Construction Project Manager

About the Job

U-Construction is the University’s in‑house design‑build unit that manages mid‑sized construction projects on the Twin Cities campus. The annual work volume is approximately $15 million, with individual projects generally ranging up to $500 k. U‑Construction is responsible for managing projects from initial request through construction and financial closeout.

The Construction Project Manager (CPM) is responsible for schedule, cost, quality and overall performance of projects. The major objectives of the Construction Project Manager include development and clarification of project scope, schedule, and budget; oversight of project implementation ensuring compliance with all regulatory and environmental requirements; construction coordination including material procurement and delivery; and managing customer interactions and maintaining a positive customer relationship.

This position is not eligible for H‑1B or Green Card sponsorship and does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

• 30% Project Management
  • Utilizes computer software, including management reporting systems and construction project management software, to plan, monitor and report on construction projects.
  • Establishes initial project schedule including task definition and breakdown in accordance with standard procedures.
  • Secures proper building permits and hazardous materials surveys for construction work performed.
  • Communicates project changes to customers, facilitates project meetings and pre‑construction meetings, and provides notifications to FM district operations for shutdowns.
  • Ensures compliance with building codes, safety requirements, and partners with appropriate University departments to resolve safety, environmental, and workers’ compensation issues.
  • Plans for contract close‑out, including occupancy, commissioning (if any), warranty, and maintenance manuals.
  • Manages procurement of all materials and services, soliciting vendor and sub‑contractor proposals, evaluating and making awards per purchasing requirements, and completing all required purchasing documentation.
• 25% Customer Service
  • Serves as single point of contact for the project with customers, FM district coordinators, consultants, vendors and other university departments to ensure U‑Construction is meeting or exceeding expectations.
  • Promotes customer‑focused service in conjunction with other University Services departments.
  • Represents U‑Construction to other Facilities Management and University Departments; builds positive customer relations with all members of the University community served by U‑Construction.
• 25% Finance and Budget
  • Works with estimator to prepare cost estimates of labor and material costs for projects.
  • Sets up initial project budget sheet, updates funding for scope changes and project phases.
  • Secures project funding from customers and other sources, coordinating with finance to bill and manage the budget.
  • Reviews and approves invoices from subcontractors and vendors to properly bill for work performed.
  • Plans, monitors and reports on project spending versus budget.
• 20% Field Coordination/Scheduling
  • Reviews all field change orders, assessing budget and schedule impact, and communicates with stakeholders.
  • Creates overall project schedule with milestones for construction activities based on material delivery and customer needs.
  • Works with the Superintendent to troubleshoot field problems that arise during construction.
  • Interfaces with customers to minimize impact of construction activities.
  • Coordinates final punch‑list walk‑through with customer and other stakeholders.

This position will operate mostly in an office setting but also in the field. It may be exposed to extreme weather conditions, construction sites, confined spaces and potentially hazardous conditions where hearing, visual protection and other personal protective equipment may be required. Physical requirements include walking, climbing and crawling in various weather conditions to access and view work sites.

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management or related field
• At least six years of related work experience
• Proficiency with the Microsoft…