Construction Project Manager

Job Title:

Construction Project Manager - Specialty Retail

Job Description

This role leads specialty retail construction projects for a diverse mix of tenants, including big-box anchors, junior anchors, restaurants, theaters, and new retail developments. The Construction Project Manager oversees multiple projects across a large national portfolio, ensuring on-time store openings, adherence to budgets, and full compliance with tenant and landlord design standards. Acting as the owner's representative, this position manages landlord work obligations defined in leases, coordinates internal and external project teams, and drives projects from initial planning through turnover and closeout.

Responsibilities

+ Manage 4-6 active construction projects at a time, typically with 6-8 month construction periods and project budgets ranging from approximately $100K to over $1M.

+ Act as the owner's representative by directing and holding general contractors, architects, engineers, and vendors accountable for quality, schedule, and budget, rather than performing the work directly.

+ Collaborate with developers during early planning stages to align project scope with tenant criteria and overall development objectives.

+ Define and manage project scope, timelines, and budgets in partnership with internal and external teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, and mall operations.

+ Negotiate tenant lease criteria and prototypical work exhibits in coordination with Legal and Development teams.

+ Review and approve landlord construction documents, contracts, and project budgets to ensure accuracy, feasibility, and alignment with standards.

+ Ensure strict compliance with construction schedules and specifications, maintaining a quality-first and durability-focused approach throughout each project.

+ Manage tenant turnover and delivery of premises, ensuring that spaces are ready for tenant build-out and timely store openings.

+ Oversee formal lease notifications, documentation, and project closeout procedures to ensure thorough and accurate completion.

+ Track and report project milestones, budget status, and budget revisions, providing clear updates to stakeholders.

+ Identify potential issues early, communicate them effectively, and drive proactive solutions to keep projects on track.

+ Travel approximately 50% of the time to project sites across the United States, adapting to varying locations and project conditions as needed.

Essential Skills

+ 5-10 years of experience in construction project management, with a strong focus on retail construction.

+ Proven background managing multiple projects simultaneously, including oversight of external vendors and general contractors.

+ Demonstrated experience operating as an owner's representative or on the owner side, or clear ability to perform at that level.

+ Retail construction experience is required, with general retail familiarity as the baseline; high-end or luxury retail experience is not mandatory.

+ Clear mindset shift from a general contractor or subcontractor cost-cutting focus to an owner's representative focus on quality, durability, and overall project success.

+ Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, with day-to-day emphasis on budgets, scheduling, critical path, and vendor oversight.

+ Strong understanding of project schedules and critical path management.

+ Strong budget awareness and financial decision-making skills, including construction estimating and cost analysis.

+ Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, and Outlook.

+ Strong, solution-driven communication skills, with the ability to identify problems and drive resolutions proactively.

+ Must be based in, or willing to relocate to, Indianapolis, IN and committed to Indianapolis as the home base while supporting nationwide projects.

+ Willingness and ability to travel approximately 50% nationwide.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or a related field is preferred, with flexibility to consider equivalent relevant experience in place of formal education.

+ Experience coordinating with Legal and Development teams on lease criteria and work…