Construction Lead: Project Mastery & Asset Modernization

Housing-Authority-of-Cook-Count; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Housing Authority of Cook County is seeking a Construction Lead to coordinate construction, rehabilitation, modernization, and capital improvements across residential communities and facilities. You will manage projects from planning through completion, liaising with contractors, consultants, residents, and internal departments to ensure safety, schedule, and budget adherence.

The role reports to the Director of Facilities and supports long-range asset preservation, capital planning, and

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Building Construction, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Facilities Management or related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate multiple construction, rehabilitation, and capital improvement projects.
• Develop and maintain project schedules and monitor milestones.
• Review drawings, plans, and specifications; prepare scopes of work and technical specs.
• Monitor contractor performance and ensure work aligns with plans and budgets.
• Ensure compliance with HUD, building codes, OSHA, and safety standards.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Communication

Reading blueprints

Contract administration

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's in Construction Management/Engineering/Architecture

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Project scheduling software

Construction management software

Job description

The Construction Lead is responsible for coordinating and overseeing construction, rehabilitation, modernization, and capital improvement projects across the Housing Authority's residential communities and administrative facilities. Reporting to the Director of Facilities, the Construction Lead manages projects from planning through completion by coordinating contractors, monitoring project schedules and budgets, conducting field inspections, ensuring compliance with applicable building codes and safety regulations, and maintaining quality standards.
The Construction Lead serves as the primary liaison between contractors, consultants, residents, and internal departments to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget. This position also supports the Housing Authority's long-term asset preservation strategy by assisting with capital improvements, facility modernization, and construction planning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Construction & Project Management
• Coordinate multiple construction, rehabilitation, and capital improvement projects simultaneously.
• Assist in planning and implementing modernization and facility improvement projects.
• Develop and maintain project schedules and monitor project milestones.
• Coordinate project activities from planning through final completion.
• Assist in preparing construction scopes of work and technical specifications.
• Review architectural drawings, plans, and project specifications.
• Maintain project documentation, records, permits, warranties, and close-out documentation.
• Coordinate required inspections and occupancy approvals.

Construction Oversight
• Conduct routine field inspections of active construction and rehabilitation projects.
• Monitor contractor performance to ensure work is completed according to plans, specifications, quality standards, and project schedules.
• Identify construction deficiencies and ensure corrective actions are completed.
• Perform punch list inspections and verify project completion.
• Monitor construction progress and provide project status updates to the Director of Facilities.
• Ensure construction activities minimize disruption to residents and operations.

Contractor & Vendor Management
• Assist with contractor procurement, bid evaluations, and project awards.
• Coordinate pre-construction meetings and site walkthroughs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for contractors and consultants during construction.
• Review contractor invoices, change orders, and payment requests.
• Monitor contractor compliance with contract requirements and project schedules.
• Evaluate contractor performance and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Foster productive working relationships with contractors, architects, engineers, inspectors, and vendors.

Budget & Capital Project Support
• Assist in developing project budgets and cost estimates.
• Monitor project expenditures throughout construction.
• Track project costs and identify budget variances.
• Assist the Director of Facilities with capital planning and long-range facility improvement initiatives.
• Recommend cost-effective construction solutions while maintaining quality standards.

Compliance & Safety
• Ensure projects comply with:
o HUD requirements
o Local, state, and federal building codes
o OSHA safety regulations
o Environmental requirements
o Housing Authority policies and procedures
• Promote safe construction practices on all job sites.
• Participate in construction safety inspections and meetings.
• Report safety concerns and recommend corrective actions.
• Coordinate required regulatory inspections and approvals.

Communication & Customer Service
• Serve as the liaison between contractors, residents, consultants, and Housing Authority staff.
• Respond to questions regarding construction schedules and project status.
• Coordinate project activities with Property Management, Procurement, Finance, and other departments.
• Prepare written reports, project updates, and presentations for leadership.
• Assist in resolving construction-related concerns in a professional and timely manner.
Continuous Improvement
• Assist in developing construction standards, specifications, and best practices.
• Recommend process improvements to increase project efficiency and quality.
• Maintain construction performance metrics and project reporting.
• Support departmental initiatives focused on operational excellence and asset preservation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in:
• Construction Management
• Building Construction
• Civil Engineering
• Architecture
• Facilities Management
• Related field
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Experience
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in construction, rehabilitation, facilities maintenance, or project management.
• Experience coordinating multiple construction projects simultaneously.
• Experience working with contractors and subcontractors.
• Experience reading construction drawings and specifications.
• Public housing, municipal government, commercial, or multifamily residential experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
• Construction methods and materials
• Building systems
• Construction scheduling
• Project budgeting
• Contract administration
• Building codes and regulations
• OSHA safety standards
• Construction quality control

Ability to:
• Read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Manage multiple construction projects simultaneously.
• Build positive working relationships with contractors and residents.
• Analyze construction issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Exercise sound judgment and work independently.

Proficiency with:
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Project scheduling software (preferred)
• Construction management software (preferred)

Physical Requirements
• Frequent travel between Housing Authority properties.
• Ability to walk active construction sites.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and navigate uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Working Conditions
This position performs work in both office and field environments. Frequent visits to occupied residential communities and active construction sites are required. The employee may be exposed to construction hazards, dust, noise, uneven surfaces, and varying weather conditions while conducting inspections and monitoring projects.

This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are
the only duties and responsibilities to be performed. The qualifications listed above are
guidelines, other combinations of education and experience that could provide the
necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job will be considered