Construction 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.
As Senior Project Manager, you may work across any of our market focuses, including Healthcare, Commercial Interiors, Industrial, Higher Education, Historical/Repositioning, Mission-Critical, and/or Life Sciences.
Who You Are
You’re a seasoned leader who thrives in complex, high-stakes environments where relationships and results carry equal weight. You’re motivated, proactive, and adaptable, with a proven track record of delivering commercial construction projects at scale. As a leader, you set the tone for your team. You’re clear in your expectations, steady under pressure, and generous in giving credit where it’s due. You know how to inspire people to perform at their best by building trust, creating clarity, and fostering accountability. Your leadership isn’t just about managing projects; it’s about developing people, elevating teams, and shaping a culture where hospitality and excellence go hand in hand. Clients look to you as a trusted advisor, and your team looks to you for mentorship and direction. Above all, you embody Gardner’s hospitality-driven approach, ensuring that every interaction is thoughtful, responsive, and people-centered.
You have strong roots in the Wisconsin construction community and understand the people, pace, and partnerships that make this market unique. You’ve built trusted relationships with local clients, designers, and trade partners, and you’re excited to continue growing those connections with Gardner Builders. Ideally, you bring a network of relationships that could lead to future project opportunities.
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.
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 Mission Critical 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.
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 Milwaukee market.
You contribute to the growth of the business by opening doors to new relationships, markets, and project opportunities.
What You’ll Bring
8+ years of progressive experience as a Senior Project Manager or Project Manager leading commercial construction projects with a general contractor.
Bachelor’s degree in construction management or engineering (or related field), or equivalent experience. A bachelor’s degree in construction management is a bonus.
Working knowledge of general contracting and project lifecycle management.
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-

Employment type
Full Time/Non Union

Work arrangement
No