Project Manager - Real Estate Expansion in East Hartford, Connecticut at NEFCO Construction Supply LLC

Job Summary: NEFCO is in a period of rapid and exciting growth, which brings both opportunity and complexity. The Project Manager Expansion is responsible for leading the end-to-end execution of new NEFCO branch openings, referred to as Orangefields, ensuring each location is launched on time, on budget, and fully operational with minimal disruption to customers and internal teams.

The Project Manager – Real Estate Expansion partners closely with executive sponsors, functional leaders, IT, Finance, Operations, and external vendors to drive disciplined execution using NEFCO’s Program Management Office (PMO) standards, tools, and cadence. This role will own or support the full life cycle of the Orangefield launch: Site selection ? Buildout ? Staffing ? Go-Live ? Stabilization

This role reports to the Director, Program Management Office (PMO).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end execution of branch openings from planning through post-launch stabilization.
• Serve as the single point of accountability for project delivery, readiness, and execution.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Operations, Sales, Finance, IT, Marketing and HR.
• Develop and manage integrated project schedules, milestones, and critical path.
• Lead RFP and RFI processes for vendor selection, including construction, facilities, and systems providers.
• Oversee facility buildout and infrastructure including warehouse layout, low voltage systems, and ISP coordination.
• Ensure warehouse design supports efficient operational workflows and scalability.
• Identify risks and issues and execute mitigation plans.
• Lead go-live readiness reviews and oversee branch launch execution.
• Manage post-launch stabilization and transition to business-as-usual operations.
• Develop and maintain standardized Orangefield playbooks, templates, and best practices.
• Provide clear reporting and escalation to leadership, focusing on risks, timelines, and decisions required.

Qualifications:

• 5–10+ years of project or program management experience.
• Proven experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Proven experience leading branch openings (distribution, Retail, etc.)
• Strong understanding of facilities, lease management, construction coordination, and site readiness.
• Ability and willingness to travel to project sites and Orange Field locations as required.

Key Skills:

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to drive accountability across multiple teams.
• Excellent organizational and execution discipline.
• Strong problem-solving and risk management capabilities.
• Ability to operate in fast-paced, high-growth environments.

Success Metrics:

• Branch openings delivered on time and within budget.
• Reduced variability across branch launches.
• Speed and consistency of execution across projects.
• Successful operational readiness at go-live.
• Time to post-launch stabilization.