immediate occupancy.
Document exhaustive daily logs with progress photos to maintain a transparent paper trail for ownership.
Safety & Compliance
Enforce strict OSHA safety compliance across all independent subcontractors on site.
Maintain a secure, clean, and organized job site to minimize developer liability and neighbor complaints.
Qualifications & Skills
Experience: 5+ years as a residential construction superintendent, ideally working directly for an owner-developer or merchant builder.
Project History: Direct experience completing 3–12 unit wood-frame multifamily projects or luxury townhomes.
Technical Mastery: Superior blueprint reading skills, including architectural, MEP, structural, and civil plans.
Mindset: Strong ownership mentality with an understanding of how construction delays impact lease-up schedules and construction loan interest.
Software: Fluent in Procore, and similar project management systems.