Senior Project Manager, Construction

Art and Wellness Enterprises•Bentonville, AR

10d•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, and is accountable for scope, cost, schedule, quality, and client service. The Senior Project Manager independently leads multiple major projects, aligns delivery with organizational priorities, and resolves complex issues involving project risks, stakeholder priorities, and financial and contractual considerations. The position partners with Construction Managers on on-site execution and provides direction, consultation, and mentorship to project teams. It collaborates with Project Coordinators on financial tracking, contracts, and reporting, and works with internal teams, client programming committees, design professionals, contractors, legal and finance partners, and executive stakeholders. 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. A successful candidate brings a strong record of delivering complex capital projects on time, within budget, and to established quality standards, along with sound judgment, strategic project leadership, and the ability to manage competing priorities and sensitive information. A bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field is required, though equivalent experience may be considered for exceptional candidates. A master’s degree is preferred.

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.
Direct oversight experience with project teams, consultants, and project portfolios exceeding $200 million in value.
Demonstrated success delivering projects on time and within budget.
Experience independently leading major projects or complex project 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 ongoing change.
Ability to manage competing priorities in high-pressure environments and coordinate diverse groups and activities.
Strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills, sound judgment, and ability to handle sensitive situations effectively.
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 with project management and construction software, such as MS Project, Excel, Smartsheet, Bluebeam, Procore, or similar platforms.
Professional integrity and discretion in handling sensitive issues and situations.
Ability to lift and transport up to 25 pounds and perform the physical activities described for the role, including standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.
Ability to perform routine site inspections, potentially in tight or elevated spaces and in varying temperatures and conditions.
Ability to wear appropriate PPE and work around moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and electrical hazards.
Availability for required local travel and a flexible schedule that may include evenings or weekends based on project needs.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
Experience in healthcare, higher education, museums, cultural facilities, or similarly complex institutional environments.

Responsibilities

Lead assigned major construction projects and complex portfolios from conceptual planning through construction closeout, aligning delivery 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 deliver 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, delivering within scope, schedule, and budget.
Manage interdependencies among concurrent projects, including schedules, resources, procurement, and operational requirements.
Resolve complex project risks and deviations, escalating matters beyond delegated authority or affecting organizational commitments.
Coordinate owner-furnished equipment and materials, including FF&E procurement, delivery, and installation.
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 in collaboration with legal and finance teams.
Review and approve contract change orders, accounting for collaboration, cost, schedule, contractual requirements, and project constraints.
Ensure legal protections, including nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements, protect sensitive project information.
Maintain accountability for project and portfolio financial performance, including budgets, forecasts, contingency and allowance management, 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 site work for conformance with design intent, quality standards, contract requirements, and milestones.
Oversee general contractor performance, including schedule adherence, change orders, allowance tracking, contingency use, and contract compliance.
Coordinate with Construction Managers on construction-related legal and regulatory requirements, including permitting, 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 projects.
Evaluate construction risks and their cost, schedule, quality, and operational impacts, and direct corrective action within assigned authority.
Lead and coordinate internal and external project teams, ensuring execution and accountability to milestones and KPIs.
Coach and develop project teams, fostering 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 effective relationships with internal teams, client stakeholders, and external partners throughout project delivery.
Serve as a senior resource to project professionals, guiding them on complex project issues, delivery practices, and stakeholder coordination.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.