Construction Project Manager

At Gardner, we believe commercial construction should feel as welcoming as it is professional. That’s why we don’t just build and remodel, we build relationships, rooted in hospitality. Our mission is to set the platinum standard for our clients, partners, and team members by delivering exceptional results while embodying our core values: passion, humility, excellence, empathy, and nimbleness. We bring a hospitality-driven approach to every project, ensuring that every interaction is thoughtful, responsive, and human-centered.

As Project Manager,  you may work across any of our market focuses, including Healthcare, Commercial Interiors, Industrial, Higher Education, Historical/Repositioning, Mission-Critical, and/or Life Sciences.

Who You Are

You’re a natural leader who thrives on collaboration, communication, and solving complex challenges. You’re not just managing construction projects, you’re fostering relationships, keeping people connected, and ensuring every detail reflects care and intention. Relationships are at the core of your work. You serve as the trusted advisor and liaison for our clients, providing hospitality at every step of the process.

You have strong roots in the Duluth community and understand the people, pace, and partnerships that make this market unique. You’ve built trusted relationships with local clients, designers, and trade partners, and you’re excited to continue growing those connections with Gardner Builders. Ideally, you bring a network of relationships that could lead to future project opportunities.

You’re known for staying calm under pressure, making informed decisions, and bringing out the best in your team. Most importantly, you believe that how the work gets done matters just as much as the outcome.

How You’ll Contribute

As a Project Manager, you’ll guide commercial construction projects from start to finish, ensuring everything runs smoothly, safely, and on budget. You’ll be the bridge between clients, designers, trade partners, and your own internal team, building trust, resolving conflicts, and ensuring everyone is aligned. Some of your key responsibilities include:

• Lead the project team in planning and execution from preconstruction through closeout.
• Oversee schedules, budgets, contracts, and trade partner coordination.
• Manage all financial aspects of the project: bidding, estimating, change orders, pay applications, trade partner and material invoices.
• Maintain transparent communication with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Support and mentor project engineers and superintendents.
• Manage project risk through proactive issue resolution and consistent follow-through.
• Champion a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain consistent and effective communication with all team members, including leading weekly OAC project meetings and procurement meetings.
• Generate project leads through ongoing professional relationships with owner and design communities.
• Participate in proposal presentations, representing Gardner’s vision, mission, and experience.
  

What Success Looks Like

 You’ll know you’re succeeding when:

• Your projects consistently hit deadlines, budget goals, and quality standards.
• Clients feel heard, supported, and eager to work with Gardner Builders again.
• Your team trusts your leadership and grows under your mentorship.
• You’ve built a reputation for integrity, clear communication, and results.
  

What You’ll Bring

• 3+ years of construction experience as a project manager or similar role.
• Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in construction management, engineering, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree in construction management preferred. 
• Solid understanding of general contracting and the life cycle of a project.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to manage cost forecasting and reporting.
• Expertise in scheduling, trade partner management, and field operations.
• Excellent estimating and technical writing skills.
• Ability to effectively present information in oral, written, and graphic form.
• A collaborative, humble, and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Proficiency with construction management software (e.g., Procore, Microsoft Project, Bluebeam).
• Ability to manage several tasks at once and exercise independent judgment related to the daily administration of projects.
• Motivated and self-directed mindset with the ability to anticipate needs, proactively find solutions, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Proficiency in spreadsheets, project scheduling applications, construction management software (Procore preferred), Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, and Apple devices.

• Ability to maintain a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record.

What Will Set You Apart

• Deep familiarity with the Duluth construction market and established relationships with local clients, designers, and trade partners.
• Knowledge of sustainable building practices (ex: LEED, WELL, Living Building Challenge).

Why Join Gardner Builders?

We are proud to be recognized as:

• 7-Time “Best Places to Work” by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
• 6-Time “Top 150 Workplaces” by Minneapolis Star Tribune
• #1 Top Workplace in Construction by Star Tribune (2023)
• 4-Time “Best Workplace” by Inc Magazine
• “Best Places to Work” by Milwaukee Business Journal
  

Our culture-first approach encourages personal and professional growth, an EOS-led structure, and a commitment to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, challenged and loves coming to work.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual Salary: $90,000 - $130,000 annual salary (paid weekly) + discretionary bonus.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, HSA with employer contribution, and 401k plan with employer contribution.
• Ancillary Benefits: Company paid basic life & AD&D insurance, company paid long term disability, company paid employee assistance program, accident insurance, and critical illness insurance.
• Perks: Monthly auto allowance, paid parking or public transportation costs, company-provided phone and laptop.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off,  paid sabbatical leave, paid bereavement leave, paid parental leave, and regular company and team outings.

Interview Process

Our process typically includes three conversations (phone and in-person) to ensure a mutual fit.

Pre-Employment Screening

Drug screen and background check required.

Other Items to Note 

• Gardner reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation on unwanted solicitations. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement. 
• Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. 
• We are only considering local candidates at this time. We are unable to provide relocation assistance at this time. 
  

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This role is primarily office-based but may occasionally require visits to active construction sites. Candidates should be comfortable sitting for extended periods during computer work, meetings, and travel by car or plane. The ability to lift up to 20 pounds is needed to move materials or equipment as required. Regular use of hands for typing, writing, and using a mouse is expected, along with clear communication skills and the ability to read color-coded charts and graphs. When visiting jobsites, team members may encounter dust, uneven terrain, changing weather conditions, and temperature extremes. Reasonable accommodations can be made to support individuals with disabilities.