Construction Field Project Lead

Books A Million; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Employee discounts

401(k) plan and company contributions

Job summary

Books-A-Million is seeking a Field Project Manager based in the Birmingham area to lead onsite construction for new store openings, closures, and renovations within our store network. You will oversee vendors and subcontractors, manage budgets and schedules, and resolve issues onsite to keep projects on time and on brand.

This role requires heavy travel (about 80%), close collaboration with architects, engineers, general contractors, and landlords, and a proven ability to coordinate multiple

Qualifications

• Experience managing multiple commercial retail construction projects.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings.
• Ability to develop and manage a project budget.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead, direct, and support other team members, including temporary labor.
• Prior experience in retail store construction leadership preferred.
• Self-motivated with sound judgment when working with minimal supervision.
• Strong situational awareness and safety mindset with extended travel readiness.

Responsibilities

• Plans, executes, and completes onsite construction for new store openings, store closures, and renovations.
• Oversee all phases of the construction project onsite with subcontractors, architects, and engineers.
• Coordinate schedules, change orders, meetings, and delivery of equipment and materials.
• Monitor budgets and timelines, adjusting schedules to stay on track.
• Resolve onsite issues without delaying the project and maintain brand standards.
• Build and maintain relationships with vendors, subcontractors, and landlords.
• Direct and manage temporary labor, including performance management when necessary.
• Serve as the primary onsite contact for construction activity and report progress to leadership.

Skills

Project management

Reading drawings

Budget management

Communication

Vendor management

Leadership

Retail construction

Safety mindset

Job description

US:AL:Birmingham | Corporate | ACTIVE FULL TIME

About the Job

The Field Project Manager (FPM) is a field-based role within the Construction department, responsible for the onsite management of new store openings (NSOs), store closures, and renovations across the Books-A-Million and 2nd & Charles store network. Reporting to the Store Development Manager, the FPM oversees vendors and subcontractors, manages budgets and schedules, and resolves issues onsite to keep projects on time, on budget, and to brand standard. The role requires approximately 80% travel and close coordination with architects, engineers, general contractors, and landlords.

Role Summary

• Plans, executions, and completes onsite construction for new store openings, store closures, and renovations, working under the direction of the Store Development Manager.
• Oversee all phases of the construction project onsite, including coordination of subcontractors, architects, and engineers.
• Facilitates coordination of schedules, tasks, change orders, meetings, and the arrival of equipment and materials.
• Monitors project budgets and timelines, adjusting schedules as needed to keep projects on track.
• Troubleshoots and resolves onsite issues, such as damaged, missing, or incorrect fixtures and materials, without delaying the project.
• Builds and maintains strong working relationships with vendors, subcontractors, and building landlords.
• Directs and manages temporary labor onsite, including performance management and dismissal of underperforming workers when necessary.
• *Physically assembles fixtures per plan
• Serves as the primary onsite point of contact for the store's construction activity.
• Communicates problems and proposed solutions to leadership promptly.
• Prepares and submits reports related to budget, project progress, delays, or incidents.
• Manages schedule for on-time, on-budget completion at the highest level of quality.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Role Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• At least 3–4 years of related experience managing multiple commercial retail construction projects
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings.
• Ability to develop and manage a project budget.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills; comfortable managing external contractors and vendors.
• Ability to lead, direct, and support other team members, including temporary labor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in retail store construction leadership or operations — candidates who understand company culture are strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated self-motivation and sound judgment working with minimal day-to-day supervision.
• Strong situational awareness and safety mindset for extended road travel.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift fixtures and materials weighing up to approximately 50 lbs, with or without assistance.
• Ability to use hand and power tools (e.g., impact drivers, saws).
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, or crouch for extended periods while performing job duties.
• Ability to use hands/arms to operate tools, ability to operate a forklift, and for repetitive-motion tasks.

The Perks

At Books-A-Million, we believe in taking care of our employees. As part of the team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive Compensation: We offer competitive pay and performance-based incentives.
• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance to keep you healthy.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Enjoy generous PTO and paid holidays.
• Employee Discounts: Get discounts on books and other products across our stores.
• Retirement Savings: Build your future with our 401(k) plan and company contributions.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Books-A-Million is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. We celebrate and embrace differences, and we strive to create an environment where every individual feels valued and empowered. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their background or personal characteristics. We are dedicated to creating a culture of respect, equity, and opportunity for all employees, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.