Senior Manager / Director of Project Development (commercial construction)

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska (100% onsite)

Compensation: $95,000 – $120,000 base salary, plus annual performance bonus. Potential sign-on bonus, company SUV with full expenses covered, and an excellent benefits package (health, dental, life, disability, 401k, PTO, and more).

About the Opportunity

We are conducting a confidential search on behalf of an established commercial construction firm with decades of success delivering projects of every size and scope. This is a newly created leadership-track role designed for someone who thrives on building strong client relationships, leading complex projects, and bringing fresh energy, technology, and ideas to a company with a proud reputation for integrity and quality.

The person selected will initially join as a Senior Manager or Director of Project Development, with a clear path to move into a Director of Business Development role as they demonstrate leadership impact. This position is ideal for an ambitious professional ready to make their mark and grow into senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong client relationships from first meeting through project completion.
• Identify and pursue new customer opportunities while continuing to serve existing clients with excellence.
• Lead large-scale commercial construction projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Oversee project planning, estimating, scheduling, and financial management.
• Represent the company professionally with polished communication in client presentations, bid work, and government/municipal projects.
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Navigate and negotiate contracts, scopes, budgets, and change orders with confidence and integrity.
• Apply data-driven insights and leverage construction technology to improve project delivery and reporting.
• Provide accurate reporting and strategic input to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• 10 years of commercial construction experience, with a well-rounded background in estimating, project management, and client-facing work.
• Minimum 3 years of direct project management experience.
• Demonstrated success managing projects up to $25 million.
• Strong financial acumen: cost estimating, budgeting, contract negotiation, and change order management.
• Polished public speaking and presentation skills for bid work and municipal/government projects.
• Comfortable using construction management software (e.g., Procore or similar).
• Known for integrity, collaboration, quality, innovation, and community mindset.
• Degree in Construction Management or related field preferred, but not required for candidates with equivalent experience.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 12 months, the right person will:

• Assimilate quickly into the team and culture.
• Infuse new ideas, energy, and technology into projects and processes.
• Take initiative and ownership, shaping the role rather than waiting for direction.
• Be recognized as a trusted leader and mentor.
• Demonstrate readiness to step into expanded leadership responsibilities, with future opportunities in senior management.

Why This Role

This is a rare opportunity to join a company that:

• Has the capabilities to deliver complex, multi-million-dollar projects while staying nimble enough for you to make a visible impact.
• Competes on integrity and quality, not just price, in a highly competitive market.
• Offers a leadership path with the freedom to shape the role around your strengths.
• Invests in professional growth, leadership development, and long-term career progression.
• Provides competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and stability.

This is a unique moment to join a highly respected, quality-driven company with exceptional employee longevity. With an upcoming leadership transition in the next 1–2 years, the right person will have the rare opportunity to make this role their own, grow alongside a supportive team, and build a long-term career marked by both professional and personal development.