Construction Manager – Custom Residential ADUs

CottageSmith

Construction Manager - Custom Residential ADUs

Location: North Atlanta, GA -- Field-based position serving active projects throughout North Atlanta and the surrounding metro area

Build Small Homes to an Exceptional Standard

CottageSmith is a family-owned, Atlanta-area design-build company specializing in custom accessory dwelling units, tiny homes, backyard cottages, pool houses, home offices, and other thoughtfully designed spaces. We guide homeowners through the complete process, from design and permitting to construction and final completion, while maintaining high standards for craftsmanship, communication, and client care.

CottageSmith is seeking an experienced Construction Manager to take ownership of the field execution of a small portfolio of custom ADU projects. You will manage projects from the start of construction through final closeout, maintaining the schedule, coordinating subcontractors, controlling quality, monitoring job costs, and serving as the primary on-site contact for clients, architects, and designers. This is a hands-on field leadership position for someone who understands high-end residential construction and knows how to identify problems before they affect the schedule, budget, or client experience. The successful candidate will be comfortable working with tighter tolerances, premium materials, detailed finishes, and clients who expect clear communication and a high level of service.

Key Responsibilities

• Review architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings before construction begins.
• Identify constructability concerns, drawing conflicts, and missing information early.
• Build, maintain, and regularly update detailed construction schedules.
• Coordinate permitting, inspections, trade sequencing, material availability, and site logistics.
• Conduct regular site walks and inspect subcontractor work against plans, specifications, and manufacturer requirements.
• Maintain an active punch list and resolve quality issues before work is covered or the project moves into its next phase.
• Hold subcontractors accountable for workmanship, scheduling, cleanliness, safety, and professional conduct.
• Coordinate all subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors working on active job sites.
• Resolve field conflicts directly while maintaining productive trade relationships.
• Track project costs against approved budgets and identify potential variances early.
• Document and price field-related change orders, including their scope, cost, and schedule impact.
• Lead client walkthroughs and progress meetings.
• Provide clients with honest, accurate, and timely project updates.
• Coordinate with architects and interior designers to resolve field questions and design decisions.
• Enforce company safety procedures and subcontractor compliance requirements.
• Maintain compliance with building codes, permits, inspections, and applicable environmental regulations.
• Keep project information current in Buildertrend, JobTread, spreadsheets, and other project-management tools.

Qualifications

• At least five years of residential field construction management experience.
• At least two to three years of experience managing high-end custom or luxury residential projects.
• Strong knowledge of framing, structural systems, building envelopes, mechanical systems, electrical systems, plumbing, and finish construction.
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain realistic construction schedules.
• Experience directing subcontractors and holding trades accountable for schedule and quality.
• Working knowledge of job costing, draw schedules, change orders, and budget tracking.
• Strong attention to detail and a genuine eye for luxury-grade finish work.
• Professional communication skills when working with homeowners, architects, designers, vendors, and trade partners.
• Ability to remain organized and levelheaded while solving field problems under pressure.
• Experience with Buildertrend, JobTread, or comparable construction-management software.
• Comfortable using plan-markup tools, mobile jobsite applications, Excel, and Google Sheets.
• Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline preferred; equivalent field and trade experience will also be considered.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred.
• General contractor license, or the ability to obtain one if required, is a plus.
• Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel daily between job sites.
• Candidates must be able to work safely on active construction sites in indoor and outdoor conditions, navigate uneven terrain, use ladders or scaffolding when necessary, remain on their feet for extended periods, and occasionally lift or carry up to 50 pounds.

Pay and Benefits

• Classification: This position will initially be engaged as a full-time 1099 independent contractor. 
• Annual contractor compensation: $90,000 - $120,000 per year, based on experience, estimating ability, and purchasing expertise.
• The company currently intends to transition this position to W-2 employment, with a target of Q4. The timing and availability of a W-2 transition are not guaranteed.
• Benefits are not provided during the 1099 contractor period. If the position transitions to W-2 employment, benefits and eligibility will be communicated based on the company's benefit plans in effect at that time.
• Company vehicle or mileage reimbursement for approved business travel.
• Opportunity to manage distinctive custom residential projects rather than repetitive production builds.
• Meaningful ownership of project schedules, field quality, subcontractor performance, and the homeowner experience.
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, with occasional early morning, evening, or weekend work as project schedules require. 

Why CottageSmith?

CottageSmith creates more than additional square footage; we build thoughtfully designed spaces that help families remain close, create independence, generate income, and make better use of their properties. You will join a growing, family-owned company focused exclusively on custom ADUs and small-footprint residential construction. This role offers the opportunity to influence how projects are delivered, build lasting relationships with quality trade partners, and take pride in craftsmanship clients can see in every detail. At CottageSmith, your leadership in the field will directly shape both the finished home and the homeowner's experience.

CottageSmith is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.