Construction Project Manager

Job Title: Construction Project Manager Job Description The Construction Project Manager oversees multiple commercial construction projects, with a focus on quick-service restaurant, retail, and light commercial work throughout the Midwest. This role manages the full project lifecycle from estimating and bidding through preconstruction, contracts, budgets, owner approvals, construction, and closeout. The position is ideal for a highly organized, technology-proficient professional who thrives in a fast-paced yet laid-back environment, values autonomy, and can effectively communicate with owners, architects, subcontractors, and field teams while managing $3-5M or more in active construction volume. Responsibilities * Lead and own the full lifecycle of commercial construction projects, from initial estimating and bidding through preconstruction, contract execution, construction management, and final closeout. * Coordinate and manage budgeting activities, including developing, tracking, and maintaining project budgets for approximately $5M in active construction at any given time. * Organize and oversee the bid process, including leading bid kickoff meetings, coordinating with estimators, and ensuring accurate and competitive proposals. * Manage and mentor assistant project managers and project coordinators, providing guidance and oversight while maintaining a collaborative, non-hierarchical team dynamic with superintendents. * Maintain constant communication with superintendents in the field, operating as a team to ensure schedules, quality standards, and safety expectations are met across all active ground-up projects. * Handle owner communications, including obtaining approvals, providing regular project updates, addressing concerns, and building strong long-term client relationships. * Administer subcontractor relationships, including drafting and managing subcontracts, monitoring performance, and ensuring compliance with project specifications and timelines. * Oversee and maintain project documentation, including contracts, change orders, RFIs, closeout documentation, and other records within construction management software such as Procore. * Use financial tools (such as Spectrum or similar software) to track project financials, monitor costs, manage billing, and support accurate reporting and forecasting. * Ensure projects are executed according to design documents, specifications, and quality standards, particularly for fast-paced commercial environments such as QSR, retail, and restaurant construction. * Plan and manage day trips to job sites, with occasional overnight travel as needed, maintaining accessibility during business hours and supporting field operations. * Adapt to company processes and standards, learning and applying established methods while contributing to a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture. * Balance multiple concurrent projects, typically around three active ground-up builds plus preconstruction and closeout work, while maintaining organized workflows and meeting deadlines. * Support preconstruction efforts, including early budgeting, scheduling input, and constructability reviews for upcoming commercial projects. * Uphold professional standards and comply with background and driving record requirements, representing the company positively with clients, partners, and field teams. Essential Skills * Approximately 5 years of total construction experience, including internships, with at least 2-3 years of post-graduation project management responsibility. * Demonstrated experience as a true full-cycle Project Manager, owning projects from estimating and bidding through preconstruction, contracts, budgets, owner approvals, construction, and closeout, rather than inheriting fully bought-out projects. * Proven ability to manage $3-5M or more in active construction volume at any given time, typically involving multiple simultaneous ground-up projects. * Strong background in fast-paced commercial construction, particularly in quick-service restaurant, retail, or restaurant projects. * Proficiency with construction management software, specifically Procore, or the ability to learn it quickly and work comfortably with technology. * Experience using financial tools such as Spectrum or similar accounting and project financial software to manage budgets, costs, and billing. * Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with owners, architects, subcontractors, superintendents, and field labor at all levels. * Ability to self-manage in a low-micromanagement environment, taking ownership of responsibilities and driving projects forward independently. * Adaptability and willingness to learn and follow established company processes and standards. * Residency in Indiana or willingness to relocate, with the ability to work in-office as preferred for training and collaboration. * Successful completion of a criminal background check and driving record review as part of employment requirements. Additional Skills & Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field is strongly preferred, with a four-year degree favored over a two-year degree. * Ground-up construction experience is highly desirable, especially managing multiple ground-up projects simultaneously. * Specific experience in quick-service restaurant (QSR) construction is a strong plus. * Experience in a general contractor environment is preferred over subcontractor-only backgrounds. * Preconstruction experience, including early budgeting, scheduling input, and coordination, is beneficial. * background in construction from an early stage, such as growing up in a construction family or working in the field prior to earning a degree, is viewed favorably. * Fast-paced retail or strip center construction experience, even without QSR, is acceptable for candidates with strong commercial backgrounds. * Residential construction experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis for the right candidate. * Subcontractor experience may be considered, though general contractor experience is preferred. * Strong soft skills, including relationship-building, problem-solving, and the ability to work collaboratively in an entrepreneurial, team-oriented environment. Work Environment The role operates in a fast-paced yet laid-back commercial construction environment with a strong emphasis on autonomy, collaboration, and work-life balance. The position is based in Little Rock, AR, with five days per week expected in an office setting and regular travel to project sites. Initially, the office arrangement is hybrid while a permanent office location is finalized, with potential offices under consideration in the Northern Little Rock area and surrounding regions. Normal work-life balance is a core part of the culture, with an expectation of standard business hours rather than extended 60-70 hour weeks, and no routine weekend or 12-hour day requirements. The Project Manager primarily undertakes day trips to job sites, with occasional overnight travel supported by a per diem and company-paid lodging via hotel or Airbnb. All mileage from mobilization to demobilization is reimbursed at a set rate per mile from the time the employee leaves home until returning. The company provides a phone and laptop, along with mileage reimbursement and per diem for travel, and downtime between projects is paid. Construction management software such as Procore and financial tools like Spectrum or similar platforms are used daily, supporting a modern, technology-forward work environment that values efficiency, transparency, and employee autonomy. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Little Rock, AR. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $120000.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Little Rock,AR. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.