Project Manager

Company Description:

Nelson Construction & Development is a real estate developer, investor, and general contractor located in Des Moines, Iowa. Our twenty-two years of work include more than 3,000,000 square feet and $600,000,000 in both ground-up new construction as well as major award-winning historic renovations. Our work spans many states, including Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Illinois with a focus on multifamily apartments, senior living assisted living and memory care units, as well as various hotel, retail, parking garage, and office projects.

Nelson Construction & Development share one office (developer, investor, and general contractor), and are completely open with pipe line for projects, finances, and problem solving. Once the design has been started, the general contractor is involved with the developer throughout the design process. Through this process, the general contracting team gains additional information from the design team and also the opportunity to weigh in on the design means and methods.

Nelson Construction & Development only works on our own projects. Therefore there is no chasing and hard bidding projects. There is a firm commitment for each project, making the general contracting team able to start engaging on projects early.

General Contracting at Nelson looks different than a typical general contractor, and because of this - our employees have the opportunity to dive into our projects during design, solve problems/issues faster with the owner, and also always knowing projects are coming.

Job Description:

Nelson Construction & Development is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead commercial construction projects ranging from $1M–$30M across multifamily, senior living, hospitality, municipal, and mixed-use sectors throughout the Midwest.

The Project Manager works closely with field leadership, subcontractors, and design teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with contract documents. This role serves as a primary point of contact for owners and consultants and maintains clear communication and coordination throughout the project lifecycle.

ABOUT NELSON CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

Nelson Construction & Development delivers projects throughout the Midwest and has established a strong reputation for quality construction, collaborative project teams, and long-term client relationships. We are a developer and general contractor delivering projects across multiple sectors including:

• Multifamily
• Senior and Independent Living
• Behavioral Health
• Hospitality
• Municipal and Public Facilities
• Commercial and Mixed-Use Developments

Our integrated development and construction approach allows our teams to collaborate closely with clients and partners to deliver high-quality projects across the Midwest.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Leadership

• Lead project coordination between owners, design teams, subcontractors, and internal project teams
• Serve as a primary point of contact for project stakeholders
• Lead project meetings and maintain clear communication across the project team

Preconstruction & Procurement

• Participate in project budgeting and cost planning during preconstruction
• Coordinate subcontractor bidding and perform bid leveling
• Lead subcontractor procurement and assist with subcontract negotiation

Financial Management

• Manage project budgets and maintain cost forecasts throughout the project
• Review and process change orders
• Prepare owner pay applications and review subcontractor payment requests

Project Execution

• Coordinate with field leadership to maintain schedule and quality standards
• Identify and resolve issues related to drawings, specifications, or field conditions
• Monitor project progress and proactively address potential schedule or coordination challenges

Project Documentation

• Maintain project documentation including RFIs, submittals, and change orders
• Ensure project documentation and records remain accurate and current

TECHNOLOGY PLATFORMS

• Procore
• Bluebeam
• Sage Intacct
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Project
• ConstructConnect
• PlanHub
• iSqFt
• OpenSpace

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role operates in both office and active construction site environments. Occasional travel to project sites is required.

WHY JOIN NELSON CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

• Work on a diverse portfolio of commercial construction projects across multiple sectors
• Collaborative project teams and experienced field leadership
• Opportunity for growth within Nelson’s Construction Operations team

Career progression typically follows: Assistant Project Manager → Project Manager → Senior Project Manager → Project Executive

Benefits:

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary ($95,000-$130,000 depending on experience and qualifications)
• Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to project and company performance
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities 

Required Experience:

Required 

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3-10 years of commercial construction project management experience
• Strong communication, coordination, and organizational skills

Qualifications:

Preferred

• Experience managing commercial construction projects
• Experience coordinating subcontractor procurement and buyout
• Familiarity with construction contracts, drawings, and specifications

Required Travel:

Location

Projects are primarily located in the Midwest, with most work concentrated in Iowa and surrounding markets.