Construction Senior Project Manager

At Gardner, commercial construction should feel as welcoming as it is professional. That's why we don't just build construction projects; we build relationships, rooted in hospitality. Our mission is to set the platinum standard for our clients, partners, and team members by delivering exceptional results while embodying our core values: passion, humility, excellence, empathy, and nimbleness. We bring a hospitality-driven approach to every project, ensuring every interaction is thoughtful, responsive, and human-centered.

As Senior Project Manager, you may work across any of our market focuses, including Healthcare, Commercial Interiors, Industrial, Higher Education, Historical/Repositioning, Mission-Critical, and/or Life Sciences.

Who You Are

You're a seasoned leader who thrives in complex, high-stakes environments where relationships and results carry equal weight. You're motivated, proactive, and adaptable, with a proven track record of delivering commercial construction projects at scale. As a leader, you set the tone for your team. You're clear in your expectations, steady under pressure, and generous in giving credit where it's due. You know how to inspire people to perform at their best by building trust, creating clarity, and fostering accountability. Your leadership isn't just about managing projects; it's about developing people, elevating teams, and shaping a culture where hospitality and excellence go hand in hand. Clients look to you as a trusted advisor, and your team looks to you for mentorship and direction. Above all, you embody Gardner's hospitality-driven approach, ensuring that every interaction is thoughtful, responsive, and people-centered.

You have strong roots in the Wisconsin construction community and understand the people, pace, and partnerships that make this market unique. You've built trusted relationships with local clients, designers, and trade partners, and you're excited to continue growing those connections with Gardner Builders. Ideally, you bring a network of relationships that could lead to future project opportunities.

How You'll Contribute

Client Partnership

• Lead multiple commercial construction projects where you're accountable for success across scope, schedule, budget, and quality.

• Cultivate strong, trust-based client relationships, serving as a liaison and advisor throughout the project lifecycle.
• Represent Gardner's mission and vision in proposal presentations, interviews, and industry events.
• Generate new business opportunities by leveraging relationships with owners and the design community.

Project + Financial Oversight

• Oversee project contracts, risk management, and financial performance with a focus on accuracy, profitability, and strategic growth.
• Manage bidding, estimating, forecasting, change orders, pay applications, and trade partner invoicing.
• Quickly and professionally resolve challenges, mobilizing resources and aligning teams toward solutions.

Execution + Closeout

• Guide project teams through all construction phases, ensuring communication, collaboration, and accountability.
• Lead project and procurement meetings to maintain alignment with clients, designers, and trade partners.
• Drive project closeout, including punch list oversight, final billings, and completion of closeout checklists.
• Contribute to long-term strategies for Gardner's growth in the Mission Critical market.

What Success Looks Like

You'll know you're succeeding when:

• Your projects consistently deliver on schedule, budget, and quality, earning repeat business from clients.
• Clients see you as a trusted advisor, turning to you not only for project execution but also for strategic partnership.
• You anticipate risks before they become problems and guide your team to solutions with confidence and composure.
• You help Gardner strengthen its reputation as a platinum standard partner in the Milwaukee market.
• You contribute to the growth of the business by opening doors to new relationships, markets, and project opportunities.

What You'll Bring

• 8+ years of progressive experience as a Senior Project Manager or Project Manager leading commercial construction projects with a general contractor.
• Bachelor's degree in construction management or engineering (or related field), or equivalent experience. A bachelor's degree in construction management is a bonus.
• Working knowledge of general contracting and project lifecycle management.
• Strong financial and business acumen, with the ability to confidently manage budgets, forecasting, and cost reporting.
• Skilled in estimating and technical writing, with a sharp attention to detail.
• Strong communicator, able to clearly convey information in verbal, written, and visual formats.
• A collaborative and humble approach, with a focus on finding solutions and supporting the team.
• Proficiency in construction management and scheduling tools such as Procore, Microsoft Project, Outbuild, and Bluebeam.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and adaptable, with an ability to stay one step ahead and pivot with purpose when needed.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a team-first mindset and a strong sense of accountability.
• Comfortable working with Apple devices and Google Workspace (or ability to learn).
• Valid driver's license and the ability to maintain a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record.

What Will Set You Apart

• A hospitality-first leadership style, combining technical expertise with empathy and trust-building.
• Exceptional financial and business acumen, with expertise in forecasting, reporting, and risk management.
• Knowledge of sustainable building practices (ex: LEED, WELL, Living Building Challenge).

Why Join Gardner Builders?

We are proud to be recognized as:

• 7-Time "Best Places to Work" by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
• 6-Time "Top 150 Workplaces" by Minneapolis Star Tribune
• #1 Top Workplace in Construction by Star Tribune (2023)
• 4-Time "Best Workplace" by Inc Magazine
• "Best Places to Work" by Milwaukee Business Journal

Our culture-first approach fosters personal and professional growth, an EOS-led structure, and a commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, challenged, and enjoys coming to work.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual Salary: $125,000 - $160,000 annual salary (paid weekly) + discretionary bonus.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, HSA with employer contribution, and 401 (k) plan with employer contribution.
• Ancillary Benefits: Company-paid basic life & AD&D insurance, company-paid long-term disability, company-paid employee assistance program, accident insurance, and critical illness insurance.
• Perks: Monthly auto allowance, paid parking or public transportation costs, company-provided phone and laptop.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sabbatical leave, paid bereavement leave, paid parental leave, free onsite fitness facility, and regular company and team outings.

Interview Process

Our process typically includes three conversations (phone and in-person) to ensure a mutual fit.

Pre-Employment Screening

Drug screen and background check required.

Other Items to Note

• Gardner reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation for unwanted solicitations. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement.
• Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

• We are only considering local candidates at this time. We are unable to provide relocation assistance at this time.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This is an in-person position, located at our office in downtown Milwaukee, with most of your time spent in an office setting, collaborating with teammates, and working on a computer. You'll also visit active job sites to stay connected with the work in the field. That may include walking on uneven ground, being outdoors in changing weather, or stepping into areas with dust or noise. You'll also travel to client sites, conferences, and other business meetings. The role involves typical office activities such as typing, writing, and sitting for stretches of time during meetings or travel. Occasionally, you may need to move light materials or equipment (up to about 20 pounds). We are committed to supporting individuals with disabilities and can provide reasonable accommodations to help you perform at your best.