Graduate Project Construction Manager Jobs in Naperville, IL

MLCO Construction

Construction Project Manager

Location: Primary office location is Chicago, Illinois, with travel to project sites as needed. Travel approximately 25%, generally consisting of short visits to active project sites throughout the United States. Overnight travel will vary based on project needs. 

Manage the Project. Shape the Outcome.

MLCO Construction is a Chicago-headquartered general contractor and design-builder serving storage and commercial developers throughout the United States. We specialize in self-storage, RV storage, industrial outdoor storage, flex-bay facilities, adaptive reuse, commercial renovations, and ground-up construction. Our multidisciplinary team uses technology, thoughtful planning, and strong project relationships to improve execution and deliver value for our clients. 

MLCO Construction is seeking a Construction Project Manager to join its Chicago-based team. The Project Manager will oversee projects from preconstruction and subcontractor buyout through construction, financial management, and closeout.

At MLCO, the Project Manager and Superintendent operate as a closely connected team, with clearly defined performance goals tied to the success of the project. The ideal candidate will be organized, financially aware, technically capable, and comfortable taking ownership within a lean and entrepreneurial company. This role requires approximately 25% travel to active project sites throughout the United States.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage assigned construction projects from preconstruction through final closeout.
• Develop project budgets, schedules, procurement plans, and execution strategies.
• Lead subcontractor bidding, scope review, leveling, negotiation, and award.
• Prepare and manage subcontracts, purchase orders, change orders, and project documentation.
• Coordinate closely with the assigned Superintendent to support field execution.
• Monitor project costs, committed costs, forecasts, billings, and profitability.
• Review subcontractor applications for payment and support owner billing processes.
• Manage RFIs, submittals, drawings, specifications, and design coordination.
• Maintain accurate project records and workflows in Procore.
• Communicate regularly with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal leadership.
• Identify and manage project risks, schedule concerns, cost exposure, and scope gaps.
• Develop solutions that protect quality, schedule, safety, and financial performance.
• Lead regular project meetings and provide clear status reports.
• Coordinate inspections, turnover documentation, punch-list completion, and closeout.
• Travel to assigned project sites as needed, generally up to approximately 25%.

Qualifications

• 5 or more years of previous experience as a Construction Project Manager, Assistant Project Manager, Project Engineer, or similar construction professional.
• Experience managing commercial projects valued between approximately $2 million and $20 million preferred. 
• Experience with self-storage, pre-engineered metal buildings, steel construction, site development, or ground-up commercial projects is beneficial.
• Strong understanding of construction budgets, schedules, contracts, change management, and project documentation.
• Proficiency with Procore is strongly preferred.
• Experience using Procore for RFIs, submittals, financial tracking, document control, and project management. 
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, contracts, and technical documents.
• Strong financial, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage several priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Collaborative leadership style and ability to build productive relationships.
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to take ownership.
• Ability to travel approximately 25%.
• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field is preferred; equivalent construction experience will also be considered.

Pay and Benefits

• Full-time, W-2 Employment
• Base salary: $75.000 - $90.000 annually, depending on experience.
• Eligible for an annual performance bonus targeted at approximately 25% of base salary based on measurable project and company performance. Bonus eligibility and payout are not guaranteed.
• Eligible for company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. 
• Employee-contribution 401(k) plan.
• Reimbursement of approved project travel expenses.
• Access to modern construction management technology and systems.
• Professional development and mentorship opportunities.
• Advancement potential within a growing national construction company.
• Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday. Occasional extended hours may be required to support project milestones. 

Why MLCO Construction?

MLCO gives Project Managers the opportunity to own their work, influence project outcomes, and collaborate directly with experienced company leaders. Our lean structure eliminates unnecessary layers and creates room for strong performers to contribute ideas, improve systems, and grow beyond a narrowly defined job description. You will work on projects across multiple regions while building lasting relationships with clients and trade partners. With a transparent team-based bonus structure and a culture centered on hospitality, innovation, and accountability, your impact is both visible and rewarded.

MLCO Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.