Construction Manager

Position Title:  Construction Manager

Summary: iLearn Schools is seeking an experienced Construction Manager to lead our remodeling projects from start to finish while also providing leadership over the organization's Maintenance Division. The Construction Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the construction process � including estimating, test-fit drawings, permitting, bidding and procurement, scheduling, coordination, hiring, budgeting, and inspections � with multiple projects.

This position directly sources, solicits, evaluates, coordinates, and hires subcontractors � managing them throughout each project rather than relying on a single general contractor. The Construction Manager is hands-on in driving cost estimates, schedules, and field execution from preconstruction through closeout.

In addition to construction, this role serves as the senior leader of the Maintenance Division, which is organized into two divisions: General Maintenance and Engineering. Each division is led by its own Maintenance Manager who reports directly to the Construction Manager. Together, these teams ensure that iLearn's facilities remain safe, functional, code-compliant, and well-maintained for students and staff across all campuses.

Compensation: Competitive salary between $100,000 � $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Prior to employment, the following must be addressed:

• Required to complete a criminal history background check to prove that the individual has not been convicted of a crime or a disorderly person's offense in accordance with N.J.S.A 18A:6-7.1. 
• Provide evidence that health is adequate to fulfill the job functions and responsibilities with reasonable accommodation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 12101 and in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:32-6.2.
• Pass the state-required Mantoux Intradermal Tuberculin Test as required by N.J.A.C. 6A:32-6.3.
• A valid driver's license is required.   

Requirements/Environmental Conditions:  

The physical demands and work environment factors described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Requires prolonged sitting or standing
• Occasionally requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, pull, or push objects or materials.
• Requires the ability to work in noisy and crowded environments.
• Occasionally requires stooping, bending, or reaching. 
• Requires some traveling.
• Requires the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when dealing with certain chemicals or situations

Key Responsibilities

Estimating and Preconstruction

• Prepare, review, and validate detailed cost estimates and budgets for remodeling and construction projects, from conceptual and rough-order-of-magnitude through final hard-bid estimates.
• Develop scopes of work, quantity takeoffs, and material/labor pricing to establish accurate project budgets and contingencies.
• Lead value engineering and cost-saving analysis to optimize project scope while maintaining quality, safety, and educational requirements.
• Solicit, level, and analyze competitive bids and proposals; compare contractor pricing to independent estimates to ensure fair and competitive costs.
• Develop and maintain master project schedules, identifying the critical path, milestones, long-lead items, and phasing around the academic calendar.

Contractor Coordination and Procurement

• Directly source, prequalify, and hire contractors, subcontractors, and vendors � building and managing a reliable network of trade partners.
• Prepare and issue bid packages, requests for proposals (RFPs), and purchase orders; negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms.
• Serve as the primary point of contact coordinating all contractors and subcontractors on site, sequencing trades and resolving conflicts to keep work on schedule.
• Manage submittals, requests for information (RFIs), and shop drawings, ensuring timely responses and alignment with project documents.

Project Planning and Execution

• Lead the development of test-fit drawings and project plans in collaboration with architects, engineers, landlords, and other stakeholders.
• Obtain necessary permits and approvals from local authorities to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations.
• Coordinate with contractors, subcontractors, and vendors to schedule and execute construction activities according to project timelines.
• Oversee site safety, regulatory compliance, and adherence to OSHA and local requirements across all active job sites.
• Manage project closeout, including punch lists, final inspections, warranties, as-built documentation, and turnover of facilities to operations.

Maintenance Division Leadership

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the Maintenance Division, encompassing both the General Maintenance and Engineering divisions.
• Directly supervise the Maintenance Managers, setting goals, reviewing performance, and supporting their professional development.
• Establish and oversee preventive maintenance programs to maximize the lifespan and reliability of building systems, equipment, and facilities.
• Ensure timely response to maintenance requests, service interruptions, and emergency repairs across all campuses.
• Coordinate maintenance activities with construction and remodeling projects to minimize disruption to school operations.
• Oversee compliance with health, safety, environmental, and building-system regulations (including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and life-safety systems).

Hiring and Team Management

• Recruit, hire, and onboard construction and maintenance teams, to support project and facilities objectives.
• Provide leadership and direction to project teams and division managers, ensuring clear communication and alignment with organizational goals and expectations.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that promotes teamwork and accountability among project stakeholders and maintenance staff.

Budgeting and Financial Management

• Develop and manage construction and maintenance budgets, tracking expenses and ensuring cost-effectiveness throughout each project and operating cycle.
• Monitor financial performance against budget projections, identifying variances and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors and suppliers to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.

Inspections and Quality Assurance

• Conduct regular inspections and quality assurance checks to ensure that construction and maintenance work meets quality standards and specifications.
• Address any issues or deficiencies identified during inspections, coordinating with relevant parties to implement corrective measures promptly.
• Maintain detailed documentation, including progress reports, change orders, maintenance logs, and inspection records, to support accountability and transparency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Facilities Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in construction project management, with a proven track record of successfully managing mid and large-scale remodeling projects.
• Strong estimating experience, including cost estimating, quantity takeoffs, bid leveling, and value engineering on projects exceeding one million dollars.
• Demonstrated experience directly hiring, contracting, and coordinating contractors and subcontractors as an owner's representative.
• Demonstrated experience leading facilities maintenance and/or engineering operations, including supervising managers or skilled trades teams.
• Strong technical knowledge of construction and building-systems principles, practices, and techniques, including test-fit drawings, permitting processes, and inspections.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple teams, negotiate contracts, and build relationships with stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management and estimating/scheduling software and tools, as well as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with prevailing wage regulations and compliance requirements for public construction projects.

Reporting Structure

• The Construction Manager reports to the Sr. Director of Facilities and oversees both new construction/remodeling initiatives and ongoing facilities maintenance. The Construction Manager provides direction, sets priorities, and ensures coordination between construction projects and ongoing maintenance operations so that both functions support iLearn's educational mission.

Benefits

• Competitive salary between $100,000 � $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions to support long-term financial security.
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance coverage for employees and their families, promoting health and wellness.