Job Title: Construction Project ManagerJob Description
This Construction Project Manager role oversees multiple commercial projects-primarily quick-service restaurant (QSR), retail, and light commercial builds-across the Midwest from preconstruction through final closeout. You will own the full project lifecycle, including budgeting, bidding coordination, contracts, construction execution, and closeout, rather than inheriting fully bought-out projects. The position offers a fast-paced yet laid-back and collaborative culture, strong autonomy with minimal micromanagement, and a stable backlog of work that supports long-term career growth and a healthy work-life balance.
Responsibilities
Lead and manage multiple commercial construction projects, typically including several ground-up builds, from initial estimating and bidding through preconstruction, construction, and final closeout.
Own the full project lifecycle, including budgeting, bid coordination, contract administration, owner approvals, construction execution, and closeout documentation.
Organize and oversee the bid process, including leading bid kickoff meetings, directing estimators, and managing assistant project managers and project coordinators.
Maintain constant communication and close collaboration with site superintendents, operating as a unified project team rather than in a strict hierarchy.
Manage project budgets and financial performance, ensuring accurate tracking of costs, change orders, and forecasts across $3-5M or more in active construction volume at any given time.
Coordinate and communicate with owners, architects, subcontractors, and field staff, serving as the primary point of contact for all project stakeholders.
Prepare, review, and manage subcontracts and other project agreements, ensuring compliance with project requirements and company standards.
Oversee project schedules and milestones, proactively identifying and resolving issues to keep projects on time and within budget in a fast-paced commercial environment.
Ensure all required closeout documentation is completed, organized, and delivered, including warranties, as-built documents, and final reports.
Use construction management software (such as Procore) and financial tools (such as Spectrum or similar systems) to manage project information, documentation, and financials.
Travel to project sites for day trips and occasional overnight stays as needed to support project execution and stakeholder coordination.
Maintain accessibility during normal business hours while upholding a sustainable work-life balance and meeting project commitments.
Adapt to established processes and best practices while contributing to a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and self-managed project culture.
Essential Skills
Approximately 5 years of total construction experience, including internships, with at least 2-3 years of post-college project management responsibility.
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field strongly preferred; a four-year degree is preferred over a two-year degree, though specific schools are not required.
Demonstrated experience as a true full-cycle Project Manager, owning projects from estimating and bidding through preconstruction, contracts, budgets, owner approvals, construction, and closeout, rather than only managing already bought-out projects.
Proven ability to manage $3-5M or more in active construction volume simultaneously, typically involving around three active ground-up projects.
Experience with Procore or similar construction management software, with the ability to become proficient quickly and work comfortably with technology.
Experience using financial tools such as Spectrum or comparable construction accounting software to manage budgets, costs, and project financials.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with owners, architects, subcontractors, and labor at all levels.
Ability to self-manage in a low-micromanagement environment, taking ownership of responsibilities and driving projects forward independently.
Background in fast-paced commercial construction, ideally including QSR, retail, or restaurant projects.
Willingness to complete a criminal Background check and driving record review as part of the hiring process.
Residence in Indiana or willingness to relocate, with the ability to work in-office, particularly during initial training.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Ground-up construction experience, particularly in commercial projects.
Specific experience in quick-service restaurant (QSR) construction.
General contractor Background preferred over subcontractor experience, especially with exposure to preconstruction activities.
Experience in retail or strip center construction, especially in fast-paced environments, is acceptable and valued.
Residential construction experience may be considered for the right candidate, even though it is not preferred.
Subcontractor Background may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Background growing up in a construction-oriented family, working in the field, and later obtaining a degree is viewed favorably.
High level of adaptability and willingness to learn and follow established processes and methodologies.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Work Environment
The role is primarily based in the office five days per week, with regular travel to job sites across the Midwest. Most project-related travel consists of same-day trips, with occasional overnight stays supported by a per diem and company-paid lodging. Normal business hours are expected, with a strong emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance and avoiding routine weekend work or excessively long days. The culture is fast-paced but laid back, focused on results rather than micromanagement, and encourages autonomy, collaboration, and professional growth. You will use modern construction management technologies such as Procore and financial tools like Spectrum or similar software, and you will be provided with a company phone, laptop, mileage reimbursement for all travel from home to site and back, per diem for overnight travel, and company-paid lodging when required.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Indianapolis, IN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $120000.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Indianapolis,IN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 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.
