Senior Construction Manager

Key Responsibilities Title: Senior Construction Manager Location: Chicago, IL Workplace Type: On-Site Employment Type: Full-Time Reports To: Senior Vice President, Construction About The Company We are a leading real estate development and investment firm headquartered in Chicago, focused on creating innovative, tenant-centered commercial properties that deliver long-term value for investors, occupants, and communities. Through a commitment to excellence, strategic development, and operational expertise, we continue to shape the future of commercial real estate throughout Chicago and beyond. We are seeking an experienced Senior Construction Manager to lead complex construction projects from concept through completion. This is an exciting opportunity for a construction professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys managing large‑scale commercial developments, tenant improvement projects, and capital improvement initiatives. Position Summary The Senior Construction Manager will oversee all aspects of commercial construction project planning, execution, monitoring, and closeout. This role serves as a key leader within the development team, ensuring projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with company quality standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience managing commercial real estate construction projects, tenant buildouts, capital improvements, contractor coordination, budgeting, scheduling, and stakeholder communications. This individual will work closely with development, leasing, finance, design consultants, contractors, and executive leadership to deliver successful projects while supporting the firm's growth objectives. Construction Project Leadership Lead and manage all phases of construction projects from pre‑construction planning through final closeout and occupancy. Oversee project execution to ensure compliance with approved scope, schedule, budget, and quality requirements. Manage multiple concurrent construction projects while balancing competing priorities and deadlines. Serve as the primary construction representative for assigned developments and tenant improvement projects. Budgeting, Cost Control & Financial Management Manage project budgets and maintain rigorous cost control throughout the project lifecycle. Review contractor proposals, change orders, payment applications, and billing documentation. Analyze project financial performance and provide recommendations to leadership. Evaluate construction costs and identify opportunities for savings and value enhancement. Coordinate with finance and asset management teams to ensure project investment objectives are achieved. Support underwriting and due diligence activities for new development opportunities. Tenant Improvement & Capital Projects Oversee tenant improvement projects and ensure alignment with lease requirements and tenant specifications. Coordinate tenant construction activities with base building improvements. Manage capital improvement projects for existing assets to enhance building performance and value. Collaborate with leasing teams to support tenant occupancy requirements and project delivery schedules. Scheduling & Project Controls Develop, review, and monitor comprehensive project schedules. Track project milestones including: Pre‑construction activities Design development Procurement Long‑lead material acquisition Permitting Construction Commissioning Final turnover Identify schedule risks and implement corrective actions to maintain project timelines. Contractor, Consultant & Design Team Coordination Manage relationships with architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, subcontractors, and vendors. Assist with procurement and contracting of design consultants and construction teams. Coordinate multidisciplinary teams throughout design and construction phases. Facilitate project meetings and maintain effective communication among stakeholders. Monitor MEP coordination, construction activities, commissioning efforts, and turnover processes. Quality Assurance & Compliance Develop project-specific quality control standards and implementation procedures. Ensure projects comply with approved plans, specifications, building codes, and contractual requirements. Coordinate third‑party quality assurance consultants as required. Conduct regular site visits to evaluate workmanship, quality, progress, and safety compliance. Ensure contractor adherence to project safety requirements and industry best practices. Reporting & Stakeholder Communication Prepare comprehensive monthly project reports for executive leadership, investors, lenders, and project stakeholders. Provide detailed updates regarding: Construction progress Budget status Schedule performance Leasing coordination Design development Risk management Present project recommendations and strategic updates to senior management. Development Support & Due Diligence Participate in evaluating new acquisition and development opportunities. Perform constructability reviews, feasibility studies, and budget assessments. Assist with entitlement activities, infrastructure planning, and municipal coordination. Support development teams throughout planning and project execution phases. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Real Estate Development, or related field preferred. 4‑6+ years of commercial real estate construction management experience. Demonstrated experience managing commercial construction projects from pre‑construction through closeout. Strong experience overseeing tenant improvement projects and commercial interior buildouts. Experience managing capital improvement projects for commercial real estate assets. Knowledge of construction budgeting, estimating, scheduling, procurement, and contract administration. Experience reviewing change orders, pay applications, RFIs, submittals, and project documentation. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline‑driven environment. Preferred Qualifications Experience working directly for a commercial real estate developer, owner, investment firm, or asset management company. Experience managing office, mixed‑use, industrial, retail, or multifamily commercial developments. Knowledge of construction financing, underwriting, and development processes. Familiarity with commissioning and building turnover procedures. Experience coordinating landlord and tenant construction requirements. Core Competencies Commercial Construction Management Tenant Improvement Projects Capital Improvement Programs Budget Management & Cost Control Scheduling & Project Controls Contract Administration Change Order Management Risk Management Quality Assurance Stakeholder Communication Construction Finance Awareness Leadership & Team Coordination Strategic Problem Solving Negotiation & Conflict Resolution What Makes You Successful Ability to lead projects from concept to completion with minimal supervision. Strong analytical mindset with excellent financial and operational decision‑making skills. Outstanding organizational abilities and attention to detail. Effective communicator capable of interacting with executives, tenants, contractors, consultants, and investors. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining project quality and deadlines. Collaborative leadership style focused on delivering successful outcomes. Why Join Us? This role offers the opportunity to work on impactful commercial real estate developments while collaborating directly with senior leadership. You will play a key role in shaping projects that influence communities, create long‑term value, and support the continued growth of a respected real estate development organization. If you are a motivated construction professional seeking greater ownership, visibility, and career growth, we encourage you to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr W3Global