Project Manager - Interiors Focus

Pepper Construction Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Pepper Construction is seeking an experienced Project Manager to take ownership and drive projects from budgeting to closeout. You’ll work closely with clients, field teams, and trade partners to deliver high-quality outcomes across interior spaces and complex build-outs.

The role emphasizes strong communication, proactive leadership, and accountability, with a focus on building lasting client relationships and guiding projects to successful completion.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Construction Engineering, Construction Management, Civil Engineering or related field.
• 6+ years construction management experience.
• Experience in commercial interiors, tenant improvements, or complex build-out projects preferred.

Responsibilities

• Establish operational priorities with Field Supervision and PM to ensure safety and quality.
• Manage interior construction and tenant improvements from budgeting through project closeout.
• Ensure client satisfaction by understanding needs and delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Estimate, value engineer, and develop project budgets.
• Coordinate subcontractor bidding and manage documentation.
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate activities to meet schedule and budget objectives.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Budget management

Schedule management

Client relationships

Education

B.S. in Construction Engineering / Construction Management / Civil Engineering

Tools

Project management software

MS Project / Procore

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.

Position Summary

We’re looking for a driven, experienced Project Manager who’s ready to take ownership and make an impact. This role is about bringing projects to life while building strong relationships, keeping teams aligned, and finding solutions that move the project forward. While our work spans a variety of commercial markets, we’re especially interested in candidates with experience in interior construction, tenant improvements, and complex build-outs.

The ideal candidate brings a well-rounded construction background, strong communication skills, and a proactive, can-do mindset. You’ll work closely with clients, project teams, and trade partners to tackle challenges, drive accountability, and deliver projects that make our clients want to work with us again. If you’re someone who takes pride in your work, thrives in a collaborative environment, and is always looking for a better way to get the job done, we’d love to meet you.

Major Responsibilities

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Work with Field Supervision and Project Management to establish operational priorities and ensure safety and quality on every project.
• Manage interior construction and tenant improvement projects from initial budgeting and preconstruction through project closeout.
• Ensure customer satisfaction by understanding client needs and delivering high-quality project outcomes.
• Estimate, value engineer, and develop project budgets.
• Facilitate the subcontractor bidding process, including processing, distributing, and tracking project bidding documentation.
• Utilize project management software, templates, and systems to process, distribute, and track project documentation.
• Negotiate subcontractor and material buyout and develop and negotiate subcontracts.
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate project activities to maintain schedule and budget objectives.
• Manage projects in progress, including subcontractor coordination, conflict resolution, and documentation.
• Coordinate closely with architects, interior designers, consultants, owners, and subcontractors to address project requirements and resolve issues.
• Manage project costs through the ongoing evaluation of labor, material, and equipment.
• Forecast and analyze construction costs, exposures, and projected profits throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review and manage project changes, potential exposures, and cost impacts.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and ensure timely communication with project stakeholders.
• Perform project closeout activities.
• Capable of managing projects in the $20M+ range.

LEADERSHIP

• Provide leadership through relationship building, motivation, clear direction, and collaborative teamwork.
• Build strong working relationships with clients, subcontractors, consultants, and internal project teams.
• Communicate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, quality, and teamwork.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• Interact with clients and potential clients to identify and pursue potential work.
• Support client presentations, project interviews, and other business development activities.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support the negotiation and securing of new business.

Position Requirements

• B.S. in Construction Engineering, Construction Management, Civil Engineering or related field
• 6+ years construction management experience
• Experience across a variety of construction markets preferred
• Experience in commercial interiors, tenant improvements, or complex build-out projects strongly preferred
• Experience working closely with architects, interior designers, consultants, owners, and subcontractors is preferred
• Proven experience managing project budgets, schedules, subcontractors, and financial performance
• A high level of communication and interpersonal skills is required
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills
• Ability to take ownership, work collaboratively, and thrive in a fast-paced environment

The salary midpoint is $108,000. We consider many factors when determining the actual hiring salary. These factors may include location, transferable skills, work experience, licensure and certification, business needs, internal equity, and market demands.

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 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.