Development Project Manager - Construction Coordination (Norfolk)

As part of Lawson, recognized as a Best Places to Work in Multifamily award winner with more than fifty years of experience developing, building, and managing multifamily real estate in Virginia, you'll be valued in a supportive environment that appreciates your contributions.

Lawson offers a collaborative workplace culture, competitive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth. Contribute to a team dedicated to providing exceptional living experiences for our residents while advancing your career!

We are seeking a Development Project Manager to support construction coordination efforts across multiple development projects. This role is responsible for managing day-to-day construction oversight, ensuring projects remain aligned with schedule, budget, design intent, and overall development objectives. The ideal candidate excels in a collaborative environment, communicates effectively with ownership, design partners, general contractors, and consultants, and demonstrates strong technical understanding of the construction and development process.

Roles/Responsibilities:

• Support pre-construction activities, including scope review, evaluation of value engineering opportunities, and coordination with general contractors to align pricing, schedule, and project execution approach.
• Provide ongoing construction oversight to ensure projects remain on schedule, within budget, and consistent with development goals.
• Conduct regular site visits (bi-weekly and as needed) to monitor progress, identify issues, and support timely resolution of construction challenges.
• Serve as the primary liaison between ownership, general contractors, architects, and consultants throughout the construction process.
• Participate in OAC (Owner–Architect–Contractor) meetings and prepare clear, accurate reports for ownership and stakeholders.
• Review contractor change orders, construction draws, shop drawings, and submittals, and provide recommendations based on cost, schedule, and quality impacts.
• Track RFIs, submittals, and special inspection reports to ensure timely responses and compliance with project requirements.
• Oversee quality control efforts to ensure work meets owner expectations, design standards, green building requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Manage permitting activities, including securing owner-held permits and coordinating post-permit revisions.
• Identify potential project risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize impacts on cost, schedule, and quality.
• Lead construction closeout activities, ensuring units are ready for owner acceptance and all final documentation is obtained.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Real Estate Development, or related field; or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in construction management, development project management, or owner’s representation.
• Strong understanding of construction processes, sequencing, scheduling, permitting, and cost control.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, schedules, and contracts.
• Experience managing consultants, contractors, and multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to identify issues, assess risk, and drive timely resolution within an active construction environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including reporting to ownership and lenders.
• Proficiency with project management and documentation tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Microsoft applications, Procore, etc.).
• Ability to travel regularly to project sites.
• Ability to demonstrate the company’s core values.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with change order review, draw review, RFI management, and submittal tracking from the owner’s perspective.
• Experience with Virginia Housing, green building standards, sustainability certifications, or similar compliance programs.
• Experience coordinating owner-held permits and post-permit revisions.
• Experience leading construction closeout, punch list management, and final inspections.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, CCM, or similar.

Essential Physical Functions

Physical requirements typical of active construction environments, including walking sites, navigating uneven terrain, climbing stairs, lifting up to 40 pounds, and performing general mobility tasks.

Non-Essential Physical Functions

Tasks exceeding normal physical demands and not required for core job duties.

The Lawson Companies is an equal opportunity employer. Full-time employees are offered a competitive compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) options, PTO, and other benefits aligned with company policy.

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