Construction Project Manager (Greater Chicago Area)

Project Manager – Construction

Kiferbaum Development Group is seeking a Construction Project Manager to take on a high-impact role leading multiple active construction projects across a growing pipeline of multifamily, mixed-use, and residential development work. This is an opportunity for an experienced construction professional to take primary responsibility for project execution, including preconstruction, procurement, budgeting, subcontractor management, schedule oversight, documentation, and closeout.

Unlike a traditional construction-only role, this position offers meaningful exposure to the real estate development and ownership side of the business. Kiferbaum Development Group is an integrated Owner/Developer/General Contractor, and the Project Manager will work closely with ownership while gaining visibility into how projects are evaluated, budgeted, structured, and delivered from both the construction and ownership perspective.

Current and upcoming projects include several 30-50 unit mixed-use apartment buildings and an ongoing single-family home subdivision. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to grow beyond a conventional PM role, gain broader development experience, and play a meaningful role in a growing entrepreneurial company.

• Lead bidding, scope development, takeoffs, buyout, and subcontract issuance
• Analyze bids for scope gaps, risk, and alignment
• Lead subcontractor selection and procurement strategy
• Develop and level scopes of work to ensure complete trade coverage and minimize change order exposure
• Coordinate with ownership, design consultants, and field teams during preconstruction to identify constructability issues and value engineering opportunities

Budget, Contracts & Financial Tracking

• Own subcontract agreements, COIs, compliance, commitments, and cost exposure
• Manage change order pricing, negotiation, and documentation (PCOs/COs)
• Review and approve pay applications, lien waivers, and owner billing support
• Maintain accurate project budgets, cost forecasts, and commitment logs
• Identify budget risks early and proactively recommend corrective action or cost-saving strategies

RFIs, Submittals & Documentation

• Oversee RFIs and submittals from creation through resolution
• Maintain accurate, organized project documentation and drawing control
• Communicate approved changes and clarifications to project teams
• Ensure timely processing of RFIs and submittals to avoid schedule impacts
• Maintain clear documentation of design decisions, field changes, and owner-directed revisions

Schedule & Planning Support

• Lead schedule development and maintenance
• Manage short-term look-ahead schedules and identify schedule risks
• Document schedule impacts related to RFIs, submittals, and changes
• Coordinate closely with Superintendents to maintain realistic sequencing and critical path awareness
• Proactively address delays, long-lead procurement issues, and trade coordination conflicts

Field Coordination & Quality Control

• Work closely with Superintendents to drive field execution
• Lead trade coordination, sequencing, and issue resolution
• Verify work complies with contract documents and quality standards
• Support problem-solving in the field with practical, cost-conscious solutions
• Coordinate with consultants and inspectors to resolve field conditions and maintain project momentum

Safety, Compliance & Inspections

• Track and enforce subcontractor safety documentation and compliance requirements
• Coordinate inspections, testing, and incident documentation as needed
• Ensure permit, code, and jurisdictional compliance is maintained throughout the project
• Work with Superintendents to reinforce site safety expectations and documentation standards

Owner Interface & Communication

• Work directly with the Owner/Developer on budgeting, procurement, schedule, documentation, and strategic project decisions
• Lead meeting agendas, minutes, and track action items
• Coordinate communication between ownership, Superintendents, design teams, consultants, and subcontractors
• Provide clear, concise reporting on project status, budget, schedule, risks, and key decision points
• Operate comfortably in an owner-driven environment where responsiveness and sound judgment are critical

Punch List & Closeout

• Lead punch list creation, tracking, and closeout
• Coordinate warranties, O&Ms, as-builts, inspections, and project turnover
• Manage final lien waivers, retainage release, and subcontract closeout
• Ensure projects are turned over in an organized, complete, and professional manner
• Drive timely completion of all closeout requirements and unresolved scope items

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field
• 5+ years of construction management experience (multi-family preferred)
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications
• Experience leading quantity takeoffs, procurement, subcontractor buyout, and cost tracking
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, change management, and project financial controls
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities across multiple projects
• Experience coordinating directly with ownership, consultants, and field teams in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to take ownership of projects and drive them forward with limited oversight

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary of $130,000-$150,000 depending on experience and qualifications
• Eligible for a discretionary performance bonus based on individual and company performance
• Auto allowance provided
• Cell phone allowance provided
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off (PTO)