Construction Project Manager, Commercial

Pepperconstruction; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Pepper Construction in Wisconsin–Milwaukee area is seeking a seasoned Project Manager to lead large commercial builds from preconstruction through closeout.

You will oversee budgets, schedules, safety, and team performance, collaborating with clients, trade partners, and internal teams to deliver projects on time and within budget. This role requires field presence across Milwaukee and Madison and a strong focus on quality and Lean construction principles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Experience managing commercial construction projects while leading collaborative teams.
• Proven ability to lead large, complex projects—ideally in healthcare, education, institutional, or mixed‑use markets.
• Strong business acumen and working knowledge of preconstruction, estimating, and bidding.
• Proficiency in project management and collaboration software.
• Willingness to work from offices and project sites between Milwaukee and Madison.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all phases of construction to deliver safe, high‑quality, on‑budget, and on‑schedule projects.
• Develop and manage project budgets, schedules, and forecasts.
• Lead subcontractor procurement and negotiation.
• Monitor performance, resolve conflicts, and ensure compliance with contract documents and safety standards.
• Manage financial outcomes through cost control and forecasting.
• Direct closeout, commissioning, and turnover to ensure client satisfaction.
• Successfully manage projects exceeding $25 million.
• Lead by example—modeling safety, integrity, and teamwork.
• Motivate and develop project engineers, superintendents, and other team members.
• Communicate clearly and proactively across all project levels.
• Foster collaboration and accountability within project teams.
• Ensure safety protocols and procedures are followed at all times.
• Conduct regular jobsite inspections for compliance and quality assurance.
• Address variances promptly with clear documentation and corrective action.
• Apply Lean principles to improve performance and eliminate waste.
• Cultivate trusted relationships with clients and partners.
• Support business development by identifying new opportunities and participating in presentations and interviews.
• Negotiate and secure repeat and referral work.

Skills

Project leadership

Budget management

Subcontractor negotiation

Safety compliance

Lean principles

Client relations

Education

CM/Engineering degree

Job description

With offices in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio, Pepper Construction is a national general contracting and construction management firm that primarily serves the private sector. Pepper Construction provides clients the experience and resources of a national company, combined with the hands‑on approach of a local company.

Working on commercial construction project sites across southern Wisconsin in various markets including health care, multi‑family mixed use, industrial, and more, Project Managers lead the overall safety, strategy, and success of complex construction projects—from preconstruction through closeout. They drive results through collaboration, disciplined execution, and strong relationships with clients, trade partners, and internal teams.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Project Leadership

• Oversee all phases of construction to deliver safe, high‑quality, on‑budget, and on‑schedule projects
• Develop and manage project budgets, schedules, and forecasts
• Lead subcontractor procurement and negotiation
• Monitor performance, resolve conflicts, and ensure compliance with contract documents and safety standards
• Manage financial outcomes through cost control and forecasting
• Direct closeout, commissioning, and turnover to ensure client satisfaction
• Successfully manage projects exceeding $25 million

Team & People

• Lead by example—modeling safety, integrity, and teamwork
• Motivate and develop project engineers, superintendents, and other team members
• Communicate clearly and proactively across all project levels
• Foster collaboration and accountability within project teams

Quality & Safety

• Ensure safety protocols and procedures are followed at all times
• Conduct regular jobsite inspections for compliance and quality assurance
• Address variances promptly with clear documentation and corrective action
• Apply Lean principles to improve performance and eliminate waste

Client & Business Development

• Cultivate trusted relationships with clients and partners
• Support business development by identifying new opportunities and participating in presentations and interviews
• Negotiate and secure repeat and referral work

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field
• Experience managing commercial construction projects while leading collaborative teams
• Proven ability to lead large, complex projects—ideally in healthcare, education, institutional, or mixed‑use markets
• Strong business acumen and working knowledge of preconstruction, estimating, and bidding
• Proficiency in project management and collaboration software
• Willingness to work from offices and project sites between Milwaukee and Madison

At Pepper, our values guide everything we do:

We do the right thing.

We find a way.

We care.

Pepper Construction is dedicated to offering our employees a comprehensive and best‑in‑class benefits package that prioritizes their physical, financial, and emotional well‑being. We offer medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance plans, a generous 401k match, and a student loan repayment benefit. In addition to paid time off for company holidays, vacation, and personal days, Pepper offers fully paid medical and parental leave, mental health services, and more.

For additional information, visit www.pepperconstruction.com

Pepper Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome all qualified applicants and encourage veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to apply. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Please note: Pepper does not sponsor work visas.