Job Title: Construction Project Manager - Specialty RetailJob Description
This role leads specialty retail construction projects for a diverse mix of tenants, including big-box anchors, junior anchors, restaurants, theaters, and new retail developments. The Construction Project Manager oversees multiple projects across a large national portfolio, ensuring on-time store openings, adherence to budgets, and full compliance with tenant and landlord design standards. Acting as the owner's representative, this position manages landlord work obligations defined in leases, coordinates internal and external project teams, and drives projects from initial planning through turnover and closeout.
Responsibilities
Manage 4-6 active construction projects at a time, typically with 6-8 month construction periods and project budgets ranging from approximately $100K to over $1M.
Act as the owner's representative by directing and holding general contractors, architects, engineers, and vendors accountable for quality, schedule, and budget, rather than performing the work directly.
Collaborate with developers during early planning stages to align project scope with tenant criteria and overall development objectives.
Define and manage project scope, timelines, and budgets in partnership with internal and external teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, and mall operations.
Negotiate tenant lease criteria and prototypical work exhibits in coordination with Legal and Development teams.
Review and approve landlord construction documents, contracts, and project budgets to ensure accuracy, feasibility, and alignment with standards.
Ensure strict compliance with construction schedules and specifications, maintaining a quality-first and durability-focused approach throughout each project.
Manage tenant turnover and delivery of premises, ensuring that spaces are ready for tenant build-out and timely store openings.
Oversee formal lease notifications, documentation, and project closeout procedures to ensure thorough and accurate completion.
Track and report project milestones, budget status, and budget revisions, providing clear updates to stakeholders.
Identify potential issues early, communicate them effectively, and drive proactive solutions to keep projects on track.
Travel approximately 50% of the time to project sites across the United States, adapting to varying locations and project conditions as needed.
Essential Skills
5-10 years of experience in construction project management, with a strong focus on retail construction.
Proven background managing multiple projects simultaneously, including oversight of external vendors and general contractors.
Demonstrated experience operating as an owner's representative or on the owner side, or clear ability to perform at that level.
Retail construction experience is required, with general retail familiarity as the baseline; high-end or luxury retail experience is not mandatory.
Clear mindset shift from a general contractor or subcontractor cost-cutting focus to an owner's representative focus on quality, durability, and overall project success.
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, with day-to-day emphasis on budgets, scheduling, critical path, and vendor oversight.
Strong understanding of project schedules and critical path management.
Strong budget awareness and financial decision-making skills, including construction estimating and cost analysis.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, and Outlook.
Strong, solution-driven communication skills, with the ability to identify problems and drive resolutions proactively.
Must be based in, or willing to relocate to, Indianapolis, IN and committed to Indianapolis as the home base while supporting nationwide projects.
Willingness and ability to travel approximately 50% nationwide.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or a related field is preferred, with flexibility to consider equivalent relevant experience in place of formal education.
Experience coordinating with Legal and Development teams on lease criteria and work exhibits.
Experience working on a mix of renovation, reconfiguration, ground-up, and redevelopment projects within retail environments.
Experience tracking and reporting project milestones, budget revisions, and closeout documentation for a large portfolio of properties.
Comfort operating in a fast-paced environment with geographically distributed projects and no fixed regional assignment.
Relocation support may be available in the form of comprehensive or lump-sum relocation packages, evaluated based on candidate needs.
Travel expenses are covered and managed for project-related travel.
Work Environment
The Construction Project Manager works primarily in an office environment based in Indianapolis, IN, with an expectation of being in the office five days per week when not traveling. The role involves approximately 50% travel nationwide to visit retail centers and project sites across a broad portfolio of properties. Work includes close collaboration with internal development, legal, and operations teams, as well as frequent interaction with external general contractors, architects, engineers, and vendors. The environment is fast-paced and project-driven, with a strong emphasis on quality, durability, and successful delivery of specialty retail construction projects. Standard office productivity tools, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, and Outlook, are used regularly for planning, scheduling, communication, and reporting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Indianapolis, IN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $175000.00/yr.
401k Health Dental Retirement
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Indianapolis,IN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 29, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
