Senior Industrial Construction Project Leader

BEAR Construction Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

BEAR Construction is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to support our Industrial/Manufacturing group. This individual will lead complex construction projects in industrial, manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, and other technically demanding environments from preconstruction through final completion.

The ideal candidate brings strong construction leadership, technical knowledge, and an understanding of the unique challenges associated with working in active facilities where

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial construction experience.
• 3+ years as project lead on large/complex projects.
• Experience in active or occupied facilities.
• Experience coordinating project phasing, shutdowns, and outages.
• Strong knowledge of architectural/structural/civil and MEP/FP systems.
• Experience managing projects with mechanical, electrical, utilities coordination.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field.
• OSHA safety training and knowledge of safety standards.
• Proven profitability delivery with client, safety, schedule, and quality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong negotiation and problem-solving.
• Industrial/manufacturing construction experience strongly preferred.
• Experience in operating manufacturing facilities is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead industrial and manufacturing construction projects from preconstruction through closeout.
• Manage planning, budgeting, scheduling, and overall financial performance.
• Understand client's operations, facility requirements, and milestones.
• Coordinate work in active environments while minimizing disruption.
• Oversee project phasing, shutdowns, equipment installations, and utility work.
• Manage complex scopes across architectural, structural, civil, MEP/FP, and utilities.
• Develop and maintain detailed schedules with input from owner, design team, and subs.
• Partner with Superintendents to ensure safe, efficient execution.
• Ensure projects meet financial targets via cost control and risk management.
• Review subcontractor/vendor proposals for scope and accuracy.
• Prepare bid packages, scopes of work, and client proposals.
• Identify value-engineering opportunities as needed.
• Provide clear communication through all phases.
• Build relationships with clients, facility stakeholders, and partners.
• Conduct regular site walk-throughs to monitor performance.
• Proactively identify risks and drive timely solutions.
• Manage permitting and compliance with authorities.
• Oversee project accounting duties: invoicing, WIP, reporting.
• Mentor and support project team members.
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team.
• Ensure teams reflect BEAR Construction's culture and client service.

Skills

Project leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Scheduling & time management

Client relations

MEP/FP coordination

Industrial/manufacturing experience

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Mentoring

Safety & compliance

Strategic thinker

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field

Job description

BEAR Construction is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to support our Industrial/Manufacturing group. This individual will lead complex construction projects in industrial, manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, and other technically demanding environments from preconstruction through final completion.

The ideal candidate brings strong construction leadership, technical knowledge, and an understanding of the unique challenges associated with working in active facilities where