Real Estate & Construction Manager

Consumers Credit Union•Kalamazoo, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Consumers Credit Union team is looking to hire a passionate Real Estate & Construction Manager to join our team! As a Real Estate & Construction Manager, you will execute the credit union’s strategic plan by leading construction projects and site development initiatives. This role is responsible for managing construction and renovation projects and driving site selection for future growth. You will also collaborate heavily with internal and external partners and represent the credit union with professionalism and credibility in community and regulatory settings. As an employee of Consumers Credit Union, you are genuine and passionate. You are purposeful and like to be the solution, but more importantly, you are a servant leader.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Interior Design, Real Estate, Facilities Management, or related field preferred.
Five or more years of progressive related experience.
Strong knowledge of commercial construction processes, schedules, budgets, contracts, and quality control.
Experience managing architects, engineers, construction managers, designers, and specialty consultants.
Familiarity with municipal approval processes, zoning, planning, commissions, permits, inspections and occupancy requirements.
Ability to align physical space decisions with organizational strategy, brand, technology innovation, and member/employee experience.
Strong financial acumen with the ability to evaluate project costs, lifecycle value, and risk.
Proven experience supporting site selection and/or real estate development, including due diligence and transaction management.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present recommendations and project updates clearly and credibly.
High level of professionalism, judgment, and accountability.
Demonstrated ability to remain nimble and adaptable in a dynamic environment, quickly adjusting priorities and project approaches in response to evolving strategy, market conditions, stakeholder needs and regulatory requirements.
Ability to manage several different building projects at various stages simultaneously.
Experience managing vendor relationships and regulatory compliance.
Ability to work outside normal business hours as required.

Responsibilities

Manages construction and renovation projects from concept through certificate of occupancy.
Works collaboratively with our architect, interior design and furniture partners on design and site plan including obtaining site plan approval.
Ensures designs support the credit union’s culture, including a heavy focus on technology innovation.
Works with marketing to ensure any marketing elements, including the look and feel of each location, is consistent with the credit union’s brand.
Works collaboratively with marketing on office signage, executing on the approved signage plan.
Obtains feedback from and engages in regular communication with key internal stakeholders including retail, information technology, security, compliance, training, marketing and facilities maintenance, among others throughout site plan and design process.
Serves as a member of the Sustainability Team. Implements initiatives that balance sustainability, functionality, and ROI.
Leads all efforts necessary to support large renovation projects of existing offices and The Groves.
Manages all post construction maintenance and items related to construction falling under warranty (typically one year post build).
Ensures compliance with ADA accessibility in new designs. Keeps abreast of changes in ADA requirements and reviews existing facilities to ensure compliance.
Works with UNITE (internal diversity and inclusion initiative) to assess additional ideas and requests.
Serves as the primary liaison with architects, construction managers, and engineers.
Oversee project schedules, budgets, scope, and quality of work.
Conducts job site visits to monitor progress and address issues during construction.
Coordinates permitting, inspections, and approvals.
Continuously evaluates site plan and design to identify efficiencies and improvements. Seeks feedback from various team members throughout the organization.
Oversees vendor relationships by selecting qualified partners, negotiating contracts, monitoring performance, and ensuring all vendors deliver on schedule, budget and quality expectations. Reviews and approves invoices.
Lead interior design efforts in offices and The Groves (corporate office), by guiding concept development through execution, ensuring design aesthetics are thoughtfully balanced with functionality, constructability and end-user needs.
Manage leased properties by administering tenant leases, negotiating and interpreting contract terms, and partnering closely with tenants to plan and execute potential white‑box build‑outs that align with operational, design, and financial requirements.
Identify, evaluate, and recommend new office sites aligned with the credit union’s strategic objectives, growth priorities, and established non‑negotiables.
Conduct comprehensive site selection analysis using demographic, market, traffic, competitive, and community data to inform location decisions.
Lead and manage the end‑to‑end due diligence process for prospective sites, ensuring risks are identified, managed, and appropriately documented.
Works with architects on site planning and conceptual design.
Attends municipality and planning commission meetings necessary for site plan approval, variances, special use permits and other requests necessary to support a highly successful office.
Prepare, negotiate, and manage letters of interest (LOIs), purchase agreements, and related real estate documents in coordination with commercial real estate agents and legal counsel.
Serve as the primary point of contact between internal stakeholders and external partners—including brokers, attorneys, municipalities, and sellers—through closing.
Drive transactions to the closing table by maintaining timelines, securing internal approvals, and ensuring compliance with regulatory, financial, and operational requirements.