Program Manager of Construction

JLL; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL is seeking a Senior Project Manager with owner's representative experience to oversee premium interior construction programs for a leading financial institution. You will manage $50M+ projects nationwide, with future international expansion, in high-visibility, operational environments such as airports and corporate campuses.

The role demands meticulous attention to detail, strategic leadership, and the ability to coordinate with architecture, engineering, and trade partners to deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of owner's representative or in-house corporate real estate experience on premium interior projects.
• Proven track record managing high-cost interior fit-outs with luxury finishes.
• Experience with interior construction in operational environments such as airports and occupied facilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple large interior construction programs with premium finishes and complex systems.
• Lead project budgets and schedules for projects valued at $50M+ across regions.
• Coordinate with design, engineering, cost, and trade partners to ensure seamless delivery.
• Manage stakeholders, vendors, and consultants including architects and specialized contractors.
• Navigate permitting, security clearances, and regulatory requirements for airports and other facilities.
• Report program status and milestones to executive leadership.

Skills

Owner's representative experience

Strategic leadership

Attention to detail

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, Engineering

Tools

MS Office

MS Project

Smartsheet

Construction documentation platforms

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking an exceptionally detail-oriented Senior Project Manager with owner's representative experience to oversee premium interior construction projects for a leading financial institution. This senior leadership role requires expertise managing high-cost-per-square-foot interior fit-outs and selective base building work within complex, operationally sensitive environments such as airports, corporate headquarters, and hospitality venues. You will manage multiple capital projects valued at $50M+ across the United States with future international expansion.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and oversee multiple large-scale interior construction programs featuring premium finishes and specialized systems
• Manage projects with cost-per-square-foot budgets significantly exceeding industry standards ($500-$1,500+ per SF)
• Provide strategic direction with meticulous attention to detail in specifications, materials selection, and quality standards
• Report directly to executive leadership on program status, milestones, and strategic initiatives
• Develop and refine best practices for delivering high-end interior projects in operational environments

Project Execution in Complex Environments

• Oversee interior fit-outs within active operational facilities including airports, occupied buildings, and 24/7 operational spaces
• Coordinate construction activities with minimal disruption to ongoing business operations
• Manage selective base building modifications including MEP infrastructure upgrades to support premium interior installations
• Navigate complex permitting, security clearances, and stakeholder coordination requirements unique to airports and regulated facilities

Team Management & Development

• Supervise and coordinate third-party project managers, external vendors, and consulting teams - including architects and specialized consultants - ensuring integrated delivery across internal and external stakeholders
• Build high-performing teams while demonstrating energy for the business and decisive leadership
• Attract, retain, develop, and manage professionals across multiple regions

Financial & Quality Oversight

• Develop comprehensive budgets and schedules for complex, high-specification interior projects
• Monitor financial performance with precise cost control on premium materials and specialized trades
• Ensure meticulous execution of high-end finishes including custom millwork, specialty lighting, advanced AV systems, and architectural details
• Oversee procurement of luxury materials and coordinate specialized fabricators and artisans
• Manage value engineering without compromising design intent or quality standards

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Lead coordination and alignment of design, engineering, cost, and trade partners to ensure seamless execution of complex, high-end interior projects
• Lead RFP development and contract negotiation for premium materials and specialized installation services
• Build relationships with high-end vendors, custom fabricators, and specialty subcontractors
• Coordinate with airport authorities, building operations teams, and security personnel as required

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of owner's representative or in-house corporate real estate experience managing premium interior construction projects
• Proven track record managing high-cost-per-square-foot interior fit-outs ($500+ per SF) with luxury finishes and custom installations
• Experience with interior construction in operational facilities such as airports, high-end hospitality, hotels, or occupied corporate environments
• Demonstrated success managing projects valued at $50M or greater
• Extensive knowledge of interior construction scopes including millwork, finishes, lighting, AV/IT systems, and specialty installations

Technical Expertise

• Exceptional attention to detail with ability to review and approve shop drawings, material samples, and installation details
• Strong working knowledge of architectural, interior, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings
• Deep understanding of interior MEP systems, specialty lighting controls, and advanced building technology
• Expert knowledge of high-end finishes, materials specifications, and quality control processes
• Comprehensive knowledge of project management methodologies with emphasis on detail coordination and quality assurance
• Solid understanding of accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and scheduling for corporate interior projects

Leadership & Communication Skills

• Exceptional leadership abilities with experience managing professional teams and demanding stakeholders
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with ability to articulate complex details to executive audiences
• Meticulous organizational skills and ability to manage multiple high-detail projects simultaneously
• Strong negotiation and contract management capabilities with premium vendors and specialty contractors
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions while maintaining uncompromising quality standards

Technology & Tools

• Extensive knowledge of MS Office applications and MS Project
• Hands-on experience with Smartsheet for program and project management
• Experience with project management software, financial reporting systems, and construction documentation platforms

Location:

Onsite