Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Director of Facilities Management and Planning, the Construction Services Manager provides leadership and business oversight for the university's in-house construction services operation. This position is responsible for developing project opportunities, consulting with campus departments, establishing project scopes, budgets, and schedules, coordinating contracts and procurement activities, and ensuring successful delivery of renovation and construction projects.
The Construction Services Manager serves as the primary point of contact for campus clients seeking construction and renovation services. Working closely with university stakeholders, this position develops project solutions, manages customer expectations, oversees project financial performance, and coordinates project delivery through construction supervisors and skilled trades personnel.
This position is responsible for the operational and financial success of the Construction Services unit, including project development, budgeting, estimating, customer relations, contract administration, resource planning, and strategic growth of the department's services. The Construction Services Manager partners closely with Facilities Maintenance leadership and the University's Capital Projects group to ensure construction activities align with institutional priorities and long-term facility needs.
Success in this role requires strong business acumen, relationship-building skills, project management expertise, and the ability to balance customer needs, financial performance, operational constraints, and construction quality.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Architecture, Facilities Management, Project Management, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in construction management, project management, facilities management, construction operations, owner's representation, or related fields.
- Minimum of five years of experience leading teams, managing projects, or supervising personnel.
- Demonstrated experience developing project scopes, managing budgets, preparing estimates, coordinating contracts, and communicating with customers or stakeholders.
- Experience managing multiple concurrent projects and competing priorities.
- Valid Nebraska driver's license (within 6 months of hire).
- Good oral, writing, and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ten years of experience in construction management, project management, facilities management, construction operations, design-build delivery, or related fields.
- Experience working with public-sector, higher education, healthcare, municipal, or institutional facilities.
- Experience managing project budgets, contract administration, procurement activities, and customer relationships.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating work among internal staff, contractors, consultants, and stakeholders.
About Us:
The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) is a public university committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. As part of the University of Nebraska system, UNK offers a supportive, student-focused environment with the resources of a larger institution. Located in central Nebraska, UNK serves around 6,000 students and is known for its strong academics, welcoming campus culture, and dedication to student success. Join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and the power of education to transform lives.
As a University of Nebraska employee, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, retirement, and wellness programs—plus 13 paid holidays each year, generous leave options, and tuition remission.