Senior Project Manager- Corporate Real Estate

Senior Project Manager- Corporate Real Estate

Location Chicago, Illinois, United StatesCategory CorporateJob IdORD00003682Real EstateJob TypeFull-TimePosted Date 09/11/2026

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Achieving our goals starts with supporting yours. Grow your career, access top-tier health and wellness benefits, build lasting connections with your team and our customers, and travel the world using our extensive route network.

Come join us to create what’s next. Let’s define tomorrow, together.

Description

Get your hard hat ready. We’re not just renovating the travel experience – we’re renovating our physical spaces too. And our Corporate Real Estate team is on the front lines of procuring, designing and developing spaces at all our hubs, stations and city locations across the world. From airport affairs and business services to planning and development, this team is responsible for all our leases and major construction and renovation projects, system wide.

Job Overview and Responsibilities

The Senior Project Manager (Sr PM) in Corporate Real Estate (CRE) Planning and Development will oversee a portfolio of projects that range from small- and large-scale facility projects in hubs or line stations or large-scale construction programs from inception to completion in accordance with corporate policies and standards and governing regulations and requirements. Depending on project and/or portfolio size, a Sr PM can oversee junior Project Managers.

Portfolio sizes are anticipated up to 60-80 small, medium, and large projects ($100K – 2M) or fewer but large size programs exceeding $100M. The leader in this role will collaborate with airport authorities, as required, to ascertain, understand and collaborate with the airport staff on facilities or other airport infrastructure projects to ensure the airline interests are accounted for and addressed.

This position is onsite at O’Hare (ORD) Airport.

Project Delivery:

o Manages self (and team) to plan, design and execute airport and commercial property facility and infrastructure construction projects

o Manages the programming, planning, design, construction, schedule and budget related issues that pose challenges to the success of the project by drawing on knowledge of the planning, design, construction process knowledge and experience

o Accountable for the compliance with budget, schedule and scope of the projects

o Responsible for governance of the Project Management Lifecycle (PMLC) (UA and CRE), artifacts, and guidelines

o Responsible for the utilization of any PMLC process and standards

o Responsible for the use of Project Database, PM artifacts, workflows, forms, Project Management Guidelines etc.

o Uses of CRE Project tools such as SharePoint, Microsoft Project, Oracle and others as defined by need

o Ensures that projects meet defined metrics

o Responsible and accountable for transparent, accurate, and timely reporting to United stakeholders and CRE

Leadership:

o Effectively lead teams by establishing both group and individual goals that align with departmental goals

o Oversee direct reports individual performance and improvement plans

o Responsible for coaching, counseling, and assisting employees to develop individual career development and training plans

o Use technical knowledge experience to provide thoughtful decision making and guidance in strategic implementation of United’s approved projects

o Is solution oriented and committed to creating and sustaining a culture of continuous improvement and innovation

o Accountable for providing constant and transparent communication to their team, leadership, stakeholders and customers

o Mentor and develop a team that is empowered and engaged

Portfolio Planning, Development and Management:

o Establish and maintain strong business relationships with airport leaders and United internal customers

o Develop project strategy and approach during Envision (Planning) Phase and develop multiple alternatives to achieve project objectives

o Responsible for the delivery and portfolio management of scope, cost and schedules for all projects within their assigned projects (including team)

Qualifications

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

Bachelor’s degree required

5+ years Planning, Design and Construction Experience

2+ years in Aviation, Airport, or Airline industry environments

Experience managing project teams

Demonstrated understanding of design and construction practices, project delivery lifecycle management, industry vernacular, and leading portfolio, program, and project management principles

Conversant in design and construction techniques, understand design and construction management process and vernacular, understanding of best practices of Portfolio, Program and Project Management

This position requires the ability to navigate airport environments, including:

• Walking extended distances across terminals and operational areas
• Standing for prolonged periods during site visits and meetings
• Climbing stairs and using escalators/elevators to access different airport levels
• Working in varying environmental conditions (temperature-controlled terminals and outdoor areas)

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship

Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification

Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

Bachelor's degree in science and engineering or construction management

PMP, LEED, Black Belt, PE, RA, CM

5+ years' experience with airport/airline/aviation design and construction projects

Background in construction safety, capital improvement planning for facilities, and / or Aviation Master Planning, Knowledge of FAA, ICAO, IATA standards, guidelines and requirements that relate to planning and design of airport infrastructure and facilities

Background in construction safety, capital improvement planning for facilities, and / or Aviation Master Planning, Knowledge of FAA, ICAO, IATA standards, guidelines and requirements that relate to planning and design of airport infrastructure and facilities

The base pay range for this role is $127,870.00 to $166,492.00.

The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job-related, factors such as experience, education, and skills. This position is also eligible for bonus and/or long-term incentive compensation awards.

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years in planning, design, and construction
• 2+ years experience in aviation, airport, or airline environments
• Experience managing project teams and understanding project delivery lifecycle and construction practices