Project Manager, Early Education

About the role

Uprite Construction is seeking an experienced Project Manager with a strong background in Early Education construction to join our Phoenix, Arizona team. This role is well suited for a Project Manager who has worked within a Special Projects Group, tenant improvement division, or fast paced interiors team and understands how to manage multiple projects with tight schedules, detailed scopes, and demanding client expectations. The Project Manager will lead childcare centers, preschools, Montessori schools, early learning facilities, and similar education projects from preconstruction through closeout. Estimating and preconstruction experience is a strong plus. You will own the full project lifecycle for education clients, ensuring that every phase aligns with strict developmental needs and regulatory standards while protecting the integrity of the learning environment. You will be accountable for delivering projects on time, on budget, and with a focus on safety and quality that meets the unique demands of young learners. This position requires a proactive leader who can navigate complex stakeholder expectations and translate them into actionable plans. You will drive outcomes through disciplined planning, clear communication, and hands-on oversight.

Key facts

What you'll do

Manage Early Education projects from preconstruction through final completion while maintaining rigorous attention to detail and client expectations.

Lead multiple tenant improvement, renovation, and special projects at various stages, balancing priorities across concurrent engagements in education sectors.

Manage project planning, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, and closeout using structured processes to ensure transparency and accountability.

Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, architects, consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams to coordinate seamless project execution.

Partner closely with Superintendents to ensure successful field execution, addressing challenges in real time and upholding schedule integrity.

Manage project budgets, forecasts, billing, cost reports, and overall financial performance to maintain fiscal discipline and profitability.

Review plans and specifications for scope gaps, constructability concerns, scheduling risks, and value engineering opportunities specific to early education environments.

Lead subcontractor bidding, scope reviews, buyout, contract administration, and performance management to ensure alignment with project goals.

Oversee RFIs, submittals, change orders, procurement logs, meeting minutes, and project documentation with meticulous organization and traceability.

Coordinate permitting, inspections, utility providers, and local agencies to ensure compliance and avoid disruptions during sensitive occupancy periods.

Maintain aggressive project schedules and implement corrective action when needed, keeping the unique requirements of school calendars and child safety in mind.

Manage projects within occupied facilities while minimizing disruption to students, families, teachers, and staff through careful phasing and communication.

Build strong client relationships and support repeat business opportunities by demonstrating reliability, responsiveness, and deep domain expertise.

Assist with conceptual estimating, budgeting, subcontractor outreach, and value engineering during the preconstruction phase to inform decision making.

Support project pursuits, proposals, interviews, and client presentations by preparing compelling materials that highlight relevant education sector experience.

Requirements

At least seven years of commercial construction project management experience with a demonstrated track record of delivering complex projects.

Experience within a Special Projects Group, tenant improvement division, or interiors team is strongly preferred and should reflect a fast paced, responsive approach.

Direct experience managing Early Education projects is highly desirable, showing a clear understanding of the sector specific needs and constraints.

Experience with childcare centers, preschools, Montessori schools, private schools, or early learning facilities is preferred to ensure familiarity with applicable standards.

Proven ability to manage multiple small to midsized projects simultaneously without compromising quality or safety.

Experience with tenant improvements, renovations, occupied spaces, and fast track schedules is essential to navigating education project demands.

Strong understanding of construction contracts, scheduling, cost control, procurement, and project financials to maintain clarity and control across all phases.

Familiarity with California building codes, permitting, and inspection requirements is necessary due to the regional scope of responsibilities.

Estimating or preconstruction experience is highly preferred to support accurate scoping and early decision making in education projects.

Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem solving skills to guide cross functional teams through dynamic project conditions.

Ability to work effectively in a fast paced and client focused environment where responsiveness and attention to detail are critical.

Proficiency with Procore, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, and Microsoft Office to ensure efficient data management and reporting.

Bachelor's degree in construction management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred to bring theoretical and practical alignment to project execution.

Practical notes

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