Senior Project Manager

At Gardner, commercial construction should feel as welcoming as it is professional. That's why we don't just build construction projects; we build relationships, rooted in hospitality. Our mission is to set the platinum standard for our clients, partners, and team members by delivering exceptional results while embodying our core values: passion, humility, excellence, empathy, and nimbleness. We bring a hospitality-driven approach to every project, ensuring every interaction is thoughtful, responsive, and human-centered.

Who You Are

You're an experienced builder who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments where relationships and results carry equal weight. You're motivated, proactive, and adaptable, with a strong track record of delivering large-scale industrial, precast construction projects from start to finish. You take pride in running work efficiently and intentionally by driving schedules, managing budgets, and resolving challenges with confidence and care.

You're steady under pressure, clear in communication, and trusted by clients and trade partners alike. People enjoy working with you because you bring a sense of calm, competence, and collaboration to every situation. Your approach isn't just about getting the job done; it's about doing it the right way, ensuring every interaction reflects Gardner's commitment to hospitality, quality, and excellence.

How You'll Contribute

Client Partnership

• Lead multiple commercial construction projects where you're accountable for success across scope, schedule, budget, and quality.
• Cultivate strong, trust-based client relationships, serving as a liaison and advisor throughout the project lifecycle.
• Represent Gardner's mission and vision in proposal presentations, interviews, and industry events.
• Generate new business opportunities by leveraging relationships with owners and the design community.

Project + Financial Oversight

• Oversee project contracts, risk management, and financial performance with a focus on accuracy, profitability, and strategic growth.
• Lead and mentor project engineers, project coordinators, and superintendents to ensure excellence across all aspects of project execution.
• Manage bidding, estimating, forecasting, change orders, pay applications, and trade partner invoicing.
• Quickly and professionally resolve challenges, mobilizing resources and aligning teams toward solutions.

Execution + Closeout

• Guide project teams through all construction phases, ensuring communication, collaboration, and accountability.
• Lead project and procurement meetings to maintain alignment with clients, designers, and trade partners.
• Drive project closeout, including punch list oversight, final billings, and completion of closeout checklists.
• Contribute to long-term strategies for Gardner's growth in the Industrial market.

What Success Looks Like

You'll know you're succeeding when:

• Your projects consistently deliver on schedule, budget, and quality, earning repeat business from clients.
• Clients see you as a trusted advisor, turning to you not only for project execution but also for strategic partnership.
• Your team feels supported, challenged, and inspired under your leadership.
• You anticipate risks before they become problems and guide your team to solutions with confidence and composure.
• You help Gardner strengthen its reputation as a platinum standard partner in the Minneapolis market.
• You contribute to the growth of the business by opening doors to new relationships, markets, and project opportunities.

What You'll Bring

• 10+ years of progressive experience as a Senior Project Manager or Project Manager leading commercial construction projects for a general contractor.
• Bachelor's degree in construction management or engineering (or related field), or equivalent experience. Bachelor's degree in construction management is a bonus.
• Proven experience working for a general contractor with a strong understanding of industrial/ground-up project delivery from preconstruction through closeout.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate large, complex sites, including projects with challenging soil conditions and weather impacts.
• Hands-on experience managing precast building projects and navigating related sitework and logistical challenges independently.
• Ability to read and interpret geotechnical soils reports and apply findings to site planning, coordination, and decision-making.
• Strong financial and business acumen, with the ability to confidently manage budgets, forecasting, and cost reporting.
• Skilled in estimating and technical writing, with a sharp attention to detail.
• Strong communicator, able to clearly convey information in verbal, written, and visual formats.
• A collaborative and humble approach, with a focus on finding solutions and supporting the team.
• Proficiency in construction management and scheduling tools such as Procore, Microsoft Project, Outbuild, and Bluebeam.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and adaptable, with an ability to stay one step ahead and pivot with purpose when needed.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a team-first mindset and a strong sense of accountability.
• Comfortable working with Apple devices and Google Workspace (or ability to learn).
• Valid driver's license and the ability to maintain a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record.

What Will Set You Apart

• A hospitality-first leadership style, combining technical expertise with empathy and trust-building.
• Deep familiarity with the Minneapolis construction market and established relationships with local clients, designers, and trade partners.
• Exceptional financial and business acumen, with expertise in forecasting, reporting, and risk management.
• Knowledge of sustainable building practices (ex: LEED, WELL, Living Building Challenge).

Why Join Gardner Builders?

We are proud to be recognized as:

• 7-Time "Best Places to Work" by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
• 6-Time "Top 150 Workplaces" by Minneapolis Star Tribune
• #1 Top Workplace in Construction by Star Tribune (2023)
• 4-Time "Best Workplace" by Inc Magazine
• "Best Places to Work" by Milwaukee Business Journal

Our culture-first approach fosters personal and professional growth, an EOS-led structure, and a commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, challenged, and enjoys coming to work.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual Salary: $125,000 - $160,000 annual salary (paid weekly) + discretionary bonus.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, HSA with employer contribution, and 401 (k) plan with employer contribution.
• Ancillary Benefits: Company-paid basic life & AD&D insurance, company-paid long-term disability, company-paid employee assistance program, accident insurance, and critical illness insurance.
• Perks: Monthly auto allowance, paid parking or public transportation costs, company-provided phone and laptop.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off,  paid sabbatical leave, paid bereavement leave, paid parental leave, free onsite fitness facility, and regular company and team outings.

Interview Process

Our process typically includes three conversations (phone and in-person) to ensure a mutual fit.

Pre-Employment Screening

Drug screen and background check required.

Other Items to Note 

• Gardner reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation for unwanted solicitations. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement. 
• Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. 
• We are only considering local candidates at this time.  We are unable to provide relocation assistance at this time. 

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This is an in-person position, located at our office downtown Minneapolis with most of your time spent in an office setting, collaborating with teammates and working on a computer. You'll also visit active job sites to stay connected with the work in the field.  That may include walking on uneven ground, being outdoors in changing weather, or stepping into areas with dust or noise.  You'll also travel to client sites, conferences, and other business meetings. The role involves typical office activities such as typing, writing, and sitting for stretches of time during meetings or travel. Occasionally, you may need to move light materials or equipment (up to about 20 pounds). We are committed to supporting individuals with disabilities and can provide reasonable accommodations to help you perform at your best.