Senior Assistant Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Job Description: Assistant Project Manager - Ultra-Luxury Residential Construction Company Name: Seiler ConsultingLocation: Chicago, IllinoisProject Locations: Chicago, IL and Miami, FLProject Focus: Owner's Representation, Ultra-Luxury Residential Construction, Custom Estates, Architecturally Significant New Construction, Major Renovations, and High-End Condominium and Penthouse ProjectsWork Setting: Full-Time | On-Site Collaboration RequiredBase Salary: Up to $125,000 annually, based on experienceTotal Compensation Package: Annual performance bonus of up to 7.5%, employer-paid health insurance, and paid time offRepresented By: Luxus Group Position Overview Seiler Consulting is seeking an experienced and highly organized Assistant Project Manager to support the planning and execution of exceptional ultra-luxury residential construction projects in Chicago and Miami. These are not conventional residential projects. Seiler Consulting represents discerning private owners in the development of architecturally significant residences featuring custom finishes, specialized building systems, premium materials, and an extraordinary level of craftsmanship. Projects vary in overall size and scope, with construction values typically ranging from approximately $2,000 to $4,000 per square foot. The Assistant Project Manager will work closely with senior project leadership, property owners, architects, interior designers, general contractors, consultants, specialty trades, vendors, and craftspeople. This individual will help protect the owner's interests by supporting project coordination, documentation, financial oversight, schedule management, quality control, and communication throughout the complete project lifecycle. As part of the owner's representation team, the Assistant Project Manager will help ensure that project decisions align with the owner's expectations for design, quality, budget, schedule, privacy, and long-term value. This is an excellent opportunity for a construction professional who wants to advance from a Project Engineer or Assistant Project Manager position into a more comprehensive owner-side project management role. Core Responsibilities Owner's Representation and Project LeadershipSupport the Project Manager and senior leadership in representing the owner throughout planning, design, preconstruction, construction, commissioning, and closeout, ensuring the owner's priorities, design objectives, financial interests, and quality expectations are reflected in project decisionsMaintain a clear understanding of project scope, budget, schedule, contractual requirements, design intent, and major project risksServe as a reliable point of coordination among the owner, design team, consultants, general contractor, subcontractors, vendors, and specialty tradesPrepare concise project updates, executive summaries, action lists, and decision documents, handling confidential project, client, property, and financial information with exceptional discretion Design and Preconstruction CoordinationCoordinate architects, interior designers, engineers, landscape architects, lighting designers, technology consultants, security specialists, audiovisual consultants, and other project professionalsReview drawings, specifications, finish schedules, consultant documents, and design-development packages for completeness and coordination, and track design decisions, outstanding information, owner approvals, and consultant deliverablesParticipate in constructability reviews, value analysis, budgeting, estimating, and preconstruction planning, identifying conflicts, gaps, long-lead items, scope overlaps, and potential cost or schedule impacts before constructionSupport contractor and vendor prequalification, bid solicitation, proposal evaluation, and leveling, confirming that bids accurately reflect design intent, required quality standards, and complete project scope Construction AdministrationParticipate in owner, architect, contractor, and consultant meetings, preparing agendas, documenting minutes, assigning action items, and following up with responsible partiesTrack requests for information, submittals, shop drawings, samples, mockups, substitutions, and design clarifications, and maintain accurate logs for RFIs, submittals, change requests, procurement items, approvals, and open decisionsReview contractor applications for payment, supporting documentation, lien releases, allowances, and stored-material requestsEvaluate proposed change orders for scope, pricing, labor, materials, schedule implications, and contractual validity, and coordinate owner-purchased materials, specialty equipment, custom furnishings, appliances, fixtures, and other direct-purchase items Schedule and Procurement ManagementDevelop, review, and maintain the overall project schedule, monitoring design milestones, permitting, procurement, fabrication, installation, testing, and closeout activitiesTrack long-lead and custom-manufactured materials, including specialty stone, millwork, glazing, plumbing fixtures, lighting, appliances, hardware, furnishings, and technology systems, and coordinate deliveries, storage, installation sequencing, inspections, and vendor accessIdentify potential schedule delays, develop practical recovery strategies, maintain short-term look-ahead schedules and critical-action lists, and hold contractors and consultants to established commitments Cost and Budget ControlMaintain the project budget, commitment log, forecast, contingency, allowances, and anticipated-cost reportsReview estimates, bids, proposals, change-order requests, and payment applications for accuracy, comparing proposed costs against contracts, approved scopes, allowances, and project budgetsIdentify cost trends, potential overruns, and opportunities to manage expenditures without compromising the owner's design or quality expectations, and support monthly financial reporting, reconciliation, and organized records of contracts, purchase orders, invoices, and approvals Quality Assurance and Field OversightConduct regular site walks to observe progress, workmanship, sequencing, coordination, cleanliness, and compliance with project documentsMonitor the quality of high-end finishes, specialty installations, custom fabrication, and architectural details, verifying that completed work aligns with approved drawings, specifications, samples, mockups, and design intentDocument field observations using photographs, written reports, issue logs, and follow-up assignments, and coordinate with the design team and contractor to resolve deficiencies, conflicts, and quality concernsSupport the review and approval of mockups, control samples, finish samples, and first installations, confirming corrective work is completed promptly so issues are identified before they affect subsequent work Project Closeout and TurnoverPrepare and manage punch lists, deficiency logs, completion schedules, and final inspections, tracking outstanding corrections to confirm that closeout requirements are completedCoordinate the collection and organization of warranties, operating manuals, attic stock, spare materials, as-built drawings, permits, inspection records, and training documentation, and coordinate testing, commissioning, owner training, and turnover of building systemsSupport final financial reconciliation, completion documentation, contract closeout, and post-occupancy follow-up and warranty-related coordination when required Required QualificationsExperience: Approximately 2-10 years of relevant construction or project management experienceRole Background: Experience working as an Assistant Project Manager, Project Manager, Project Engineer, or similar construction professionalMarket Experience: Demonstrated experience with luxury or ultra-luxury residential constructionEmployer Type: Experience gained with a general contractor, construction manager, developer, or owner's representativeProcess Knowledge: Understanding of the complete construction process, including design coordination, preconstruction, procurement, construction administration, financial management, and closeoutDocument Fluency: Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, engineering documents, specifications, finish schedules, shop drawings, and contractsProject Controls: Experience tracking RFIs, submittals, change orders, payment applications, budgets, schedules, and project documentationCommunication: Strong written and verbal communication skillsOrganization: Excellent organization, follow-through, and attention to detailWorkload: Ability to manage numerous priorities and deadlines in a demanding project environmentProfessional Judgment: Ability to communicate effectively with owners, architects, designers, contractors, consultants, and vendorsField Presence: Ability to work on-site and travel between project locations as requiredGeography: Willingness and ability to support projects in both Chicago and MiamiConfidentiality: Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding private clients, residences, financial information, and project details Preferred QualificationsEducation: Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, Real Estate Development, or a related fieldClient Experience: Experience working directly with private homeowners or family representatives on high-value residential projectsContract Types: Familiarity with cost-plus, guaranteed maximum price, and stipulated-sum construction agreementsCost Review: Experience reviewing contractor estimates, bid packages, payment applications, and change ordersMaterials Knowledge: Knowledge of custom residential materials, high-end finishes, millwork, stone, lighting, plumbing fixtures, appliances, audiovisual systems, security systems, and building automationSoftware: Experience with Procore, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Smartsheet, or similar project-management platformsCertifications: OSHA 30 certification or other construction-related credentialsProject Scale: Experience supporting projects with construction costs exceeding $2,000 per square foot Ideal Candidate ProfileExceptionally organized and attentive to detailComfortable working in a highly collaborative, on-site environmentProactive about identifying and resolving issuesFinancially aware and capable of evaluating project costsSkilled at holding team members accountable in a professional mannerDiplomatic when navigating competing prioritiesComfortable interacting with sophisticated owners and nationally recognized design professionalsPassionate about architecture, construction quality, craftsmanship, and designAble to anticipate what project leadership and the owner will need before being askedInterested in developing into a trusted owner's representative and project leader Project Environment Seiler Consulting's assignments may include custom urban residences and luxury estates, architecturally significant new construction, major residential renovations and additions, high-end condominium and penthouse projects, custom interiors and specialty finish packages, complex structural, mechanical, electrical, lighting, technology, security, and audiovisual systems, imported materials and custom-fabricated architectural elements, and extensive landscape, pool, exterior living, and site-improvement programs. Projects vary in size, but their complexity and finish quality place them among the most sophisticated residential construction assignments in the market. Each assignment requires careful coordination among architects, designers, consultants, contractors, specialty fabricators, and international or custom-product vendors. Work Location and Travel This is a full-time position based in Chicago, Illinois, with on-site collaboration required. Candidates must be prepared to work from active project locations and attend in-person meetings with owners, consultants, contractors, and vendors. Seiler Consulting manages ultra-luxury residential projects in both Chicago and Miami, and periodic travel to Miami may be required depending on project assignments and business needs. Compensation & BenefitsBase salary up to $125,000, depending on relevant experience and qualificationsAnnual performance bonus of up to 7.5%Employer-paid health insurancePaid time offExposure to highly sophisticated residential projectsDirect collaboration with respected architects, designers, contractors, consultants, and craftspeopleMeaningful professional-development and career-growth opportunities About Luxus Group Luxus Group is a specialized recruiting and talent advisory firm serving the architecture, engineering, construction, and related professional-services industries. As an AEC-focused recruiting partner, Luxus Group helps engineering and design firms identify, engage, evaluate, and hire difficult-to-find professionals. Its recruiting team understands the technical differences between owner's representatives, project engineers, project managers, technical leads, discipline leaders, and principal-level professionals. Luxus Group is representing Seiler Consulting in identifying and recruiting qualified candidates for this opportunity. Interested professionals may contact Luxus Group for a confidential discussion regarding the position, compensation, team structure, project portfolio, and long-term advancement potential. Keywords Assistant Project Manager, APM, Project Engineer, Project Manager, Owner's Representative, Owners Rep, Construction Manager, Luxury Residential Construction, Ultra-Luxury Residential, Custom Homes, High-End Residential, Estate Construction, Penthouse Construction, Residential Renovation, Ground-Up Construction, General Contractor, Construction Management, Design Coordination, Preconstruction, Cost Control, Budget Management, Change Orders, RFIs, Submittals, Procurement, Scheduling, Quality Control, Architectural Finishes, Custom Millwork, High-End Interiors, Procore, Bluebeam, Chicago Construction, Miami Construction, Private Residence, Luxury Home Construction, Owner-Side Project Management, Seiler Consulting, Luxus Group