Senior Project Manager - Interiors

Pepper Construction; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

401k match

Student loan repayment

Paid time off

Job summary

Pepper Construction seeks a Sr. Project Manager to lead complex, high-value interior construction projects. You will take ownership from preconstruction through closeout, driving financial performance and assembling high-performing teams in a client-focused environment.

Lead with accountability, guide diverse stakeholders, and ensure exceptional client experience while delivering on time and within budget. This role emphasizes detailed build-outs and high-quality finishes.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Construction Engineering, Construction Management, Civil Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of construction management experience with interior construction and commercial build-out.
• Experience collaborating with architects, interior designers, consultants, owners, and subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Establish project priorities and ensure safety and quality on each project.
• Prepare budgets, value engineer, and manage costs.
• Coordinate subcontractor bids and track documentation.
• Plan, schedule, and manage projects end to end.
• Forecast costs and manage closeout.

Skills

Strong communication

Team leadership

Client relationship management

Negotiation

Project scheduling

Education

B.S. in Construction Engineering or related field

Tools

Project management software

Job description

Pepper Construction Company, 643 N Orleans Street, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Friday, September 4, 2026 at 5:00 AM

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.

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Pepper leads the construction industry with an energy and ambition uncommon today. We seek out new methods and technologies that support your vision with a practical approach, and we apply our nearly 100 years of expertise to ensure the precision, quality and confidence that comes from working alongside a partner that's dedicated to performance.

Every building starts with a solid foundation, it’s people. At Pepper, we create leaders at every level and generate momentum in every market we serve by rewarding new thinking and respecting the long-standing values that have made our company unique for generations. You'll see the impact of our leadership in everything we do - from the Preconstruction work, we deliver to the decisions we make in the field to the relationships we form and keep fresh for years to come.

As a family-owned and operated company, we take building personally.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We're seeking a driven, experienced Sr. Project Manager to lead complex, high-value projects across our diverse portfolio. This role is about more than managing projects - it's about taking ownership from preconstruction through closeout, driving financial performance, building high-performing teams, and delivering an exceptional client experience. While our portfolio includes a variety of commercial work, this role is primarily focused on interior construction, commercial interiors, tenant improvements, and other highly detailed build-out projects. Candidates with a proven track record delivering projects in these markets will be the strongest fit. As a Senior Project Manager, you'll lead with accountability, solve challenges proactively, and drive successful outcomes for our clients and project teams.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Work with Field Supervision and Project Management to establish operation priorities and ensure safety and quality on every project
• Ensure customer satisfaction by identifying and exceeding client needs
• Estimate, value engineer and develop project budgets
• Facilitate the subcontractor bid process to include processing, distribution and tracking of all project bidding documentation
• Ability to utilize software programs and templates to process, distribute and track all project documentation
• Negotiate subcontractor and material buyout; develop and negotiate subcontracts
• Plan and schedule projects
• Manage jobs in progress including subcontractor coordination, conflict resolution and documentation.
• Manage project costs through the ongoing evaluation of labor, material and equipment; continue to forecast and analyze construction costs, exposures and profits through project completion.
• Perform project closeout

LEADERSHIP

• Provide leadership through building relationships, motivating others, providing clear direction, and cooperative teamwork
• Lead teams by building relationships, providing clear direction, and driving collaboration.
• Mentor and develop project management staff, fostering high performance.
• Communicate strategically with clients, stakeholders, and teams.
• Coach future leaders through training and guidance.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• Interact with clients and potential clients to identify and pursue potential work
• Prepare and participate in client presentations and project interviews
• Negotiate and secure new business

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• B.S. in Construction Engineering, Construction Management, Civil Engineering or related field
• 8+ years of construction management experience across diverse markets with significant experience delivering interior construction and commercial build-out projects.
• Experience working closely with architects, interior designers, consultants, owners, and subcontractors.
• A high level of communication and interpersonal skills is required.

The salary range for this position is between $120,000 - $140,000. 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.

Pepper Construction is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Please note: Pepper does not sponsor work visas.

Pepper Construction is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Please note: Pepper does not sponsor work visas.

Pepper Construction Company, 643 N Orleans Street, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America