Project Manager – Ground-Up Commercial / Industrial Construction
Location: Columbus, OH
Compensation: $105,000–$140,000 base salary, dependent on experience
Benefits: Performance-based bonus, comprehensive benefits, 401k match, vehicle allowance, and additional long-term upside opportunities
About the Opportunity
Our client is a growing Columbus-based general contractor with a strong focus on commercial, industrial, warehouse, build-to-suit, and tenant improvement work. They are closely tied to a real estate development platform, giving their project teams exposure to both third-party client work and internally developed projects.
This is a strong opportunity for a Project Manager who has experience bringing projects out of the ground and wants to join a smaller, close-knit team where they can have real visibility, ownership, and long-term growth potential.
Position Overview
The Project Manager will be responsible for leading commercial construction projects from preconstruction / buyout through closeout, with an emphasis on ground-up industrial, warehouse, commercial, and tenant improvement projects.
This individual will work closely with internal leadership, field teams, subcontractors, owners, design partners, and development stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in alignment with client expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Manage projects from preconstruction transition through closeout, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, subcontractor coordination, owner communication, and documentation.
Lead ground-up project execution with a strong understanding of sitework, utilities, foundations, slab, structure, envelope, and early construction sequencing.
Coordinate closely with Superintendents to ensure field operations are aligned with project schedule, budget, quality, and safety expectations.
Manage RFIs, submittals, change orders, pay applications, meeting minutes, project documentation, and owner/subcontractor communication.
Develop and maintain project schedules, identify potential delays or conflicts, and proactively drive solutions.
Support buyout, scope review, subcontractor negotiation, and cost tracking throughout the life of the project.
Build strong relationships with owners, design teams, subcontractors, internal team members, and development partners.
Communicate clearly and consistently with leadership regarding project status, risk items, financial performance, and client needs.
Help maintain a positive, team-oriented project environment built around accountability, collaboration, and problem solving.
Contribute to a growing team and support continued process improvement as the company expands.
Qualifications
5+ years of commercial construction experience, ideally with at least 2+ years in a Project Manager, Assistant Project Manager, or Senior Project Engineer capacity.
Prior experience supporting or leading at least one ground-up commercial construction project.
Strong understanding of sitework, civil coordination, foundations, structural systems, building envelope, and general project sequencing.
Experience with industrial, warehouse, commercial, office, retail, healthcare, education, multifamily, or similar ground-up project types will be considered.
Proficiency with construction management software such as Procore, scheduling tools, and standard project documentation platforms.
Ability to manage budgets, schedules, RFIs, submittals, change orders, and subcontractor coordination.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with field teams, owners, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and internal leadership.
A team-first attitude with the ability to operate in a smaller, entrepreneurial environment.
Hungry, humble, and smart approach to work, leadership, and collaboration.
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred, but equivalent field/project experience will also be considered.
Why This Role
Join a growing Columbus-based contractor with a strong pipeline of commercial and industrial work.
Gain exposure to both third-party client projects and internally developed real estate projects.
Work in a close-knit, low-ego environment where culture and long-term fit matter.
Step into a role with direct leadership visibility and the ability to make an immediate impact.
Take ownership of ground-up and tenant improvement projects without getting lost in a large corporate structure.
Grow alongside a company that is actively expanding its project team and overall market presence.
Benefit from a competitive compensation package with bonus potential, benefits, 401k match, vehicle allowance, and additional long-term upside tied to company growth.
This is a strong fit for someone who wants more ownership, more visibility, and the chance to grow with a company that values attitude and cultural fit as much as technical experience.