Transitions Project Manager

Transitions Project Manager

The Transitions Project Manager is responsible for leading the coordination of the development team and operations team during the transition of the community from construction to operations. This individual will bridge construction and resident operations, ensuring operational, regulatory, and IT are fully prepared for the first residents to move in.

This role will provide support to the construction manager during the last six months of construction to coordinate and track all deliverables that will be needed to operate and license the community. In addition, they must be knowledgeable in the licensure process, have a keen understanding of how a community operates and be capable of effective communication to ensure all parties track the same time frames.

Success in this role is defined by facility readiness, operational execution, and early performance outcomes, including occupancy ramp and resident experience.

The Transitions Project Manager serves as the critical bridge between Construction, Development, and Operations, bringing discipline, accountability, and clarity to one of the most complex and high-risk phases of the asset lifecycle.

Facility Readiness & Turnover

• Communicate and organize the readiness and turnover of each community from Construction to Operations including partnering with the construction manager on critical tasks to complete for licensure/turn over.
• Partner with the VP, Operations and other operational leaders, to ensure the building is fully equipped with startup supplies, coordinate with outside legal on preparing application and inspection for licensure and responsible for the inspection of licensure.
• Must maintain an understanding of the policies and procedures required to open and operate a building while reinforcing Nex Core standards.
• Participate in final building walks and validate that all spaces, systems, and environments are fully operational, safe, and aligned with brand expectations.
• Ensure completion and functionality of:
• Life safety systems, mechanical systems, and backup infrastructure
• Resident units, amenity spaces, and back-of-house operations
• FF&E, signage, way finding, and operational equipment
• Coordinate with operating departments to ensure dining, kitchen, and other service environments are to the team's satisfaction.
• Ensure all inspections, certifications, and regulatory approvals are secured prior to occupancy
• Partner with IT to confirm all technology systems are installed, tested, and operational (Wi-Fi, call systems, access control, etc.)
• Develop and manage detailed transition schedules, establish readiness milestones and go-live plans aligned with construction completion.
• Serve as one of the key decision-makers on readiness, determining when a community is truly ready to open

Transition Execution & Governance

• Lead the transition process from late-stage construction through early operations
• Co-author and implement a standardized transition playbook with clear timelines, milestones, and accountability
• Identify risks early and drive resolution to protect opening timelines and performance
• Ensure disciplined execution across all transition phases without reliance on informal coordination

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as the central point of alignment between Construction, Development, and Operations
• Drive accountability across all partners, internal teams and external vendors
• Lead structured transition meetings, reporting, and executive updates
• Ensure decisions are made quickly and communicated clearly

Pre-Opening Performance Enablement

• Partner with Sales and Marketing to ensure community environments are positioned for successful lease-up
• Ensure the physical environment supports the sales process and reflects brand standards
• Align readiness timelines with sales and occupancy ramp goals
• Support operations on all start up supplies
• Provide executive updates on activation progress, risks and readiness status

Post-Opening Stabilization

• Partner closely with the VPO to support communities through early operations and ensure a smooth ramp to stabilized performance
• Identify and address early operational gaps tied to transition execution and environmental matters
• Capture lessons learned and continuously improve the transition model
• Work in partnership with the VPO from 60-days post turnover up to 1 year depending on the unique needs of each community.

Design Review

• Participate in early design reviews to communicate any lessons learned from previous projects
• Support the creation of early accreditation/licensure requirements like functional program and life safety protocol

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

Required

• 5+ years of senior living experience with specific emphasis on licensure, operations policy and procedures, and development
• Direct experience with pre-opening, asset transitions, or operational ramp-up preferred
• Strong understanding of building systems, construction closeout, and facility readiness preferred
• Proven ability to lead complex,…