Senior Project Manager at Gila River Development – Chandler, Arizona

Summary:

The Senior Project Manager at Gila River Development provides strategic leadership and hands-on oversight for capital development and construction. This role manages projects from entitlement and design through construction and close-out serving as a key liaison between Executive leadership, Tribal departments, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies. The Senior Project Manager ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with applicable codes and funding requirements. This position combines construction expertise and financial oversight to support the organization’s long-term strategic goals.

Responsibilities:

Project Planning & Execution:

• Lead projects from initiation through completion, including entitlement, land acquisition, easements, rights-of-way, design, construction, warranty, and close-out phases.
• Collaborate with leadership and stakeholders to define scope, timelines, milestones, budgets, and deliverables aligned with organizational objectives.
• Oversee both construction-focused capital projects and internal operational improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate procurement and selection of architects, engineers, planners, contractors, and consultants; assist in negotiating and administering contracts.
• Manage technical review processes during design and pre-construction phases to ensure accuracy, completeness, and constructability.
• Supervise assigned personnel and ensure appropriate administration and coordination of project-related activities.

Construction Oversight & Quality Assurance:

• Monitor all phases of construction to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, safety standards, contract provisions, and applicable building codes.
• Conduct site inspections and construction walks; serve as or oversee ICC-certified inspection activities as required.
• Implement quality control measures, including inspection and testing of materials and completed work, identifying and resolving deficiencies.
• Address project delays, disputes, and field issues promptly and effectively.
• Oversee project acceptance, warranty tracking, and final close-out documentation.

• Prepare and administer operating and construction budgets, including administrative and non-administrative components.
• Track project budgets, forecasts, requisitions, and expenditures; identify variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with funding source requirements, including federally assisted or highly regulated projects.
• Review and manage procurement documentation, vendor contracts, pay applications, and invoicing processes.
• Maintain financial accountability for assigned projects and prepare scheduled financial and non-financial reports.

Project Management Systems & Reporting:

• Manage and optimize the use of project management software platforms (e.g., Smartsheet, Asana, Microsoft Project, or similar tools).
• Develop dashboards, reports, and automated workflows to monitor project performance, timelines, and key metrics.
• Train team members in the effective use of project management tools to ensure data accuracy and consistency.
• Maintain organized and compliant records of permits, inspection reports, contracts, construction documents, and regulatory documentation.

Regulatory Compliance & Community Coordination:

• Act as project administrator for federally assisted or highly regulated projects requiring strict adherence to development and management contract provisions.
• Manage permitting processes and ensure compliance with Tribal, federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
• Meet with Tribal departments, Community district staff, outside agencies, and task forces to provide technical assistance and support capital project initiatives.
• Serve as a technical advisor to leadership, Community management, and Tribal committees on assigned projects.

Leadership & Strategic Support:

• Support the Executive Leadership team in planning, organizing, and establishing long- and short-term goals for capital development and operational initiatives.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s business lines, products, and strategic priorities.
• Foster collaboration across departments to ensure alignment between capital projects, operational systems, and business objectives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to contribute to organizational growth and project success.

Supervisor Responsibility:

Oversees the supervision of personnel, which includes hiring, work allocation, training, problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance; provides guidance and feedback for assigned staff.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Working Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work will primarily be performed in an office environment.

• Work will be performed both inside and outside on a regular basis, in most weather conditions.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts are required as a normal part of this position.
• Occasional local day travel, Local travel to managed businesses.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk extended period. The employee occasionally is required to bend, climb, stoop, lift, carry, push, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move 15 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible project management experience,
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required for client meetings and events.
• Valid AZ driver’s license, provide a 39-month satisfactory MVR report.
• Obtain a Tribal operator driving permit at the time of hire.
• A satisfactory result obtained through a test for illegal drugs.
• Acknowledge and agree to maintain a drug-free workplace.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing federally funded and/or highly regulated construction projects.
• Extensive knowledge of all phases of construction management, including planning, design, procurement, contract administration, and close-out.
• Knowledge of regional and local building codes; ICC Commercial and/or Residential Building Inspector certification preferred or required as applicable.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and variance management.
• Proficiency in project scheduling and project management software tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Asana) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve construction, operational, budgetary, and personnel challenges.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with employees, Community officials, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to supervise, coordinate, and evaluate the work of others while maintaining accurate records and preparing comprehensive reports.
• Knowledge of and experience working with the Gila River Indian Community or other Native American Communities preferred.