Senior Construction Project Manager

Sonida Senior Living is one of the nation’s leading operators of independent living, assisted living and memory care communities for senior adults. The Company operates 96 communities that are home to nearly 12,000 residents across 20 states providing comfortable, safe, affordable communities where residents can form friendships, enjoy new experiences and receive personalized care from dedicated team members who treat them family. 

Job Description: 

The Senior Construction Project Manager leads the planning, execution, and delivery of major capital improvement, renovation, and infrastructure projects across a national portfolio of senior living communities. This senior leader drives project strategy, ensures adherence to budget, schedule, and regulatory standards, and proactively mitigates operational disruptions. The role partners closely with Operations, Facilities, Finance, and external vendors to elevate asset quality, support organizational investment goals, and enhance the resident experience.

Responsibilities:

Project Leadership & Execution

• Oversee large, complex capital projects from concept through close-out, including major renovations, unit conversions, expansions, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Drive scope development, project phasing, risk assessments, and milestone planning in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Lead cross-functional coordination with Asset Management, Acquisitions, Facilities, and Operations to ensure alignment on schedules, budgets, and operational impact.
• Manage a portfolio of concurrent projects across geographically dispersed communities, ensuring consistency in quality, documentation, and execution.
• Ensure work is completed with minimal disruption to residents, families, and operational teams.

Vendor & Contract Management

• Select and oversee contractors, architects, engineers, and specialty consultants, ensuring high-quality work and adherence to contractual obligations.
• Negotiate complex contracts, evaluate proposals, and establish performance expectations and KPIs.
• Conduct regular site inspections to assess progress, safety, quality, and adherence to scope.
• Hold vendors accountable for schedule adherence, cost control, and compliance with project specifications.

Budget & Financial Oversight

• Develop and manage detailed project budgets, forecast expenditures, and monitor financial performance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and proactively address potential overruns or risks.
• Review and approve pay applications, change orders, and vendor invoices with appropriate documentation.
• Partner with Asset Management and Finance to support multi-year capital planning and long-range forecasting.

Regulatory, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure project compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including life safety, ADA, building codes, and senior housing standards.
• Work with community leadership to maintain operational compliance during construction activities.
• Enforce safety programs, site protocols, and infection control standards to protect residents, staff, and workers.

Stakeholder Communication & Leadership

• Serve as the senior point of contact for internal leaders, community teams, and external partners on all project-related matters.
• Provide clear, proactive communication on timelines, disruptions, status updates, and risk management to senior leadership and community teams.
• Support change management, transition planning, and operational readiness upon project completion.

Portfolio & Strategic Support

• Contribute to annual capital planning and prioritization based on asset conditions, ROI, operational needs, and strategic objectives.
• Identify opportunities to improve asset performance, energy efficiency, and resident experience through capital investments.
• Track project outcomes and support ongoing refinement of capital project processes and best practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Facilities Management, or
  related field preferred.
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in construction project management, capital project delivery, or facilities development.
• Experience in senior living, healthcare, or hospitality construction strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale, multi-site construction or renovation projects.
• Deep knowledge of construction practices, building systems, life safety standards, codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder-leadership skills.

Travel Requirements

• Regular travel to communities (approximately 30–50%), including overnight travel as needed.