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Sr Real Estate Project Manager

AT Grainger
Grainger

Sr Real Estate Project Manager

Lake Forest, IL

Work Location Type: Hybrid

As a leading industrial distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom, We Keep The World Working® by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. With 2023 sales of $16.5 billion, we're dedicated to providing value for customers, fostering an engaging culture for team members and driving strong financial results.

Our welcoming workplace enables you to learn, grow and make a difference by keeping businesses running and their people safe. As a 2024 Glassdoor Best Place to Work and a Great Place to Work-Certified™ company, we're looking for passionate people to join our team as we continue leading the industry over our next 100 years.

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You Will:

As Senior Project Manager, Pre-construction you will oversee assigned pre-construction projects and activities within the Corporate Real Estate organization. You will liaise with internal stakeholders to develop project charters and lead external teams of pre-construction professionals to ensure the successful planning, budgeting, and scheduling of projects from conception to the start of construction. Your leadership and decision-making skills will be essential in guiding the pre-construction team towards successful project delivery. You will report to the Senior Manager, Pre-Construction.

  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and revise detailed project charters defining the exact scope requirements of projects.
  • Collaborate and lead external partners including design consultants, developers, general contractors, and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ's) to:


      • Conduct feasibility studies and site assessments to assess project viability and identify potential risks.
      • Complete operational and technical due diligence to support project scope.
      • Provide expertise in cost estimation, value engineering, and budget management to maximize project efficiency.
      • Develop comprehensive pre-construction documentation including 75% design, project budgets and schedules.


  • Play an integral role in risk assessment, procurement, and contractor selection to drive efficiency and scalability while planning and controlling costs in the pre-construction phase.


    • Oversee the procurement process, including bid evaluation, subcontractor selection, and contract negotiation.
    • Monitor and control project budgets, expenses, and timelines to ensure adherence to financial targets.
    • Identify and mitigate risks and challenges to minimize project delays and cost overruns.


  • Develop and take ownership of complex construction schedules (especially for existing operating sites).
  • Continually update standardized building designs for our office, distribution center (DC) and branch spaces.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, building codes, and industry standards.
  • Evaluate and implement innovative technologies and methodologies to enhance pre-construction practices and improve project outcomes.
  • Mentor and develop team members to foster professional growth, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.
  • Work within Grainger's project management software system to record all project related information.
  • Develop and conduct comprehensive project handovers to the real estate project delivery team.

You Have:

  • Bachelor's degree, preferably in architecture, construction, project management or engineering related field.
  • 7+ years' experience in a corporate real estate setting managing/directing building construction projects.
  • People leadership experience focused on development, creating diverse teams, challenging status quo all while building trust and setting clear expectations.
  • Knowledge and/or experience with contracts, reading construction drawings & details, and specification reviews with additional classes in real estate topics a plus.
  • Able to direct contract service providers in completing multiple project types including new construction and alterations & additions and renovations of existing properties.

Rewards and Benefits:

With benefits starting day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs. Check out the highlights below and review all our benefits at GraingerTotalRewards.com.

  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance plans and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
  • 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no match required.
  • Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
  • Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one's employment. With this in mind, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.

#LI-EH1

Client-provided location(s): Lake Forest, IL, USA
Job ID: Grainger-315719-en_US
Employment Type: Other

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • FSA
    • HSA
    • HSA With Employer Contribution
    • On-Site Gym
    • Pet Insurance
    • Mental Health Benefits
  • Parental Benefits

    • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Fertility Benefits
    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
    • Adoption Leave
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Remote Work Opportunities
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Casual Dress
    • On-Site Cafeteria
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Paid Holidays
    • Personal/Sick Days
    • Leave of Absence
    • Volunteer Time Off
  • Financial and Retirement

    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • Stock Purchase Program
    • Performance Bonus
    • Relocation Assistance
    • Financial Counseling
  • Professional Development

    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Mentor Program
    • Shadowing Opportunities
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Internship Program
    • Leadership Training Program
    • Associate or Rotational Training Program
    • Promote From Within
    • Professional Coaching
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
    • Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
    • Woman founded/led
    • Black founded/led
    • Asian founded/led
    • Veteran founded/led
    • Unconscious Bias Training