Project Manager - Construction
Contract to hire/ Direct Hire
Location: Project Site (Initial Site will be Chicago IL)
Position Summary
The Project Manager owns the successful execution of assigned construction projects from contract award through closeout, managing budget, schedule, quality, and client relationships. This role serves as the primary point of accountability for project financial performance and is the main link between the field, the client, and company leadership.
The Project Manager works closely with the Superintendent on day-to-day field execution and with the Preconstruction team during handoff to ensure the schedule, budget, and scope carry forward accurately into construction.
Key Responsibilities
Project Setup & Handoff
- Receive project handoff from Preconstruction, including budget, GMP, schedule, and subcontractor buyout status.
- Review estimate, scope documents, and permitting status with the Estimator and Preconstruction Coordinator prior to mobilization.
- Establish the project file structure, contracts, and reporting cadence in the project management portal.
Budget & Contract Management
- Manage the project budget, including cost tracking, forecasting, and monthly financial reporting.
- Prepare, negotiate, and execute subcontracts and purchase orders in coordination with buyout targets.
- Review, process, and track change orders, including scope, cost, and schedule impact.
- Review and approve subcontractor and vendor pay applications.
- Manage owner billing/pay applications and maintain accurate job cost projections.
Schedule & Field Coordination
- Maintain the master project schedule in partnership with the Superintendent, updating for actual progress and risks.
- Coordinate long-lead procurement and material deliveries against the schedule.
- Lead owner, architect, and subcontractor meetings; issue meeting minutes and action items.
- Resolve RFIs, submittals, and design coordination issues in a timely manner.
Quality, Safety & Closeout
- Partner with the Superintendent to uphold quality and safety standards on site.
- Manage the punch list and closeout process, including warranties, as-builts, and final documentation.
- Conduct project lessons-learned reviews to inform future estimates and preconstruction planning.
Requirements & Qualifications
- 5+ years of project management experience in commercial construction, general contracting, or civil/structural construction.
- Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, GMP contracts, and change order processes.
- Proficiency with project management/scheduling software (e.g., Procore, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar).
- Strong understanding of construction contracts, subcontractor buyout, and risk management.
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred, or equivalent field experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage client and owner relationships directly.
- Broad general construction knowledge across trades, with the flexibility to support Preconstruction during handoff and buyout as needed.
Work Environment & Expectations
- This position is based primarily at the project site.
- Travel varies by project load and phase - expect up to approximately 30 days per month for site visits, owner meetings, and project walks during active construction.
- Project Managers are expected to maintain close coordination with Preconstruction throughout the project lifecycle, from handoff through closeout, and to provide field feedback that improves future estimates and schedules. Candidates must be versatile, comfortable with shifting priorities, and able to adapt as the department's structure, tools, and processes continue to evolve.