Senior Project Manager

Description

The Senior Project Manager – Aviation leads the successful delivery of airport construction projects — terminal buildings, concourses, and ancillary facilities — through leadership of project teams, client relationships, operational execution, and business performance. This role provides leadership from preconstruction through closeout while mentoring project teams and supporting initiatives that strengthen project delivery across the aviation sector.

We're looking for someone with real experience building inside an active airport environment — the unique access, security, phasing, and stakeholder coordination that terminal and ancillary building work requires. Experience at any commercial airport is a strong fit; this isn't tied to one specific facility.

The role reports to the Project Director, Project Executive, Vice President of Operations, or other assigned supervisor, and works closely with clients, consultants, trade partners, field leadership, project teams, and company leadership throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion project safety, quality, scheduling, and risk management across assigned aviation projects, partnering with field leadership on expectations.
• Maintain accountability for project forecasting, budgeting, billing, cash flow, and overall financial performance.
• Lead administration of prime contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, and project agreements, directing compliance and change management processes.
• Evaluate cost impacts, forecast variances, and contractual risks; implement corrective actions and support the resolution of claims or disputes.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Project Managers, Assistant Project Managers, Project Engineers, and other project team members.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with airport authorities, consultants, subcontractors, and industry partners, serving as a trusted senior advisor.
• Lead project delivery from preconstruction through closeout — planning, constructability, logistics, procurement, staffing, and execution strategy — with particular attention to the phasing and access constraints of an active airport environment.
• Champion integration of VDC/BIM processes to support constructability, coordination, and risk mitigation.
• Oversee turnover, commissioning, and closeout activities through successful project completion.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• 12+ years of progressively responsible construction industry experience, including terminal or ancillary building work at a commercial airport.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated success managing large or complex construction projects and project teams in active, occupied, or security-controlled environments.
• Expert understanding of construction contracts, project controls, scheduling, procurement, cost management, and risk management.
• Familiarity with airport authority processes, badging/security requirements, and phased construction in operational facilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and construction management platforms such as Procore, CMiC, and/or Navisworks.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and relationship-management skills, with the ability to build trust across clients, teams, and company leadership.
• OSHA 30-Hour certification, or ability to obtain within established company timelines.

Benefits

• A rare opportunity to lead aviation-sector work — terminal and ancillary building construction is a specialized niche with real demand and limited competition for talent.
• Real leadership of large, complex projects — shaping delivery strategy from preconstruction through closeout, not just executing someone else's plan.
• 100% employee-owned (ESOP) company with a track record dating back to 1925 — your work has a direct stake in the outcome.
• Full benefits package: competitive pay, bonus program, medical/dental/vision insurance, PTO/sick leave, life insurance, 401(k) with match, and a student debt assistance program

About W.E. O'Neil Construction

Building Great Relationships since 1925! 100% employee-owned general contractor. We build nationally, with locations in AZ, CA, CO, IL, TN, and TX.

W.E. O'Neil Construction has seen steady growth since its founding in 1925 in Chicago by the O'Neil family. Now 100% employee-owned (ESOP), we embrace people as our number one asset.

Our award-winning teams are recognized as industry leaders. Our longevity can be attributed to our excellent staff of professionals, our integrity, our commitment to customer satisfaction, and our ability to embrace technology. Our combination of the financial strength of a large national contractor and the responsiveness of a small company brings the best of both worlds to our clients.

Our experience covers virtually every commercial market sector using a broad range of project delivery methods including design-build, design assist, construction management at risk and lump sum bid.