Construction Project Manager and Estimator

We are a boutique real estate development firm with a design-build construction arm. We focus on urban infill, adaptive reuse, and high-impact residential and commercial projects throughout Chicago. Our team blends design thinking with practical execution, working on everything from multifamily housing and healthcare facilities to community-driven developments.

We’re seeking a sharp, motivated Project Manager & Estimator to support our design, entitlement, and construction teams. This is a hands-on opportunity to gain exposure to both the creative and business sides of real estate—ideal for someone who wants to do more than just draft behind a screen.

The Project Manager / Construction Estimator will be responsible for evaluating bid specifications, plans, scope review, contracts and ensure awareness of everything required to accurately and successfully bid and be awarded the project. The candidate will oversee project planning, scheduling, and budget.

Job Details

• Create accurate estimates, proposals, and budgets in a timely manner
• Create estimate and follow the appropriate bid process, reviewing scope for accuracy and detailed bid analysis for each estimate/project according to required specs
• Oversee all aspects of construction project from planning to implementation, ensuring the timeliness, quality, and uniformity of the project
• Prepares and participates in the preparation and presentation of cost/budget information
• Work directly with onsite superintendents for multiple projects overseeing costs, personnel and subcontractors
• Monitor projects financial performance versus budgets to ensure profitability
• Maintain communication with clients, and address any actions necessary to close out projects satisfactorily
• Maintain project schedule and budget. Notify leadership team of any significant concerns or risks impeding project delivery
• Attend weekly project management meetings, quarterly safety meetings, and other meetings as required

Job Qualifications:

• Previous experience in construction management, civil engineering or other related fields
• Minimum 5 years preferred in estimating/project management for the following sectors: Residential, Industrial, Commercial, Institutional/Healthcare and/or Site Utilities.
• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Building Construction Management preferred, but not required
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, and Outlook and Google Drive

Desired Skills

• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and/or Revit
• Familiarity with rendering/modeling tools (SketchUp, Rhino, Lumion, or similar)
• Passion for both architecture and real estate development
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to self-manage while collaborating across teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Interest or experience in zoning, code research is a plus

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience across design, development, and construction
• Portfolio-building work on active real estate projects in Chicago
• Exposure to zoning research, entitlement strategy, and project feasibility
• Mentorship from experienced architects, developers, and construction leads
• Site visits, city meetings, and opportunities to see your projects become reality

What Sets This Opportunity Apart

• You’ll be heard. At larger firms, interns rarely get to present original ideas. Here, you’ll have direct access to principals who are open to bold thinking—and willing to act on it. Plus, you have the opportunity to attend public discussions and meeting exposed to public media outlets.
• We can build what we imagine. We’re not just contractors—we’re often also the designers and developers of our projects. That means no layers of client approval blocking good ideas. If we like it, we can build it.
• Unfiltered exposure to decision-making. You’ll sit closer to strategy than mid-level PMs at most firms ever will, with real involvement in early-stage design, deal evaluation, and project execution.
• Design with authority. Many firms have limited influence once the client gets involved. Here, on many projects, we are the client. That means your ideas won’t just sit in a portfolio—they might actually get implemented into systems and built.

Pay: $40,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60611 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60611: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60611

Salary : $40,000 - $55,000