Construction Project Manager

Job Title:

Construction Project Manager

Job Description

This Construction Project Manager role oversees multiple commercial projects-primarily quick-service restaurant (QSR), retail, and light commercial builds-across the Midwest from preconstruction through final closeout. You will own the full project lifecycle, including budgeting, bidding coordination, contracts, construction execution, and closeout, rather than inheriting fully bought-out projects. The position offers a fast-paced yet laid-back and collaborative culture, strong autonomy with minimal micromanagement, and a stable backlog of work that supports long-term career growth and a healthy work-life balance.

Responsibilities

* Lead and manage multiple commercial construction projects, typically including several ground-up builds, from initial estimating and bidding through preconstruction, construction, and final closeout.

* Own the full project lifecycle, including budgeting, bid coordination, contract administration, owner approvals, construction execution, and closeout documentation.

* Organize and oversee the bid process, including leading bid kickoff meetings, directing estimators, and managing assistant project managers and project coordinators.

* Maintain constant communication and close collaboration with site superintendents, operating as a unified project team rather than in a strict hierarchy.

* Manage project budgets and financial performance, ensuring accurate tracking of costs, change orders, and forecasts across $3-5M or more in active construction volume at any given time.

* Coordinate and communicate with owners, architects, subcontractors, and field staff, serving as the primary point of contact for all project stakeholders.

* Prepare, review, and manage subcontracts and other project agreements, ensuring compliance with project requirements and company standards.

* Oversee project schedules and milestones, proactively identifying and resolving issues to keep projects on time and within budget in a fast-paced commercial environment.

* Ensure all required closeout documentation is completed, organized, and delivered, including warranties, as-built documents, and final reports.

* Use construction management software (such as Procore) and financial tools (such as Spectrum or similar systems) to manage project information, documentation, and financials.

* Travel to project sites for day trips and occasional overnight stays as needed to support project execution and stakeholder coordination.

* Maintain accessibility during normal business hours while upholding a sustainable work-life balance and meeting project commitments.

* Adapt to established processes and best practices while contributing to a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and self-managed project culture.

Essential Skills

* Approximately 5 years of total construction experience, including internships, with at least 2-3 years of post-college project management responsibility.

* Bachelor's degree in a relevant field strongly preferred; a four-year degree is preferred over a two-year degree, though specific schools are not required.

* Demonstrated experience as a true full-cycle Project Manager, owning projects from estimating and bidding through preconstruction, contracts, budgets, owner approvals, construction, and closeout, rather than only managing already bought-out projects.

* Proven ability to manage $3-5M or more in active construction volume simultaneously, typically involving around three active ground-up projects.

* Experience with Procore or similar construction management software, with the ability to become proficient quickly and work comfortably with technology.

* Experience using financial tools such as Spectrum or comparable construction accounting software to manage budgets, costs, and project financials.

* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with owners, architects, subcontractors, and labor at all levels.

* Ability to self-manage in a low-micromanagement environment, taking ownership of responsibilities and driving projects forward independently.

* Background in fast-paced commercial construction, ideally including QSR, retail, or restaurant projects.

* Willingness to complete a criminal Background check and driving record review as part of the hiring process.

* Residence in Indiana or willingness to relocate, with the ability to work in-office, particularly during initial training.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* Ground-up construction experience, particularly in commercial projects.

* Specific experience in quick-service restaurant (QSR) construction.

* General contractor Background preferred over subcontractor experience, especially with exposure to preconstruction activities.

* Experience in retail or strip center construction, especially in fast-paced environments, is acceptable and valued.

* Residential construction experience may be considered for the right candidate, even though it is not preferred.

* Subcontractor Background may…