Senior Construction Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Wolverine Construction, formerly Wolverine Building Group is recognized nationally as a leader in the construction industry. We specialize in industrial, multi-unit residential, healthcare, office, retail, and restaurant construction. We provide quality building solutions through integrity, value and craftsmanship and are a growth company of nearly 200 employees headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan with locations in Brighton and Lansing, Michigan. 

As an organization, we exist to positively impact people and communities.

We’re proud to be consistently recognized as one of the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For,” a testament to our commitment not only to excellence in construction, but to fostering a workplace where our people can succeed and grow.

The Senior Project Manager is responsible for demonstrating construction leadership and instilling trust through leading and managing client relationships.  Provides exceptional leadership, management, and accountability to a project team to design, develop, and run large volumes of commercial construction projects, when applicable. Ensures projects are within established goals for safety, quality, timelines, budget, and profitability, and ensures that the client experience is according to the Wolverine Way and aligned with our core values.

• Uses best practices to provide project leadership and management for large volumes of commercial construction projects, (in complexity, number, or overall dollar amount) from design through closeout.
• Manages complex relationships (owner/client, architect, subcontractors, consultants, superintendents, etc.). 
• Manages complex construction processes (conceptual to final estimating, development of design and construction documents, site safety preparation, buy-out, schedule management, contract/budget management, closeout, etc.).
• Finds creative solutions to complex problems, using lessons learned to be proactive in construction delivery and add value to the construction team and projects.
• Leads and facilitates project processes and meetings from project conception to completion, including the project kick-off, site-specific safety plan implementation/enforcement, progress meetings, owner/architect/contractor meetings, subcontractor coordination meetings, mobilization, exit strategy, punch-list, closeout, etc.
• Ensures delivery of agreed upon contract terms and conditions, including permits, insurance, notice to proceed, and subcontracts., etc. are in order.
• Prequalifies all trade partners and suppliers prior to awarding subcontracts.
• Reviews and approves project invoices.  Monitors the overall financial health of the project and provides regular updates to the team.
• Pursues and develops new customer leads in coordination with team members.
• Engages with clients, through active listening, to understand their goals.
• Prepares, presents, and explains proposals, status updates, schedules, etc. to clients while coaching team members to do the same, when applicable.
• Navigates and guides team to negotiate acceptable contract terms that help achieve customer goals.
• Demonstrates effective preconstruction, estimating, budgeting, constructability reviews, value engineering, and schedule development skills.
• Champions safety as a priority. Demonstrates a Safety-First approach consistently from initial project logistics, means and methods planning through buy-out and completion.
• Tracks company “lessons learned” and shares client evaluations with team members and leadership.
• Builds a client base and manages client expectations, in coordination with project management and project superintendent team, to generate repeat work and manage client relationships.
• Manages overall project and client relationships.
• Maintains an accurate and up-to-date budget for each assigned project.
• Completes project financial tasks in a timely fashion, such as owner/client and trade partner change orders, budget updates, project dashboards, owner/client/bank draw requests, invoice approvals and others as may be required on a project-by-project basis.
• Completes project health dashboard (including schedule control, contract details, subcontractor status, and cost summary) on each project and reviews with supervisor at least monthly. Ensures team members are doing the same.
• Submits change orders with cost breakdowns and appropriate backup information to Owners/Architects for authorized signatures before proceeding with implementation of the change in work. 
• Directs, reviews, and approves project design changes.
• Coordinates with jobsite Superintendent any changes to the scope of work.
• Identifies and resolves design and construction issues as they arise or as are provided by jobsite superintendent, architect, or client.
• Regular, predictable, and reliable attendance. 
• Acts as an ambassador for company-wide values and ethical standards of practice, with a clear focus on safety and execution. 
• Actively develops, coaches, and mentors other staff such as Project Engineers, Assistant Project Managers, Project Managers, and Superintendents. 
• Maintains effective communication with external and internal project teams, trade partners, field staff, and clients. 
• Effectively communicates relevant project information to appropriate parties and works diligently to escalate and/or resolve issues in a timely fashion.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in construction project management.
• Must have experience working on varied and complex projects.
• Must possess advanced knowledge and expertise in the entitlement and design processes, contracts, subcontracts and the preconstruction process through construction to close out and turnover.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, Procore Project Management Software, and internet research tools. Embrace technology and innovation.
• Understand and embrace a culture of safety in carrying out all responsibilities.
• Proficient knowledge of project management principles and strategies. 
• Pleasant and confident demeanor when dealing with colleagues and owners/clients.
• Excellent customer service.
• Strong oral and written communication and listening skills.
• Communicates difficult/sensitive information tactfully.
• Knowledge of construction principles and strategies, with the ability to identify critical paths.
• Ability to rally a team.
• Earns the respect and trust of the entire project team, trade partners, and owner/client.
• Demonstrates financial acumen. 
• Demonstrates the ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and promote a positive working environment.

Joining our collaborative work environment provides opportunities for advancement, competitive wages, and great benefits including:

• Low-cost medical insurance options, including a HDHP with HSA match

• Dental, vision, basic life, voluntary life, short- and long-term disability insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan with generous employer match

• Company holidays, parental leave, and paid time off

• Profit-sharing / performance-based bonus

• Personal growth opportunities through training and education; tuition reimbursement

• Opportunities to engage in community involvement and paid volunteer time

Wolverine Construction is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration for employment, or in terms or conditions of employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.