Senior Real Estate Project Manager - New Jersey (Non Technical)

Job Title: Senior Real Estate Project Manager

Location: New Jersey (with regular site visits)

Reports To: Director of Real Estate Development / Principal

Job Summary

The Senior Real Estate Project Manager is responsible for the full execution of real estate development and construction projects, from pre-construction through completion and close-out. This role owns construction schedules, contractor coordination, cost controls, reporting, and risk management, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in compliance with all requirements.

The Senior PM serves as the day-to-day owner of assigned projects, acting as the primary liaison between ownership, general contractors, consultants, lenders, and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Construction Leadership

• Lead projects from pre-construction through final completion and turnover
• Own and manage project schedules and critical path timelines
• Coordinate and manage general contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and consultants
• Conduct regular construction site visits to verify progress, quality, safety, and sequencing
• Hold contractors accountable to contractual obligations, schedules, and scopes of work
• Confirm and certify project milestones and percentage of completion

Schedule, Budget & Cost Control

• Develop, track, and maintain detailed construction schedules
• Identify schedule risks and implement corrective action plans
• Review and approve pay applications, requisitions, and draw packages
• Coordinate lender and investor draw submissions and respond to third-party reviewer comments
• Monitor project budgets, cost reports, and forecasts; flag overruns early
• Review and negotiate change orders, ensuring pricing and scope alignment

Meetings, Reporting & Communication

• Lead weekly construction progress meetings, including agenda preparation, meeting minutes, and follow-ups
• Prepare and deliver weekly and monthly project status reports to senior leadership
• Communicate project risks, delays, and mitigation strategies clearly and proactively
• Serve as primary point of contact for day-to-day project execution

Feasibility & Pre-Development

• Lead or support feasibility studies for prospective development projects
• Review preliminary budgets, schedules, constructability, and entitlement risks
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and consultants during early planning phases
• Provide clear recommendations on project viability and go / no-go decisions

Compliance & Close-Out

• Ensure compliance with permits, zoning approvals, codes, and regulatory requirements
• Track inspections, approvals, punch lists, and close-out documentation
• Oversee project close-out, including final lien waivers, as-builts, warranties, and turnover packages
• Support audits, lender reviews, and post-completion reporting
• Support development of internal processes and best practices

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in real estate development or construction project management
• Proven experience leading ground-up or major renovation projects
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing, scheduling, budgeting, and cost controls
• Demonstrated experience managing draws, requisitions, and lender reporting
• Proficiency in Excel, Microsoft Office, and project management tools
• Ability to travel regularly to construction sites

Preferred

• Experience with multifamily, mixed-use, or affordable housing projects
• Experience with public or subsidized financing structures (LIHTC, agency financing a plus)
• Experience working directly with lenders, inspectors, and third-party consultants

Core Competencies

• Ownership mentality and accountability
• Strong contractor management and negotiation skills
• Clear and decisive communication
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Strong judgment under schedule and budget pressure

Working Conditions

• A combination of office work and frequent on-site presence
• Flexibility to work outside standard hours to meet construction milestones
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment