Construction Project Executive – Design-Build

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)
Company: Epstein
Salary Range: $150,000 – $185,000 annually
Experience Level: 12–20+ years
Focus: Industrial & Manufacturing Design-Build Construction

About Epstein

Epstein is a 100% employee-owned Architecture, Engineering, and Construction firm with more than 100 years of proven success. Headquartered in Chicago’s West Loop—with offices in New York, Raleigh, and Warsaw, Poland—Epstein delivers fully integrated design-build solutions across industrial, manufacturing, and infrastructure markets.

Our culture is built on technical excellence, accountability, and community impact. From sustainable design and green initiatives to hands-on community service, Epstein is committed to delivering best-in-class project solutions while investing in our people for the long term.

Position Overview

Epstein is seeking a Construction Project Executive to join the leadership team within our Construction group. This role provides executive-level oversight of in-house Design-Build project teams and is responsible for driving project performance, quality, financial results, and client satisfaction.

The Project Executive oversees Project Managers across one or more large-scale projects and plays a critical role in mentoring staff, leading pursuits, strengthening client relationships, and continuously improving construction delivery processes.

Large industrial and manufacturing experience is required.
Food, automotive, and cold storage experience is strongly preferred.
Design-Build delivery experience is a major plus.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Team Leadership

• Provide executive oversight for the successful delivery of Design-Build construction projects.

• Lead Project Managers and site teams to meet project goals, schedules, budgets, and client expectations.

• Mentor and develop construction staff, reinforcing quality management principles and best practices.

• Foster collaboration across disciplines to ensure coordinated project execution.

Client & Business Development

• Develop, promote, and maintain long-term client relationships.

• Lead and support project pursuits, proposals, and interviews.

• Serve as a senior client-facing representative for assigned projects.

Construction Operations & Oversight

• Oversee project cost control, scheduling, and financial performance.

• Review and approve project reporting, cost forecasts, and status updates for clients and senior leadership.

• Conduct regular job site visits and lead progress meetings.

• Provide oversight of project documentation including RFIs, shop drawings, issuances, and closeout materials.

Subcontractor & Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain strong subcontractor and vendor relationships.

• Oversee subcontractor prequalification and bidder list development.

• Review, analyze, clarify, and recommend bid awards.

• Negotiate, award, and administer subcontracts, purchase orders, and change orders.

Risk, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with construction documents, contracts, safety requirements, and industry regulations.

• Apply strong knowledge of insurance, liability, and claims avoidance strategies.

• Maintain high standards for field operations, safety, and quality control.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or Architecture required.

• 12–20+ years of successful construction project management experience on complex projects.

• Proven experience delivering Design-Build projects.

• Significant experience with large industrial and manufacturing facilities.

• Strong knowledge of construction engineering principles, materials, methods, sequencing, scheduling, and estimating.

• Solid understanding of construction law, contracts, accounting, insurance, and risk management.

• Ability to interpret and manage complex construction documents.

• Strong field construction knowledge including systems, practices, safety, and procedures.

• Proficiency with Procore and Microsoft Project.

• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.

• Project-related travel as required.

Why Epstein

This role is well-suited for a construction leader who thrives on accountability, ownership, and delivering results. Epstein offers the stability of a century-old firm with the agility of an integrated design-build organization. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals who care deeply about quality, client relationships, and doing the job right.

Compensation & Benefits

Epstein offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and accident insurance

• Flexible benefit plans, transportation benefits, employee assistance program, and parental leave

• 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

• Half-day Fridays, flexible hours, hybrid schedule, paid time off, and paid holidays

• Professional license reimbursement, industry association reimbursement, internal training, leadership development, and educational assistance

Salary Range: $150,000 – $185,000 annually
Employees are also eligible for discretionary annual bonuses based on company and individual performance. Compensation is determined by education, experience, qualifications, licensure, and location.