Job Information
Actalent Senior Construction Project Management Specialist in New York, New York
Job Title: Senior Construction Project Management SpecialistJob Description
The Senior Construction Project Management Specialist plans, develops, and executes the end-to-end construction of retail store builds, refurbishments, relocations, concept conversions, upgrades, repairs, and temporary spaces. This role manages projects from initial design through construction, turnover, and warranty, ensuring that every project is delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with brand, design, and operational requirements.
Responsibilities
Manage all construction projects for new retail stores, refurbishments, relocations, concept conversions, upgrades, repairs, and temporary spaces from design through warranty.
Review and evaluate tenant criteria and construction-related lease provisions, ensuring they are fully understood and clearly communicated to internal and external stakeholders.
Apply a structured project management approach to all construction projects, defining clear timelines, objectives, deliverables, roles, and responsibilities using the Retail Development Tracker and NSO platform.
Prepare construction cost estimates based on design development drawings and refine them as the project evolves.
Consult with Retail Operations and other key stakeholders to determine functional and spatial requirements for new structures or renovations, and prepare information regarding design specifications.
Implement local requirements through the Retail Committee project review process to ensure compliance with market and municipality standards.
Lead all preconstruction activities, including obtaining permit information from permit expeditors, confirming utility availability upon possession, distributing project contact lists to vendors and contractors, and notifying the organization of construction commencement.
Procure all required owner-supplied items such as millwork, flooring, lighting, and other fixtures necessary for store build-out.
Manage the bid phase by reviewing and negotiating proposals, preparing general contractor bid leveling analyses, and ensuring all required materials and resources are available and within budget.
Ensure all proposals and contracts are properly executed and returned by vendors and contractors in a timely manner.
Track and maintain project costs-to-date through the review and approval of all invoices, using departmental project accounting tracking reports and updating the RECO platform from estimates to actuals.
Oversee the construction phase, managing cost, schedule, quality, and timely completion of punch lists as well as close-out packages.
Manage turnover activities to Retail Operations and TQM partners, ensuring a smooth handover with on-site presence and general contractor support.
Align project milestones to ensure successful completion within agreed scope, budget, and timeline.
Identify issues or potential risks promptly and develop contingency plans to keep projects on track.
Collaborate closely with headquarters throughout the project to ensure design integrity and adherence to brand standards.
Drive efficiencies in processes and execution to deliver cost savings and improve overall project performance.
Manage vendor performance and timeliness, addressing performance issues and sourcing new vendors when necessary.
Maintain the construction database with all legal and compliance documents, including business licenses, health department certificates, insurance certificates, and close-out documentation for transfer to the Retail Operations team.
Research and input key materials, global insights, and local surroundings information into the Retail Development Tracker to support informed decision-making.
Ensure the Weekly Construction Recap is accurate and up to date, including progress photos and completion status updates.
Align with local Finance and headquarters teams on capital expense budgets, providing accurate forecasts and updates.
Prepare and maintain reports and trackers covering work progress, costs, and scheduling, and provide additional reporting as needed.
Organize and migrate the Retail Development database to a cloud-based solution such as SharePoint or OneDrive.
Create flow mapping of processes and procedures to build clear reference resources for onboarding and contingency planning.
Identify gaps in the end-to-end Retail Development process and develop efficiencies to optimize workflows and elevate standards and expectations.
Translate headquarters design requests into requirements that meet local market and municipality regulations and constraints.
Essential Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Planning, or a related field.
Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
At least 3 years of professional work experience managing luxury construction projects, preferably retail store projects.
Proven experience in retail construction project management with end-to-end ownership from design through construction and warranty.
Strong project management skills with a methodical approach and impeccable follow-through to ensure tasks are completed on time.
Demonstrated fluency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to present information clearly and effectively.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Effective stakeholder management skills with the ability to develop and maintain strong cross-functional relationships.
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
Excellent problem-solving and negotiation skills with the ability to influence key business decisions.
Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% of the time based on business needs.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Current or prior experience using AutoCAD or similar design and drafting tools is a plus.
Experience managing luxury or high-end retail construction projects is highly desirable.
Familiarity with construction cost tracking, bid leveling, and project accounting processes.
Experience working with platforms such as Retail Development Tracker, NSO, RECO, SharePoint, or OneDrive.
Background in translating global design standards into solutions that meet local market and municipality requirements.
Demonstrated ability to document and improve processes, including creating flow maps and onboarding resources.
Work Environment
This is a hybrid role based in New York City, with work split between onsite presence at a headquarters office in Manhattan (Herald Square area) for two days per week and remote work from home for the remaining days. The position operates in a professional corporate environment, collaborating closely with Retail Operations, Finance, headquarters design teams, and external vendors and contractors. The role requires frequent coordination with job sites and may involve on-site visits to active construction locations. Standard business technology tools such as Microsoft Office, cloud-based platforms like SharePoint and OneDrive, and project tracking systems including Retail Development Tracker, NSO, and RECO are used regularly. The schedule may require flexibility to meet tight deadlines and support time-sensitive project milestones, and the role involves travel up to approximately 50% of the time based on project and business needs. Attire in the office is professional, while appropriate safety and site-appropriate clothing is expected when visiting construction locations.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of New York, NY.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $44.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in New York,NY.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.