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Cushman & Wakefield

Global commercial real estate services provider

Senior Project Manager

Project ManagementPosted on Nov 13
Full-timeChicago, IL, USA$136k - $160kRemote

About the Job

Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred; significant relevant experience managing complex capital projects, design, construction, or development programs may be accepted as an alternative qualification.
  • At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in project management, construction, development, or a related field, including direct experience managing ground-up construction and/or real estate development projects.
  • Experience managing the full entitlement and pre-construction approval process for commercial development projects, including zoning analysis, land use planning, municipal approvals, site plan review, conditional use permits, variances, permitting, and agency coordination.
  • Ability to navigate local government processes, engage with planning commissions and city officials, secure regulatory approvals, mitigate entitlement risks, and drive projects from feasibility through permit issuance and construction commencement.
  • Experience leading competitive bid processes, including preparing RFPs and RFQs, soliciting bids, bid leveling and comparative analysis, contractor selection, contract negotiations, and award recommendations; ability to evaluate scope, cost, schedule, qualifications, and risk factors to support procurement decisions and project execution.
  • Experience administering construction contracts, reviewing change orders, managing vendor performance, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, and mitigating commercial and operational risk throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Understanding of project delivery, financial management, risk mitigation, stakeholder engagement, procurement, and construction lifecycle management, with a track record of delivering projects on schedule, within budget, and aligned with client objectives.
  • Success managing client expectations, facilitating decision-making, communicating project risks and opportunities, and delivering solutions aligned with client goals, budget, schedule, and operational requirements.
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret complex project, financial, and operational data and communicate insights and recommendations to clients, stakeholders, and project teams.
  • Working knowledge of architectural and engineering plans, construction practices, building systems, and code requirements, including the ability to evaluate design solutions, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and align work with project scope, budget, and schedule.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel for data analysis and reporting, PowerPoint for executive presentations, Word for business documentation, and Outlook and Teams for collaboration and stakeholder communication.
  • Skill using project management software to oversee capital projects, manage timelines and budgets, track milestones, coordinate cross-functional teams, and report accurately to clients and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Manage complex capital projects and programs from inception through completion, providing leadership in budgeting, scheduling, procurement, design and construction management, stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, and financial oversight while delivering client service and successful project outcomes.
  • Lead financial management of assigned projects by establishing and managing budgets, preparing monthly forecasts, conducting cash flow analyses, and delivering cost reporting according to client requirements.
  • Develop project budgets using historical benchmarks, market intelligence, and defined assumptions to support informed decisions and project outcomes.
  • Create, maintain, and actively manage master project schedules, monitoring milestones and critical path activities to ensure timely delivery.
  • Prepare and administer Requests for Qualifications and Requests for Proposals for contractor, consultant, and vendor services in line with project objectives and procurement requirements.
  • Guide clients and project teams through project planning, design, and implementation, providing strategic direction and facilitating short- and medium-term planning.
  • Facilitate kickoff meetings with internal teams, clients, design professionals, and stakeholders to establish objectives, define roles and responsibilities, and align expectations.
  • Manage project lifecycle phases, including due diligence, programming, design, entitlements, bidding, permitting, procurement, consultant and contractor selection, budget management, schedule development, sustainability initiatives, and post-construction services.
  • Oversee capital improvement programs and construction projects across multiple locations, coordinating with local and account-based resources to ensure consistent execution and performance.
  • Negotiate contracts and manage vendor, consultant, and contractor performance to achieve project goals, control costs, and maintain quality standards.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, property management teams, consultants, contractors, and vendors, maintaining relationships and effective communication during project execution.
  • Use project management and company technology platforms to manage projects, track performance metrics, generate reports, and maintain project documentation.
  • Communicate project status, risks, challenges, and client concerns to leadership and support timely resolution of issues that may affect project success or the firm's reputation.
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, including financial exposure, operational challenges, contractual liabilities, and reputational impacts, escalating concerns to management as appropriate.

About the Company

Cushman & Wakefield

Global commercial real estate services provider

Cushman & Wakefield provides commercial real estate services to property owners, tenants, and investors worldwide. It helps clients buy, sell, lease, manage facilities, and value properties through market research, brokerage, property management, and consulting. Revenue comes from commissions on sales and leases, management and consulting fees, and selective strategic investments in related companies. Its global network across major markets and diverse client focus helps clients optimize real estate strategies and portfolio performance.

Company size
10,001+
Company stage
IPO
Headquarters
Chicago, IL
Founded
1917

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