Senior Construction Project Manager

Project Manager

Buffalo, NY

JK Executive Strategies is proud to partner with a premier public University in Buffalo, NY in search of a Project Manager to join its growing team!

Why apply?

Working here offers rewards that extend far beyond salary alone. Employees enjoy comprehensive health and retirement benefits, along with a strong commitment to work-life effectiveness and professional fulfillment. The University is dedicated to fostering an environment that supports a healthy balance of work, personal well-being, and academic pursuit.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and expanding University Facilities Design and Construction Department. We are seeking a proactive, solutions-oriented, and detail-driven Project Manager to play a key role in delivering multiple large-scale construction and capital improvement projects on time and within budget while supporting the University’s broader mission and long-term vision.

In this highly visible role, you will report directly to the Manager of Construction Delivery and collaborate closely with the Assistant Director, Director, and Assistant Vice President of Facilities. This position offers a high level of autonomy and the opportunity to exercise strong leadership, sound judgment, and initiative while managing impactful projects across campus.

Beyond the professional growth opportunity, this role provides the chance to work within a collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven environment where your contributions will directly support the continued growth and advancement of a respected institution.

Responsibilities

• Utilize strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills to support client advisory, team collaboration, external agency coordination, design contributions, and project leadership.
• Monitor and manage project budgets and schedules using Maximo software, proactively identifying risks and implementing effective solutions.
• Partner with University Procurement on bid processing, contract awards, cost estimating, material procurement, and project modifications.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on project prioritization, staffing projections, funding evaluations, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Analyze existing practices to identify opportunities for continuous improvement while serving as a subject matter expert within University Facilities.
• Engage with a diverse range of stakeholders including departmental leadership, researchers, faculty, students, SUNY leadership, athletes, and local municipalities.
• Provide project analysis and practical solutions within established budgets and schedules while guiding clients through project processes and expectations.
• Coordinate all aspects of planning, design, construction, and project documentation activities for campus facilities projects.
• Maintain regular communication with academic and administrative departments regarding building conditions, space utilization, financial considerations, and project priorities.
• Work closely with Campus Planning, Facilities Design & Construction, consultants, and contractors to support successful project execution and completion.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define project scope, address design considerations, and resolve project-related challenges.
• Support the preparation of final construction documents, participate throughout the design process, and facilitate smooth project occupancy transitions.
• Supervise staff, manage project documentation, and support financial objectives through forecasting, budget preparation, and resource planning.
• Develop and maintain project schedules using Maximo Scheduler, review change orders, and prepare monthly project status reports.
• Ensure compliance with State, SUNY, and University policies and procedures while assisting with contractor bidding processes.
• Review contractor payment requests for accuracy and approve invoice amounts as appropriate.
• Prepare contracts, assist with preconstruction activities, and support the negotiation of change orders and project claims.
• Contribute to workforce planning, project prioritization, and operational efficiency initiatives within the department.
• Resolve project issues, conduct inspections, and serve as a resource to University Facilities colleagues and the broader institution.
• Participate in committees and special initiatives as needed, support environmentally conscious practices, and promote a total-cost-of-ownership approach to project decision-making and facilities stewardship.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field with 7 years of project management experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.
• Excellent verbal, written, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders across all levels of an organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field with 7 years of project management experience.
• Proven ability to develop and manage project schedules and budgets from project inception through completion.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
• Experience managing higher education renovation and construction projects of similar size and complexity, including laboratory and/or SUCF capital improvement projects, strongly preferred.
• New York State registration in Architecture or Engineering preferred. PMP, NYCCEO, LEED, or equivalent professional certifications highly valued.

JK Executive Strategies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of JK Executive Strategies to provide equal opportunity in employment and conditions of employment to all individuals regardless of age, race, color, religious beliefs, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, veteran or military status, disability, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, genetic information, marital status, familial status, prior arrest, domestic violence victim status, non-job related convictions, participation in lawful activities outside of our workplace, or any other status protected by law.