Senior Project Manager [Commercial Construction]

About the role

The Senior Project Manager owns the full delivery of TEEL's larger and more complex projects, from preconstruction handoff through closeout and warranty. The role carries complete accountability for safety, schedule, cost, quality and the client relationship on every assigned project. A Senior Project Manager typically runs several concurrent projects or one landmark project, often fast-tracked and in occupied or operating facilities. The role also leads and develops the project team and serves as a senior voice in how Project Operations improves its processes.

Responsibilities

• Preconstruction and project startup
  • Lead the handoff from Preconstruction: review the estimate, scope, clarifications, contract and schedule assumptions before mobilization.
  • Support pursuits and negotiated work with constructability reviews, budget input, logistics planning and client interviews.
  • Write and execute the buyout plan: scope trade packages, level bids, negotiate and award subcontracts and purchase orders.
  • Build the baseline schedule, site logistics plan and project execution plan with the Superintendent.
  • Identify long-lead materials and equipment early and release them to protect the schedule.
• Contract and financial management
  • Negotiate and administer the prime contract and all subcontracts; understand and manage contractual risk.
  • Own the project budget: maintain cost-to-complete forecasts and report projected margin accurately each month.
  • Price, negotiate and document change orders promptly with owners and trade partners.
  • Prepare owner pay applications, approve subcontractor billings and manage cash flow, lien waivers and retainage.
  • Flag cost, schedule and contract exposure to the Project Executive and Director of Project Operations early, with a recovery plan.
• Schedule and project execution
  • Maintain and update the project schedule; drive three-week look-aheads with the Superintendent.
  • Run owner-architect-contractor meetings and trade partner coordination meetings; issue clear minutes and action items.
  • Oversee submittals, RFIs, procurement logs and document control so the field always builds from current information.
  • Manage permitting, inspections and coordination with landlords, utilities and authorities having jurisdiction.
  • Anticipate conflicts and resolve them before they affect the field.
• Safety and quality
  • Champion TEEL's safety program; partner with the Superintendent and Safety to plan high-risk work and enforce compliance.
  • Set quality expectations at preconstruction meetings, first-work inspections and mock-ups.
  • Drive the Zero Punch List standard: quality is verified as work is installed, not at the end.
• Client and partner relationships
  • Serve as the client's primary point of contact and trusted advisor throughout the project.
  • Communicate proactively and honestly on cost, schedule and risk.
  • Build durable relationships with architects, engineers and trade partners that earn repeat and referral work.
  • Identify and support new opportunities with existing and prospective clients.
• Team leadership and development
  • Direct the day-to-day work of Project Managers, Assistant Project Managers and Project Engineers.
  • Mentor and coach team members; contribute to performance reviews and development plans.
  • Model TEEL's "Built to Serve" culture in every interaction.
  • Help refine standard operating procedures, tools and training within Project Operations.
• Closeout
  • Deliver a complete turnover: certificate of occupancy, as-builts, O&M manuals, warranties, attic stock and owner training.
  • Close out all subcontracts and final billing, and collect retainage promptly.
  • Lead lessons-learned reviews and manage warranty items through the warranty period.

Qualifications

Required

• 10 or more years of commercial construction experience with a general contractor, including at least 5 years as a Project Manager.
• A record of delivering multiple concurrent projects on schedule and at or above budgeted margin.
• Experience in at least two of TEEL's core sectors: base building, grocery, corporate interiors, retail, restaurant, hospitality, country club or airport work.
• Full command of project financials: buyout, cost forecasting, change management, billing and closeout.
• Working knowledge of prime contract and subcontract forms, including AIA documents, GMP, lump sum, Stipulated Sum, and cost-plus delivery.
• Proficiency with project management software (Procore or similar), scheduling software (Microsoft Project or Primavera P6) and Microsoft 365.
• Experience leading and developing project staff.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to travel to job sites.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in the Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. market, with established trade partner, client, and design relationships.
• Fast-track and occupied-facility experience, including work in operating retail centers, airports or multi-site rollout programs.
• Design-build project experience.
• OSHA 30-Hour certification; current First Aid and CPR.

Skills and Competencies

• Ownership: treats every project's outcome as a personal commitment and follows through without being chased.
• Client focus: listens well, communicates early and plainly, and builds trust that lasts beyond the project.
• Financial judgment: reads a job cost report quickly and forecasts with accuracy, not optimism.
• Leadership: sets clear expectations, delegates with intent and develops the people on the team.
• Problem solving: stays calm under schedule pressure and brings solutions, not just issues.
• Negotiation: reaches fair, durable agreements with owners and trade partners.
• Organization: manages competing priorities across several projects without dropping details.
• Communication: writes and speaks clearly with executives, clients, design teams and field crews.

Skills and Software

• Organized and detail-oriented, with the discipline to keep several logs current at once.
• Clear written and verbal communication with designers, subcontractors, and field crews.
• Comfortable raising problems early and following an open item through to closure.
• Vast understanding of construction means and methods, sequencing, and trade scopes.
• Project management software: Procore
• Drawing tools: Bluebeam Revu
• Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is split between a jobsite trailer or field office and the main office; expect 50% or more of time on active construction sites. Exposure to weather, noise, dust, uneven surfaces, and work at heights. Must be able to walk and stand for extended periods, climb ladders, stairs, and scaffolding, and lift up to 40 pounds. Required personal protective equipment must be worn on site at all times. Hours follow the project schedule and may include early starts, occasional evenings, or weekends at critical milestones. Travel between local project sites is required; overnight travel is not expected.

Measures of Success

• Safety: zero recordable incidents on assigned projects.
• Schedule: substantial completion on or ahead of the contract date.