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Project Manager - Aviation

Clune Construction · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Mar 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about an RFP response you helped put together. What part did you play in the presentation or pitch?

What they are checking: Whether they can help win work, since the posting asks project managers to take part in pursuits.

How do you keep communication flowing inside your project team so nobody is surprised?

What they are checking: Whether they create simple routines that keep the superintendent, engineers and owner aligned.

Tell me about a project closeout you managed. What made it smooth or hard?

What they are checking: Whether they finish strong on punch list, documents and final billing, where many projects lose money.

What does a good relationship with your superintendent look like?

What they are checking: Whether they see the office and field as partners and know how to split responsibility well.

What would you do

Aviation projects often happen inside live airports. What changes about managing construction when the facility has to keep operating?

What they are checking: Whether they understand security, phasing and coordination with airport operations that come with active terminals.

A trade partner says your drawings are unclear and wants a change order. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they review scope fairly, protect the budget and keep the partner working while it gets resolved.

The airport authority changes a security requirement partway through the job. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they adapt the plan calmly, figure out cost and schedule impact and document it properly.

How do you handle a client who keeps adding small requests without wanting to pay for them?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage scope with the client while keeping the relationship positive.

About the work

How do you track cost on a project so you know about a problem before the monthly report shows it?

What they are checking: Whether they manage commitments, forecasts and change orders actively instead of waiting for accounting.

Walk me through how you run a bid process for a trade package.

What they are checking: Whether they scope packages clearly, level bids and choose partners on more than price.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Clune Construction.

Are you ready to grow your career with a company that values excellence and invests in its people? At Clune Construction, we’re more than builders—we’re a team of driven, collaborative and talented individuals who take pride in delivering exceptional work. Excellence is at the core of everything we do, from the quality of our projects to the way we support our people. As an employee-owned company, we invest in our team, and in return, our people share in our success. This shared commitment has earned us recognition as a Best Place to Work, a US Best Managed Company and a recipient of the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics. Whether you’re a seasoned construction professional or looking to bring your expertise to a new area, we welcome you to join our team and make an impact! Job Purpose: The Project Manager works with the planning, coordination, and completion of construction projects. The core job duties include working in all phases of construction from budgeting, bidding, cost control, client relations, through closeout. This role is also responsible for reporting and achieving the project financial goals. Essential Functions: • Active participation in RFP responses, including developing presentations and participating in the pitch. • Ensure effective internal team communication flow. • Ensure timely and effective communication with trade partners and the design team. • Ensure effective document control reporting and communication flow to the client. • Prepare accurate and timely budgets and bids, scope reviews and leveling of trade partner bids, and participation in the presentation of pricing to the client. • Manage project cost control including: internally monitoring general conditions and labor; managing the monthly billing process; reviewing and validating trade partner change pricing. • Minimize risk by ensuring accurate and complete subcontracts are written and fully executed in a timely fashion, utilizing prequalified trade partners. Ensure certificates of insurance are obtained from primary and tiered trade partners. • Heavy coordination with superintendent, including frequent site visits to monitor onsite progress. • Ensure effective and efficient project closeout including providing documentation to the owner, assuring timely completion of punchlist, and expeditious and accurate financial project closeout. • Support the project Team Lead with respect to client retention by adding value during preconstruction, and to financial project goals by contributing to a successful project buyout process, completing accurate forecasting of project costs, and timely submission of billings and tracking of receivables. • Participate in business development and client relationship management by attending industry events, networking, and developing beneficial working relationships with clients and designers. • Become proficient in, and utilize, Clune established systems and technology to work efficiently and to the highest standards. • Attend career fairs and client/industry events. • Contribute to the growth of the company by participating in the intern program as well as mentor Interns, Project Engineers, and APMs. • Role model professionally for Interns, Project Engineers, and APMs. Supervisory Responsibilities: • This role may have supervisory responsibilities of an Assistant Project Manager, a Project Engineer and/or an Intern. What We Offer At Clune Construction we value each of our employees and care about their wellbeing. We strive to provide best-in-class benefits packages, including: • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance with 100% of monthly premiums paid by the company • Employee Stock Ownership Plan • 401k Retirement Plan with Company Match • Employee Assistance Program • Company-paid and Voluntary Life Insurance Plans • Company-paid Short Term and Long Term Disability • Flexible Spending, Dependent Care and Commuter Plans • Career Development through Mentoring Program, Learning & Development, Continuing Education • Fitness Program • Pet Insurance Core Values and Behaviors Clune Construction is proud to have Core Values and Behaviors that all of our employees represent. These Core Values are: Safety, Service, Teamwork, Respect, Excellence, Leadership and Innovation. Performance is evaluated with these Core Values in mind. Job Requirements: • Motivated and capable of overseeing several projects simultaneously. Dynamic, energetic, and positive personality. • Conflict resolution skills a must. • Exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills required. Must have the ability to relate and interact with higher-end clientele. • Strong estimating and budgeting skills. Must have the ability to prepare and submit responses to requests for lump-sum bids. • Strong budget management skills to track project financials for both internal and external reporting. • Must have strong skills in drawing review. Education and Experience: • Bachelor Degree in Construction Management, Architecture or Engineering is preferred, but strong work experience will be considered. • Minimum of 5 years of construction project management experience, with 2-3 years of experience specifically in internal fit-out aviation construction projects. • Must have prior experience working for a commercial general contractor. • Successful candidates will have a proven record of accomplishment in all phases of project management including estimating, documentation, owner/architect relations, cost monitoring, problem-solving and project wrap up. • Strong computer skills needed. Pay Range: $108-000- $163-000 The salary range listed reflects a broad scope of potential earnings for this position. Exact range is dependent on location and a ctual compensation will be based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, education, and internal equity. Please note that it is not common for candidates to be hired at the top of the range. We encourage open communication about compensation expectations during the hiring process. All candidates must provide a resume. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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