Principal Project Manager, Airport Lounge Special Projects Construction Manager

Capital One•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Principal Project Manager, Airport Lounge Special Projects Construction Manager The Airport Lounge Design & Construction team is seeking a Special Projects Construction Manager to lead the capital improvement and strategic renovation strategy for our rapidly expanding network of lounges. You will be joining a dynamic, highly skilled, and forward-thinking team that you will need to complement and challenge. The ideal candidate will have experience in hospitality and retail construction, strong technical knowledge of building systems, and proven ability to coordinate with Architects/Engineers, Code Officials, and General Contractors. Airport/aviation experience preferred. Unlike a traditional Construction Manager role, which focuses on ground-up new builds, this position is the steward of our existing portfolio. You will not only project manage complex renovations such as MEP infrastructure upgrades, architectural refreshes, and "Day 2" scope but you will also serve as the Program Manager for the entire Special Projects lifecycle. You will own the governance of the "Special Projects SOP," acting as the strategic filter between operations and the Design & Construction team. You will determine which requests require SME support versus routine maintenance, and you will lead the cross-functional teams required to execute them without disrupting daily operations. This position will report to the Airport Lounge Construction Project Manager and will interact with senior leadership within the organization. Capital One provides a fast paced, dynamic environment where you can excel in your career. At Capital One, diversity, inclusion & belonging are valued at our core, sparking and enabling us to do good for our associates, customers and communities. Guided by our shared values, we thrive in an environment where collaboration and openness are valued. We nurture an environment that attracts and develops talent from all backgrounds and experiences, and empower our associates to do great work by creating a culture of belonging that values diverse perspectives, fosters collaboration and encourages innovative ideas – and are routinely recognized as one of the best companies to work for. A great candidate will have: Ability to confidently and clearly communicate project progress/milestones to the leadership team and cross-functional stakeholders. Solutions driven, with the ability to anticipate problems and proactively present multiple solutions to different audiences and drive consensus across teams. Understanding of construction means and methods, cost, and milestones. Proficiency in construction drawing, documentation and oversight Work on complex, cross-departmental projects that have a direct impact on the customer and company

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) Engineering, or Architecture
At least 5 years of experience in Construction Project Management within operating environments in the Hospitality, Retail, or Aviation industry
At least 3 years of experience managing MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) retrofits or renovations
Ability to confidently and clearly communicate project progress/milestones to the leadership team and cross-functional stakeholders.
Solutions driven, with the ability to anticipate problems and proactively present multiple solutions to different audiences and drive consensus across teams.
Understanding of construction means and methods, cost, and milestones.
Proficiency in construction drawing, documentation and oversight
Work on complex, cross-departmental projects that have a direct impact on the customer and company

Nice To Haves

3+ years of experience managing capital budgets and "Sustainment/Restoration/Modernization" (SRM) programs
PMP (Project Management Professional) certification
Experience developing intake workflows or project governance structures
Technical expertise in HVAC systems and commercial kitchen infrastructure
Demonstrated ability to manage "Design-Assist" or "Design-Build" delivery methods for rapid project execution
Experience working in the luxury Hospitality, Retail, or Aviation environment handling high end finishes and details.
Airport/aviation experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Special Projects Program Management & Governance Own the SOP: Manage and refine the end-to-end "Intake, Analyze, Plan, Execute" workflow for all requests.
Strategic Gatekeeping: Act as the primary decision-maker in categorizing requests (e.g., classifying a request as a strategic "Day 2" capital improvement vs. an operational expense).
Stakeholder Alignment: Lead alignment meetings with Leadership, Guest Experience (GX), and Design & Construction Managers to prioritize projects based on budget, guest impact, and brand integrity.
Data & Reporting: Move beyond simple tracking; analyze data from the intake dashboard to identify trends (e.g., recurring millwork issues) and drive systemic changes to our design standards.
Capital Projects: Lead the execution of high-complexity improvement projects in active lounges (e.g., HVAC/MEP retrofits, kitchen equipment roll-outs, and architectural changes) with minimal impact to the guest experience.
Day 2 Scope: Manage the budget and execution of post-opening "Day 2" adjustments, ensuring the transition from Construction Administration to Operations is seamless.
Vendor Strategy: Leverage and manage relationships with specialized vendors and General Contractors, identifying opportunities where D&C relationships can drive better pricing or speed than standard maintenance vendors.
Design Integration: Act as the operational feasibility partner for the Design Managers. Translate operational performance data into actionable design standard updates for future new builds.
Enhance Customer Experience: Use a data-driven approach to identify and develop initiatives focused on improving the overall customer experience within the physical space.