Construction Project Manager

Construction Project Manager – Specialty Retail

Indianapolis, IN

Job Description

This role focuses on managing specialty retail construction projects, including big-box anchors, junior anchors, restaurants, theaters, and other retail developments. The Construction Project Manager oversees the full lifecycle of tenant design and construction, ensuring projects open on time, remain within budget, and comply with both tenant and landlord design standards. The position manages landlord work obligations defined in executed leases and coordinates multiple projects across various retail centers simultaneously, working closely with internal teams and external partners to deliver high-end retail construction projects.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with developers during the initial planning stages to align site planning with tenant criteria and project goals.
• Contribute to site planning, including preliminary budgeting and scheduling for specialty retail projects.
• Define and manage project scope, timelines, and budgets in coordination with architects, engineers, contractors, and mall operations teams.
• Coordinate all phases of project planning and execution to ensure timely and successful tenant store openings.
• Negotiate tenant lease criteria and prototypical work exhibits in collaboration with Legal and Development teams.
• Review and approve landlord construction documents, contracts, and budgets to ensure accuracy, feasibility, and compliance with lease terms.
• Monitor tenant review and approval processes for landlord documents to keep projects moving on schedule.
• Ensure compliance with project schedules and construction specifications throughout the construction phase.
• Manage tenant turnover and delivery of premises, ensuring that spaces are turned over in accordance with lease requirements.
• Oversee formal lease notifications, documentation, and project closeout procedures for each assigned project.
• Maintain and fulfill landlord construction responsibilities as defined in executed leases for each tenant.
• Track and report project milestones, key deliverables, and budget revisions to stakeholders.
• Manage multiple projects with annual budgets ranging from $5M to $25M, maintaining strong cost control and financial oversight.
• Attend project meetings with internal and external stakeholders to review progress, resolve issues, and align expectations.
• Review architectural and engineering drawings to determine scope of work and identify potential design or constructability issues.
• Perform additional duties related to construction project management as assigned by leadership to support overall development objectives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in cost estimating, preconstruction, or retail construction management.
• Strong knowledge of construction processes, including site work, structural systems, mechanical systems, and electrical systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word for documentation and reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for budgeting, cost tracking, and data analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project for scheduling and project timeline management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook for professional communication and coordination.
• Demonstrated experience in retail construction, including specialty and high-end retail projects.
• Experience in construction estimating and cost control.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills to evaluate options and resolve project issues.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced project environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective interaction with tenants, consultants, contractors, and internal teams.
• Comfort with emerging technology and software tools used in construction and project management.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on specialty retail projects such as big-box anchors, junior anchors, restaurants, and theaters.
• Experience in high-end retail construction environments.
• Familiarity with lease-driven construction obligations and coordination of landlord and tenant work.
• Ability to interpret and negotiate lease criteria and technical work exhibits.
• Experience coordinating with mall operations and multi-tenant retail center environments.

Work Environment

The role operates in a professional construction and development environment focused on high-end and specialty retail projects. The Construction Project Manager works closely with developers, legal teams, architects, engineers, contractors, and mall operations staff, often managing several projects across multiple retail centers at the same time. The position involves frequent use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, and Outlook, as well as other emerging construction and project management technologies. Work typically includes a mix of office-based planning, budgeting, and documentation, along with on-site meetings and walkthroughs at retail construction sites. The environment emphasizes collaboration, clear communication, and adherence to project schedules and budgets while delivering high-quality retail spaces.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $175000.00/yr.

401k Health Dental Retirement

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.