Description

The Construction Manager is responsible for leading all projects during the active construction phase through final completion, turnover, and closeout. This role serves as the primary field and execution authority, ensuring that all projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with design intent, brand standards, and quality expectations.

This position operates as the direct counterpart to the Preconstruction Manager and assumes full ownership of projects once they transition from design and pricing into construction execution. The Construction Manager is accountable for contractor performance, site coordination, schedule enforcement, and issue resolution across multiple active projects within higher education and private education food service environments.

This is a high-level position, fast-paced, and requires a high level of skill and organization. Only highly qualified individuals with proficient experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Project Execution & Oversight
• Assume full ownership of projects at turnover from Preconstruction
• Manage all phases from mobilization through substantial completion and final closeout
• Ensure alignment with contract documents, drawings, and specifications
• Maintain and enforce project schedules, identifying and mitigating delays
• Enforce strict quality control across all trades and installations

Contractor & Vendor Management
• Serve as the primary point of contact for General Contractors and subcontractors
• Lead weekly OAC meetings with clear documentation
• Hold contractors accountable for schedule, manpower, sequencing, and workmanship
• Review contractor schedules and validate feasibility
• Coordinate procurement and installation of FFE and specialty items

Site Coordination & Field Leadership
• Conduct regular site visits and field inspections
• Identify and resolve field conflicts and constructability issues in real time
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and site logistics
• Coordinate phasing for projects in active facilities

Submittals, RFIs, and Change Management
• Manage the submittal process during construction
• Ensure timely review and return of submittals
• Oversee the RFI process and ensure clarity and completeness
• Evaluate and validate change orders
• Maintain full change tracking logs

Budget & Cost Control
• Track costs against approved budgets
• Review and validate contractor pay applications
• Identify cost risks and mitigate proactively
• Coordinate cost impacts with the Preconstruction Manager

Project Closeout & Turnover
• Lead the punchlist process through completion
• Ensure all closeout documents are received (OM manuals, warranties, as-builts)
• Coordinate inspections and approvals
• Oversee turnover to the client and stakeholders

Qualifications
• 7-10+ years commercial construction management experience
• Strong experience with interior renovations and active environments
• Food service or institutional experience preferred
• Deep understanding of construction documents and coordination
• Strong knowledge of submittals, RFIs, and change orders
• Proficiency in project management software
• Excellent communication and leadership skills

Core Competencies
• Schedule Management and Recovery Planning
• Field Coordination and Conflict Resolution
• Contractor Accountability
• Quality Control and Detail Orientation
• Budget Oversight
• Decision-Making Under Pressure

Success Metrics
• Projects delivered on schedule and within budget
• Minimal change order exposure
• High-quality installations aligned with design intent
• Timely submittal and RFI processing
• Complete and clean closeouts