Project Manager

At Elford, our Self-Perform Groups are a key part of what sets us apart. As an employee-owned commercial General Contractor with more than 100 years of experience, we self-perform critical scopes of work that drive quality, safety, schedule, and value for our clients. Our teams take pride in building with their own hands while working collaboratively to deliver complex commercial construction projects across the Midwest and Southeast.

We're looking for an experienced Project Manager to join our Self-Perform Group. In this role, you'll lead self-perform construction projects from preconstruction through closeout, managing budgets, schedules, subcontractors, procurement, and field operations. You'll work closely with Superintendents, Foremen, and field leadership to ensure projects are executed safely, efficiently, and with the level of craftsmanship our clients expect. This is an opportunity to make a direct impact while working alongside some of the best builders in the industry.

As a Project Manager - Self-Perform , you'll lead the successful execution of self-performed construction work from preconstruction through closeout. Working closely with Superintendents, Foremen, and field leadership, you'll oversee project planning, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, and field operations while ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to Elford's high standards of quality.

Project Leadership

• Manage all phases of self-performed construction projects from preconstruction through project closeout.
• Develop project execution plans, schedules, budgets, and procurement strategies that support successful project delivery.
• Partner with Superintendents and Foremen to coordinate daily field operations, workforce planning, equipment needs, and material procurement.
• Lead preconstruction planning, pre-award meetings, and project startup activities.
• Ensure seamless coordination between office operations and field execution.

Self-Perform Operations

• Manage self-performed scopes including concrete, carpentry, selective demolition, interiors, and other craft work.
• Coordinate craft labor, equipment, materials, and subcontracted support to maximize productivity and efficiency.
• Monitor production rates, labor performance, manpower planning, and cost productivity throughout the project.
• Develop and implement construction means and methods that improve safety, quality, and project performance.
• Collaborate with Field Operations to resolve challenges and maintain project momentum.

Financial Management

• Manage project budgets, forecasts, cost reports, fee projections, and financial performance.
• Review and approve purchase orders, invoices, change orders, and self-perform labor costs.
• Track productivity and proactively identify opportunities to improve profitability.
• Coordinate closely with Accounting, Estimating, and Operations throughout the project lifecycle.

Client & Team Leadership

• Build strong relationships with owners, architects, engineers, trade partners, and internal project teams.
• Lead owner meetings, project progress meetings, and coordination meetings.
• Mentor Assistant Project Managers, Project Engineers, and emerging project leaders.
• Provide clear communication and leadership while fostering a collaborative, solutions-focused environment.

Safety & Quality

• Champion a culture where safety is the top priority for every employee and trade partner.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and project-specific requirements.
• Work closely with Superintendents to maintain quality standards and achieve schedule milestones.
• Lead project closeout activities including punch lists, warranties, as-built documentation, and final turnover.

What You'll Bring

Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field, or equivalent commercial construction experience.
• 10+ years of commercial construction experience, including at least 5 years in Project Management.
• Experience managing self-performed construction work for a commercial general contractor.
• Proven success delivering projects from preconstruction through closeout.
• Experience working closely with Superintendents, Foremen, and craft labor in active field operations.