Senior Project Manager

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
Development & Construction

Position Summary

Kai Development is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to oversee the planning, development, construction, and delivery of multiple residential rental housing projects throughout Southern California. The initial assignments will include a 108-unit senior apartment community in Redlands, California, followed by multiple build-to-rent single-family and ADU developments.

This position will serve as the day-to-day leader for project execution, coordinating development activities, design consultants, contractors, municipalities, lenders, and ownership. The successful candidate will work directly with company principals while maintaining significant autonomy in managing project operations.

This is a hands-on role requiring both office and field involvement. The Senior Project Manager is expected to spend substantial time in the field overseeing project progress, coordinating with superintendents and trade partners, and ensuring quality, schedule, and budget objectives are achieved.

Reporting Structure:
The Senior Project Manager will report directly to Ownership and work closely with the principals of Kai Development and affiliated ownership entities.

Primary Responsibilities:

Development Management
• Coordinate entitlement, permitting, and agency approval processes.
• Manage architects, engineers, consultants, and specialty advisors.
• Monitor project schedules from acquisition through stabilization.
• Interface with city, county, state, and utility agencies.
• Assist ownership with project planning, due diligence, and strategic decision-making.
• Participate in lender meetings, draw processes, and project reporting.

Construction Management
• Oversee construction activities from preconstruction through completion.
• Work closely with superintendents to monitor field operations.
• Conduct regular site visits and project inspections.
• Monitor project budgets, schedules, procurement, and quality control.
• Identify project risks and develop practical solutions.
• Coordinate with subcontractors, suppliers, and inspectors.
• Ensure compliance with contract documents, permits, and safety requirements.

Financial & Administrative Management
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and cost reporting.
• Review subcontractor proposals, change orders, and pay applications.
• Participate in project buyout and purchasing activities.
• Support construction financing, lender reporting, and draw requests.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and reporting systems.

Leadership & Team Development
• Help recruit, train, and mentor future project personnel.
• Establish systems and procedures appropriate for a growing development and construction company.
• Build strong relationships with consultants, municipalities, lenders, and trade partners.
• Represent ownership professionally in all business interactions.

Required Qualifications
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in residential development and/or construction management.
• Demonstrated experience managing multifamily, single-family, and land development projects.
• Strong understanding of project scheduling, budgeting, purchasing, and construction operations for multiple different construction types.
• Experience coordinating with municipalities and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, project management software, and construction scheduling platforms.
• Valid California driver's license and ability to regularly visit project sites.

Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Real Estate Development, Business, or related field.
• Experience with residential rental housing developments.
• Experience with construction financing and lender reporting.
• Knowledge of California building codes, entitlement processes, and contracting practices.
• Existing relationships within the Inland Empire development and construction community.

Personal Characteristics
• Entrepreneurial and self-motivated.
• Comfortable operating without large corporate support structures.
• Solutions-oriented and adaptable.
• Strong decision-maker with sound judgment.
• Able to communicate effectively with both field and executive personnel.
• Highly organized and accountable.
• Collaborative leadership style that inspires confidence and trust.
• Passionate about real estate development and construction.

Compensation
• Base Salary: $150,000 – $180,000 annually, depending upon experience.
• Performance Bonus: Target bonus opportunity of approximately 20% of base salary.
• Potential Project Participation: Opportunity for project-level profit participation or equity incentives based on performance and tenure.
• Benefits Package: To include health benefits, vehicle allowance, company technology, paid vacation, and other benefits commensurate with experience.

Location
Based in Southern California with regular travel to project sites throughout the Inland Empire and surrounding markets.