Senior Project Manager, Construction

Art and Wellness Enterprises•Bentonville, AR

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Project Manager, Construction leads the planning, organization, execution, and delivery of large-scale capital construction projects and complex portfolios, including portfolios exceeding $200 million. The role manages projects across the full lifecycle, from conceptual planning through construction closeout, ensuring objectives for scope, cost, schedule, and quality are met while providing exceptional client service. It provides senior leadership across concurrent initiatives, partners with Construction Managers on site execution, mentors project team members, and resolves complex project issues involving stakeholders, finances, contracts, and delivery priorities. The position coordinates with internal teams, client programming committees, design professionals, contractors, and executive stakeholders to align decisions and manage interdependencies. It is accountable for project strategies, budgets, execution plans, schedules, procurement, contracts, financial performance, construction oversight, and closeout. The role is based on-site in Bentonville, Arkansas, with local travel and a flexible schedule that may include evenings or weekends based on project needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered for exceptional candidates.
8–10+ years of progressively responsible experience managing complex capital construction projects, including direct oversight of project teams, consultants, and portfolios exceeding $200 million, with demonstrated success delivering on time and within budget.
Demonstrated experience independently leading major projects or complex portfolios, managing significant financial and contractual risks, and advising senior stakeholders.
Ability to coach, mentor, and develop team members while fostering a collaborative, performance-driven culture.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence stakeholders and lead cross-functional teams.
Strong decision-making and critical-thinking skills in a fast-paced environment with constant change.
Ability to manage competing priorities in high-pressure environments, orchestrate multiple activities, and coordinate diverse groups effectively.
Strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills, sound judgment, and ability to navigate sensitive situations.
Excellent analytical, mathematical, and quantitative skills, including the ability to interpret complex data for strategic decisions.
Strong knowledge of project delivery methods, budgeting, scheduling, risk mitigation, procurement, contract administration, and construction administration.
Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, technical documents, complex contracts, and project financial data.
Advanced proficiency in project management and construction software such as MS Project, Excel, Smartsheet, Bluebeam, Procore, or similar tools.
Professional integrity and discretion when handling sensitive issues and situations.
Ability to lift and transport up to 25 pounds and perform the physical activities described for the role, including routine site inspections.
Ability to work in indoor office and outdoor construction environments, use required PPE, and travel locally.
Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings or weekends based on project needs.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
PMP certification or equivalent.
Prior experience in healthcare, higher education, museums, cultural facilities, or similarly complex institutional environments.

Responsibilities

Lead assigned major construction projects and complex project portfolios from conceptual planning through construction closeout, aligning work with organizational priorities and long-term goals.
Translate client goals into actionable project strategies and drive execution from concept through completion.
Direct pre-development work, including programming, feasibility, site planning, design coordination, cost estimating, and budgeting.
Prepare and oversee comprehensive project status reports for executive leadership and clients, covering progress, risks, decisions, and issues.
Lead closeout activities, including commissioning, documentation, training, and operational readiness.
Create and manage project budgets, execution plans, and schedules, and ensure delivery within scope, schedule, and budget.
Manage interdependencies across concurrent projects, including schedules, resources, procurement, and operational requirements.
Resolve complex project risks and deviations using independent judgment, escalating matters beyond delegated authority or affecting organizational commitments.
Coordinate owner-furnished equipment and materials, including FF&E, to align procurement, delivery, and installation with project schedules and operational needs.
Partner with the Project Coordinator to track budgets, review invoices, approve payments, and ensure accurate financial and regulatory reporting.
Create and manage RFP processes, including drafting, evaluating, interviewing, and selecting vendors, consultants, and construction partners.
Execute and manage complex contracts with legal and finance partners to mitigate risk and support institutional goals.
Review and approve contract change orders, considering cross-functional input, costs, schedule impacts, contractual requirements, and project constraints.
Ensure legal protections, including non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, are in place for sensitive project information.
Manage financial performance across assigned projects and portfolios, including budget development, forecasting, contingencies, allowances, and reporting.
Lead negotiations with contractors, consultants, and vendors in collaboration with legal, finance, and project leadership.
Ensure contractors and vendors meet contractual requirements, including insurance, bonding, and compliance documentation.
Partner with Construction Managers to oversee on-site construction for adherence to design intent, quality standards, contract requirements, and milestones.
Oversee general contractor performance, including schedule adherence, change orders, allowances, contingency usage, and contract compliance.
Coordinate oversight of construction-related legal and regulatory requirements, including permits, easements, land use adjustments, and jurisdictional approvals.
Provide daily consultation and guidance to Construction Managers and project team members, supporting execution and proactive issue resolution.
Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to resolve significant design and construction issues and manage impacts across related projects.
Evaluate construction risks and direct corrective actions within assigned authority, considering cost, schedule, quality, and operational impacts.
Lead and coordinate internal and external project teams, maintaining accountability for daily execution, milestones, and KPIs.
Coach and develop project teams and promote excellence, accountability, growth, continuous improvement, professional development, and collaboration.
Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of team members.
Monitor team performance and morale, addressing issues proactively and encouraging engagement and recognition.
Build and maintain working relationships with internal teams, client stakeholders, and external project partners.
Serve as a senior resource to project professionals, providing guidance on complex issues, delivery practices, and stakeholder coordination.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.