Senior Project Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Project Manager (SPM) serves as a lead Owner's Representative on large-scale and complex real estate development projects, acting as the primary point of accountability for scope, schedule, budget, and quality on behalf of the ownership entity. The SPM manages the full project lifecycle from pre-development and entitlements through design, construction, and close-out, and is expected to oversee multiple concurrent projects of significant scale and complexity.

In addition to direct project accountability, the Senior PM provides mentorship and oversight to Project Managers and Assistant Project Managers on the team. This individual operates with a high degree of autonomy, exercises senior-level judgment on project risk and strategy, and serves as a key point of contact with ownership, lenders, and executive leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

PRE-DEVELOPMENT & ENTITLEMENTS

  • Lead due diligence efforts on complex projects including feasibility studies, zoning analysis, and site assessments
  • Direct entitlement strategies and manage multi-agency approval processes including rezoning, variances, and site plan approvals
  • Manage relationships with land use counsel, civil engineers, and municipal authorities at a senior level
  • Lead development and maintenance of project pro formas in collaboration with the finance team; identify value-enhancement opportunities

DESIGN MANAGEMENT

  • Procure and manage design professionals across all disciplines: architect, MEP, structural, civil, and landscape
  • Lead design review at all project phases; align design intent with ownership objectives and project economics
  • Manage design schedules across multiple concurrent projects to ensure permitting and construction milestones are met
  • Review and gain approval from ownership on design documents at all phases: SD, DD, CD, and permit sets

PROCUREMENT & CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

  • Lead GC and major consultant selection processes including RFP preparation, bid leveling, interview, and award recommendation
  • Negotiate and administer prime contracts across complex structures including GMP, lump sum, CM at-risk, and design-build
  • Review and approve subcontract packages in coordination with the GC; advise on risk allocation and scope gaps
  • Manage owner-direct vendor contracts: FF&E, technology, specialty consultants, and long-lead procurement
  • Familiarity with CCIP/OCIP owner-controlled or contractor-controlled insurance programs

CONSTRUCTION OVERSIGHT

  • Represent owner interests at all OAC meetings across multiple active projects; maintain meeting minutes and action logs
  • Review and approve monthly pay applications, change orders, and schedules of values; identify irregularities and escalate as needed
  • Monitor construction progress against baseline schedule across all projects; develop and implement delay mitigation strategies
  • Direct quality control programs and conduct regular site inspections
  • Manage RFI and submittal logs; facilitate design team responses and resolve disputes between parties
  • Oversee owner-furnished items, FF&E installation, and move management coordination

BUDGET & FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT

  • Maintain and update total project cost reports covering hard cost, soft cost, and owner contingency during the full lifecycle of each project
  • Review change orders for entitlement, scope justification, and cost reasonableness; lead negotiations with GC on disputed items
  • Track committed costs, forecasted final cost, and exposure items across multiple projects
  • Prepare and present monthly ownership reports with cost, schedule, and risk summaries to executive leadership
  • Lead lender coordination and facilitate construction draw disbursements; manage lender inspector relationships

PROJECT CLOSE-OUT

  • Direct punch list process across projects through substantial completion and final completion
  • Manage Certificate of Occupancy, TCO, and all regulatory sign-offs at a senior level
  • Oversee commissioning programs, systems training, and warranty documentation
  • Ensure delivery of complete and organized close-out documentation packages: as-builts, O&M manuals, warranties, and attic stock
  • Manage contractor warranty period and resolve deficiencies; protect owner's contractual rights

TEAM LEADERSHIP

  • Mentor and provide day-to-day guidance to Project Managers and Assistant Project Managers
  • Review work product of junior team members and ensure adherence to company standards and processes
  • Assist leadership in developing project management tools, templates, and best practices
  • Participate in business development activities including pursuit strategy, proposals, and client presentations as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related field required; Master's degree a plus
  • Minimum 12-15 years of project management experience with a General Contractor, owner-side, or owner's representative firm
  • Proven track record managing ground-up projects $90M+ in total project cost; mixed-use, multifamily, commercial, or hospitality experience preferred
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple simultaneous projects and leading junior project staff

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • Expert proficiency in project management platforms: Procore, MS Project, Primavera P6, or equivalent
  • Deep working knowledge of contract structures: GMP, lump sum, CM at-risk, and design-build
  • Experience with CCIP/OCIP owner-controlled or contractor-controlled insurance programs
  • Advanced ability to read, interpret, and critically evaluate construction documents, specifications, and civil/survey drawings
  • Working knowledge of contract documents and standard industry close-out protocols

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Exceptional organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
  • Expert-level negotiation and conflict resolution in high-stakes environments
  • Polished written and verbal communication; experienced in presenting to executive leadership, ownership groups, and lenders
  • High degree of financial acumen; able to identify project risk, manage contingency, and advise on pro forma impacts
  • Ownership mindset: acts decisively, escalates appropriately, mentors others, and consistently protects owner interests

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

  • Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
  • Competitive benefits package

HOW TO APPLY

Email your resume and cover letter to ORamirez@squareedgeinc.com