Construction Manager
iLearn Schools · Fair Lawn, NJ · 2 wk ago
Management$100k/yrFull-time
About the role
The Construction Manager at iLearn Schools is responsible for overseeing all aspects of construction projects, including estimating, test-fit drawings, permitting, bidding and procurement, scheduling, coordination, hiring, budgeting, and inspections. This role also serves as the senior leader of the Maintenance Division, which is organized into two divisions: General Maintenance and Engineering.
Responsibilities
- Estimating and Preconstruction
- Prepare, review, and validate detailed cost estimates and budgets for remodeling and construction projects.
- Develop scopes of work, quantity takeoffs, and material/labor pricing to establish accurate project budgets and contingencies.
- Lead value engineering and cost-saving analysis to optimize project scope while maintaining quality, safety, and educational requirements.
- Solicit, level, and analyze competitive bids and proposals; compare contractor pricing to independent estimates to ensure fair and competitive costs.
- Develop and maintain master project schedules, identifying the critical path, milestones, long-lead items, and phasing around the academic calendar.
- Contractor Coordination and Procurement
- Directly source, prequalify, and hire contractors, subcontractors, and vendors – building and managing a reliable network of trade partners.
- Prepare and issue bid packages, requests for proposals (RFPs), and purchase orders; negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms.
- Serve as the primary point of contact coordinating all contractors and subcontractors on site, sequencing trades and resolving conflicts to keep work on schedule.
- Manage submittals, requests for information (RFIs), and shop drawings, ensuring timely responses and alignment with project documents.
- Project Planning and Execution
- Lead the development of test-fit drawings and project plans in collaboration with architects, engineers, landlords, and other stakeholders.
- Obtain necessary permits and approvals from local authorities to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations.
- Cookordinate with contractors, subcontractors, and vendors to schedule and execute construction activities according to project timelines.
- Oversee site safety, regulatory compliance, and adherence to OSHA and local requirements across all active job sites.
- Manage project closeout, including punch lists, final inspections, warranties, as-built documentation, and turnover of facilities to operations.
- Maintenance Division Leadership
- Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the Maintenance Division, encompassing both the General Maintenance and Engineering divisions.
- Directly supervise the Maintenance Managers, setting goals, reviewing performance, and supporting their professional development.
- Establish and oversee preventive maintenance programs to maximize the lifespan and reliability of building systems, equipment, and facilities.
- Ensure timely response to maintenance requests, service interruptions, and emergency repairs across all campuses.
- Cookordinate maintenance activities with construction and remodeling projects to minimize disruption to school operations.
- Oversee compliance with health, safety, environmental, and building-system regulations (including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and life-safety systems).
- Hiring and Team Management
- Recruit, hire, and onboard construction and maintenance teams, to support project and facilities objectives.
- Provide leadership and direction to project teams and division managers, ensuring clear communication and alignment with organizational goals and expectations.
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that promotes teamwork and accountability among project stakeholders and maintenance staff.
- Budgeting and Financial Management
- Develop and manage construction and maintenance budgets, tracking expenses and ensuring cost-effectiveness throughout each project and operating cycle.
- Monitor financial performance against budget projections, identifying variances and implementing corrective actions as needed.
- Negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors and suppliers to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
- Inspections and Quality Assurance
- Conduct regular inspections and quality assurance checks to ensure that construction and maintenance work meets quality standards and specifications.
- Address any issues or deficiencies identified during inspections, coordinating with relevant parties to implement corrective measures promptly.
- Maintain detailed documentation, including progress reports, change orders, maintenance logs, and inspection records, to support accountability and transparency.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Facilities Management, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in construction project management, with a proven track record of successfully managing mid and large-scale remodeling projects.
- Strong estimating experience, including cost estimating, quantity takeoffs, bid leveling, and value engineering on projects exceeding one million dollars.
- Demonstrated experience directly hiring, contracting, and coordinating contractors and subcontractors as an owner's representative.
- Demonstrated experience leading facilities maintenance and/or engineering operations, including supervising managers or skilled trades teams.
- Strong technical knowledge of construction and building-systems principles, practices, and techniques, including test-fit drawings, permitting processes, and inspections.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple teams, negotiate contracts, and build relationships with stakeholders.
- Proficiency in project management and estimating/scheduling software and tools, as well as Microsoft Office Suite.
- Familiarity with prevailing wage regulations and compliance requirements for public construction projects.
Pay
$100,000 - $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions to support long-term financial security.
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance coverage for employees and their families, promoting health and wellness.