Senior Project Manager - Retail

Pepper Construction Group LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Pepper Construction seeks an experienced Sr. Project Manager to lead complex retail projects from preconstruction through closeout. You will drive performance, nurture client relationships, and guide high‑performing teams to deliver high-quality results.

Responsibilities include budgeting, value engineering, subcontractor coordination, and proactive cost management to ensure profitable project delivery. This role requires durable communication and a customer‑facing orientation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction-related field.
• 8+ years of construction management experience.
• Experience with retail, commercial interiors, tenant improvements, renovations, or ground-up retail projects is preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex retail construction projects from preconstruction through closeout.
• Build strong client relationships and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
• Estimate, value engineer and develop project budgets.
• Plan and schedule projects, manage costs and risks through completion.
• Coordinate subcontractors, procurement, and documentation; negotiate subcontracts.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Client relationships

Project management

Education

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

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.

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, its 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 an experienced Sr. Project Manager to lead complex retail construction projects from preconstruction through closeout. This role is responsible for driving project performance, building strong client relationships, leading high‑performing teams, and delivering exceptional results.

From national brands to regional retailers, we help clients create spaces that elevate the customer experience while keeping operations running. Whether managing occupied renovations, fast‑track schedules, or critical store openings, you'll lead projects with accountability, collaboration, and a commitment to quality.

Project Management

• Partner with Field Supervision and Project Management to establish project priorities while ensuring safety, quality, and operational excellence.
• Build strong client relationships by understanding business goals and delivering an exceptional customer experience.
• Estimate, value engineer and develop project budgets.
• Facilitate the subcontractor bid process to include processing, distribution and tracking of all project bidding documentation.
• 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.
• Proactively manage project costs by evaluating labor, material and equipment while forecasting construction costs, risks and profitability through project completion.
• Successfully execute 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.
• Demonstrated experience managing retail, commercial interiors, tenant improvement, renovation, or ground‑up retail construction projects is strongly preferred.
• Experience managing projects in occupied facilities, phased renovations, accelerated schedules, or customer‑facing environments is highly desirable.
• 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.

For additional information, visit www.pepperconstruction.com

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