Construction Project Lead Jobs in Illinois

Construction Project Lead jobs in Illinois concentrate in commercial construction, infrastructure development, and large-scale residential projects, with demand at every level from field supervisor to senior lead overseeing multi-site portfolios. Chicago is the dominant hiring hub, followed by active markets in Rockford and Aurora, where contractors including Pepper Construction, Power Construction, and Mortenson Company maintain a consistent presence. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois listings are ground-up commercial builds, public infrastructure, and mixed-use urban development. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.

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Overview

Open roles126+
Top employerARCO Companies
Top cityChicago, IL
Cities hiring46
Work type82% On-site
Top industryConstruction

Showing 5 of 126+ Construction Project Lead jobs

OSF HealthCare
Senior Project Manager Construction
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OSF HealthCare
Added 1d ago
Senior Project Manager Construction
OSF HealthCare
Peoria, Illinois
Content & Communications
Creative Direction
Marketing
$52.21 - $61.43/hr
Bachelor's degree in construction management
10,000+

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Shake Guys
Construction - Project Manager Windows & Siding
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Shake Guys
Added 2d ago
Construction - Project Manager Windows & Siding
Shake Guys
Lake Zurich, Illinois
Business Operations
Customer Service
Customer Success
$76k - $82k/yr
On-Site

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Imperial Realty Co.
Construction Project Manager
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Imperial Realty Co.
Added 3d ago
Construction Project Manager
Imperial Realty Co.
Chicago, Illinois
Construction Management
Program Management
Project Management
$80k - $90k/yr
On-Site
51-200

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UChicago Medicine
Senior Project Manager, Design and Construction Capital Projects
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UChicago Medicine
Added 3d ago
Senior Project Manager, Design and Construction Capital Projects
UChicago Medicine
Harvey, Illinois
Business Strategy
Data Analytics
Data Science
Bachelor's degree in construction management
1,001-5,000

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Arizona State University
Construction Project Estimator
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Arizona State University
Added 4d ago
Construction Project Estimator
Arizona State University
Campus, Illinois
Construction
Project & Program Management
Project Management
$65k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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See All 126+ Construction Project Lead Jobs in Illinois

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Construction Project Lead Jobs by City in Illinois

Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Rockford
6 jobs
Itasca
5 jobs
Peoria
4 jobs
Carol Stream
4 jobs
Northbrook
3 jobs
Lake Zurich
3 jobs
Downers Grove
3 jobs
Oakbrook Terrace
3 jobs

Construction Project Lead Job Market in Illinois

A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

A
ARCO Companies7 open roles
Turner & Townsend Pty Limited
Turner & Townsend Pty Limited5 open roles
M
MBACSi4 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Construction & Real Estate
  • Staffing & Recruiting
  • Education
  • Government & Public Sector

What Illinois Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in construction project lead jobs across Illinois.

  • OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification recognized by Illinois general contractors and public project owners
  • Five or more years of construction field experience with documented project delivery responsibility
  • Demonstrated ability to manage subcontractors, schedules, and site safety plans simultaneously
  • Proficiency in project management software such as Procore, Primavera P6, or similar platforms
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel to active job sites across the Illinois project region
  • Bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related technical field preferred

Construction Project Lead Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a construction project lead in Illinois?

Most construction project leads in Illinois move into the role after several years as a field superintendent, project engineer, or assistant project manager. Illinois does not issue a state license specifically for construction project leads, but employers consistently require an OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification and often prefer candidates who hold or are pursuing a Certified Construction Manager credential through the Construction Management Association of America. A degree in construction management or civil engineering strengthens applications at larger Illinois firms.

Which companies hire construction project leads in Illinois?

Companies currently hiring construction project leads in Illinois include ARCO Companies, Turner & Townsend Pty Limited, and MBACSi, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's large commercial and public infrastructure pipeline, particularly in the Chicago metropolitan area, keeps demand from established general contractors and specialty subcontractors relatively steady throughout the year.

Which Illinois cities have the most construction project lead jobs?

The cities with the most construction project lead openings in Illinois are Chicago, Rockford, and Itasca. Chicago drives the bulk of listings given its volume of commercial high-rise, transit, and mixed-use development, while suburban corridors like Aurora and Naperville generate openings tied to industrial park construction and large distribution center projects anchored by major logistics employers in those areas.

Are there remote construction project lead jobs in Illinois?

Yes, but they are rare. The core responsibilities of a construction project lead, including site walks, subcontractor coordination, and daily field oversight, require physical presence on active job sites. About 18% of construction project lead openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those arrangements typically apply only to pre-construction planning, estimating review, or owner's representative roles where site visits are periodic rather than daily.

How can I get hired as a construction project lead in Illinois with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is through a project engineer or assistant project manager role at a mid-size Illinois general contractor, where you work directly under an experienced lead and take on progressively larger responsibilities. Firms like Pepper Construction and Clayco run structured associate programs that bring in candidates from Illinois-based construction management programs. Earning an OSHA 30-Hour certification before applying and building a portfolio of site coordination or scheduling work from internships or field assistant roles gives candidates a measurable edge.

Where can I find and apply to construction project lead jobs in Illinois?

You can find and apply to construction project lead jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings from employers actively hiring for this role. Search the listings, identify the roles that match your experience and preferred location, and apply directly to the ones that fit your background.

See All 126+ Construction Project Lead Jobs in Illinois

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