Development & Construction Manager

Job Description

J.B. Realty, Inc.

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535 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois

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About J.B. Realty, Inc.

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J.B. Realty, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned commercial real estate development, investment, and management company specializing in high-end retail and restaurant properties throughout the Chicagoland area.

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Our portfolio consists of approximately 250,000 square feet of commercial real estate occupied by approximately 75 retail and restaurant tenants. We own and manage properties located in some of Chicago’s most prominent retail corridors, including Michigan Avenue, Rush Street, Grand Avenue, State Street, Chicago Avenue, Southport Avenue, Clark Street, and Sheffield Avenue.

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Our business focuses on acquiring, developing, redeveloping, leasing, and managing high-quality commercial properties. We take pride in maintaining long-term ownership of our assets and creating exceptional environments for both our tenants and the neighborhoods we serve.

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Position Overview

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J.B. Realty is seeking an experienced Development & Construction Manager to oversee redevelopment, capital improvement, and tenant turnover projects throughout our portfolio.

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This position serves as a key representative of ownership and will manage commercial development and redevelopment projects ranging from approximately $250,000 to $2,000,000 while coordinating with contractors, architects, engineers, brokers, municipal agencies, and retail and restaurant tenants.

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Current and upcoming projects include the renovation of our corporate offices, redevelopment of recently acquired commercial properties, major façade improvements, utility upgrades, tenant infrastructure build-outs, and other capital improvement initiatives throughout our portfolio.

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The successful candidate will play a critical role in protecting and enhancing the value of our real estate assets while ensuring a professional and seamless experience for our tenants. Additionally, the candidate will collaborate closely with ownership through ongoing communication, status reporting, and periodic progress meetings to ensure projects remain aligned with company goals and expectations.

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Primary Responsibilities

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Development & Construction Management

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• Manage multiple redevelopment and capital improvement projects simultaneously.
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• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and bid packages.
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• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate contractor and subcontractor proposals.
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• Coordinate architects, engineers, consultants, and municipal agencies.
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• Monitor project schedules, budgets, and overall construction progress.
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• Conduct regular project meetings and site inspections.
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• Review contractor payment applications, change orders, and project costs.
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• Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and to company standards.
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• Manage project closeout, punch lists, warranties, and final turnover documentation.
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Typical Project Types

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Projects may include:

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• Commercial building renovations

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• New storefront and façade construction

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• Roof replacement projects

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• HVAC system replacement and upgrades

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• Electrical service upgrades

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• Plumbing and utility improvements

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• Structural repairs and improvements

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• Interior office renovations

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• Retail and restaurant build-outs

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• Site and exterior property improvements

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Tenant Turnover & Tenant Coordination

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A significant portion of this role involves coordinating with tenants and facilitating the turnover of landlord-delivered space.

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Responsibilities include:

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• Serving as the primary construction liaison between ownership and tenants.

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• Coordinating delivery of landlord work required under lease agreements.

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• Managing turnover of retail and restaurant spaces to incoming tenants.

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• Reviewing tenant construction drawings to ensure compliance with approved design criteria, general building standards, and lease compliance, maintaining the quality of the asset.

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• Conducting pre-construction meetings with tenants and their consultants.

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• Coordinating access, utilities, inspections, and landlord obligations.

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• Reviewing tenant construction schedules and coordinating activities with building operations.

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• Working collaboratively with national retailers, restaurant operators, brokers, attorneys, architects, and engineers.

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• Reviewing tenant signage submittals to ensure compliance with lease exhibits, approved signage criteria, and the property's architectural standards and integrity.

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Acquisition & Redevelopment Support

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• Assist ownership during property acquisition due diligence.

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• Evaluate building conditions and identify capital improvement requirements.

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• Assist in preparing redevelopment budgets and project feasibility analyses.

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• Coordinate inspections and consultant reports.

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• Participate in redevelopment planning and value-add initiatives.

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Qualifications

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Required Experience

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• Minimum of seven (7) years of commercial construction experience.

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• Experience as a Construction Project Manager, Superintendent, Owner’s Representative, General Contractor Project Manager, Development Manager, or similar position.

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• Demonstrated experience managing commercial development and redevelopment projects.

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• Strong understanding of commercial construction methods and sequencing.

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• Ability to read and interpret architectural, engineering, and construction drawings.

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• Experience managing project budgets, schedules, contracts, and multiple stakeholders.

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• Strong knowledge of commercial building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and structural components.

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• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between Chicago-area properties and project sites.

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• Must be available to respond to and manage urgent project, property, or tenant-related emergencies outside of normal business hours

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Professional Characteristics

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This position requires more than traditional construction management experience.

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The ideal candidate will possess strong construction knowledge and demonstrate the professionalism and communication skills necessary to represent ownership in a sophisticated commercial real estate environment and maintain strong Tenant relationships.

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The successful candidate must be equally comfortable:

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• Walking an active construction site with contractors and subcontractors.

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• Meeting with national retail and restaurant tenants.

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• Coordinating with architects, engineers, attorneys, and brokers.

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• Representing ownership in meetings with municipal officials and consultants.

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• Managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.

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The ideal candidate will possess:

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• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

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• A polished, professional, and business-oriented demeanor.

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• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

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• Sound judgment and attention to detail.

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• The ability to build productive relationships while maintaining accountability and project objectives.

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• A proactive, ownership-minded approach to problem-solving.

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Why Join J.B. Realty?

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• Work directly with ownership and participate in key development decisions.

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• Manage meaningful redevelopment projects throughout Chicago’s premier retail corridors.

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• Gain exposure to acquisitions, redevelopment, leasing, and asset management.

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• Join a stable, entrepreneurial, third-generation family-owned company with a long-term ownership perspective.

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• Opportunity for professional growth and increasing responsibility.

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Long-Term Growth & Succession

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•As a third-generation family-owned company, J.B. Realty is entering an important period of continued growth and long-term succession planning. The next generation of the family will become increasingly involved in the business in the years ahead. We are seeking an individual who is interested in building a long-term career with the company, growing alongside its future leadership, and becoming a trusted and integral member of the organization as J.B. Realty continues into its next generation.

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Compensation & Benefits

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Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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J.B. Realty offers a competitive compensation package, benefits, paid time off, and the opportunity to participate in the continued growth of one of Chicago’s established family-owned real estate companies. J.B. Realty, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.