Construction Project Manager

Job Title: Construction Project Manager

Job Description

This role oversees multiple quick-service restaurant (QSR), retail, and light commercial construction projects across the Midwest from preconstruction through final closeout. The Construction Project Manager manages budgeting, bidding, scheduling, subcontractor coordination, and client communication while maintaining strong financial oversight and project documentation. The position offers a fast-paced yet laid-back, entrepreneurial environment where you own the full project lifecycle and enjoy significant autonomy without micromanagement, along with a healthy work-life balance and opportunities for professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple commercial construction projects simultaneously, including QSR, retail, and light commercial ground-up builds, from estimating and preconstruction through construction and final closeout.
• Own the full project lifecycle, rather than inheriting fully bought-out projects, by driving estimating, bidding, contract negotiation, budgeting, scheduling, and closeout activities.
• Coordinate and lead bid kickoff meetings, organize the bid process, and oversee the work of estimators, assistant project managers, and project coordinators.
• Manage approximately $5 million in active construction volume at any given time, typically including around three active ground-up projects.
• Develop, monitor, and maintain project budgets, including cost tracking, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring projects meet financial and schedule targets.
• Obtain and manage owner approvals, change orders, and other key project documentation, ensuring timely communication and alignment with client expectations.
• Draft, negotiate, and manage subcontracts, purchase orders, and related agreements to ensure clear scope, schedule, and cost expectations with trade partners.
• Maintain constant communication with superintendents, working as a collaborative team to address field issues, coordinate schedules, and ensure quality and safety on site.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors, fostering strong relationships and providing clear, timely updates.
• Use construction management software, including Procore and financial tools such as Spectrum or similar systems, to manage documentation, RFIs, submittals, and project financials.
• Ensure all closeout documentation, including warranties, as-builts, and final reports, is completed accurately and delivered on time.
• Adapt to a fast-paced commercial environment by prioritizing tasks, managing competing deadlines, and keeping multiple projects on track.
• Travel to project sites primarily via day trips, with occasional overnight stays as needed, while maintaining accessibility during normal business hours.
• Work collaboratively within a supportive back-office culture that emphasizes accountability, autonomy, and professional growth.
• Uphold all company policies and procedures, including compliance with required background and driving record checks, and represent the company professionally at all times.

Essential Skills

• Residence in Indiana or willingness to relocate, with the ability to work in-office for training and ongoing collaboration.
• At least 5 years of total experience in construction, including internships, with the ability to be 2-3 years post graduation if supported by relevant internship experience.
• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field strongly preferred, with a four-year degree preferred over a two-year degree.
• Proven experience as a true full-cycle Project Manager, owning projects from estimating and bidding through preconstruction, contracting, budgeting, owner approvals, construction, and closeout.
• Demonstrated experience managing $3-5 million or more in active construction volume at any given time, including multiple simultaneous ground-up projects.
• background in fast-paced commercial construction, particularly QSR, retail, or restaurant projects.
• Proficiency with Procore or the ability to learn it quickly, along with strong overall technology skills.
• Experience using construction financial tools such as Spectrum or similar accounting and project financial software.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with owners, architects, subcontractors, superintendents, and field labor at all levels.
• Ability to self-manage in a low-micromanagement environment, taking ownership of tasks and projects without requiring constant oversight.
• High level of adaptability and willingness to learn and follow established processes and methods used by the organization.
• Willingness to complete a criminal background check and driving record check as a condition of employment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ground-up construction experience, particularly in QSR, retail, or restaurant projects.
• Specific experience in quick-service restaurant (QSR) construction.
• Experience growing up in a construction-oriented environment, working in the field, and later obtaining a degree in a related discipline.
• General contractor background preferred over subcontractor experience, especially with exposure to preconstruction activities.
• Experience with fast-paced retail or strip center projects, even without QSR, is acceptable when the pace and complexity are comparable.
• Residential construction experience may be considered for the right candidate, although it is not preferred.
• Subcontractor background may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on overall experience and fit.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial, growth-oriented company with a sustained project backlog.
• Strong soft skills, including relationship building, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem solving.

Work Environment

The role operates in a hybrid environment with five days per week expected in-office once an office location is established, combined with regular travel to project sites across the Midwest. Initially, there is no fixed physical office, and the arrangement will be a hybrid situation as the office address is finalized. The work culture is fast-paced yet laid back, emphasizing autonomy, trust, and minimal micromanagement while maintaining accountability for results. Normal work-life balance is a core value, with an expectation of standard business hours rather than 60-70 hour workweeks, weekend work, or regular 12-hour days. Project Managers are expected to be accessible during business hours and to travel primarily via same-day trips, with occasional overnight stays supported by a per diem and company-paid lodging. The company provides a phone and laptop, and mileage is reimbursed from mobilization to demobilization, including travel from home to the job site and back. All holidays are paid, and downtime between jobs is also compensated. The environment is collaborative and entrepreneurial, with a strong backlog of work and a culture that rewards self-management, adaptability, and professional growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Little Rock, AR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $120000.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Little Rock,AR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.