Uprite Construction is seeking an experienced Project Manager with a strong background in Early Education construction to join our Phoenix, Arizona team.
This role is well suited for a Project Manager who has worked within a Special Projects Group, tenant improvement division, or fast paced interiors team and understands how to manage multiple projects with tight schedules, detailed scopes, and demanding client expectations.
The Project Manager will lead childcare centers, preschools, Montessori schools, early learning facilities, and similar education projects from preconstruction through closeout. Estimating and preconstruction experience is a strong plus.
What You'll Do: - Manage Early Education projects from preconstruction through final completion
- Lead multiple tenant improvement, renovation, and special projects at various stages
- Manage project planning, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, and closeout
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, architects, consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams
- Partner closely with Superintendents to ensure successful field execution
- Manage project budgets, forecasts, billing, cost reports, and overall financial performance
- Review plans and specifications for scope gaps, constructability concerns, scheduling risks, and value engineering opportunities
- Lead subcontractor bidding, scope reviews, buyout, contract administration, and performance management
- Oversee RFIs, submittals, change orders, procurement logs, meeting minutes, and project documentation
- Coordinate permitting, inspections, utility providers, and local agencies
- Maintain aggressive project schedules and implement corrective action when needed
- Manage projects within occupied facilities while minimizing disruption to students, families, teachers, and staff
- Build strong client relationships and support repeat business opportunities
- Assist with conceptual estimating, budgeting, subcontractor outreach, and value engineering
- Support project pursuits, proposals, interviews, and client presentations
What You'll Bring: - At least seven years of commercial construction project management experience
- Experience within a Special Projects Group, tenant improvement division, or interiors team is strongly preferred
- Direct experience managing Early Education projects is highly desirable
- Experience with childcare centers, preschools, Montessori schools, private schools, or early learning facilities is preferred
- Proven ability to manage multiple small to midsized projects simultaneously
- Experience with tenant improvements, renovations, occupied spaces, and fast track schedules
- Strong understanding of construction contracts, scheduling, cost control, procurement, and project financials
- Familiarity with California building codes, permitting, and inspection requirements
- Estimating or preconstruction experience is highly preferred
- Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work effectively in a fast paced and client focused environment
- Proficiency with Procore, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, and Microsoft Office
- Bachelor's degree in construction management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred
