Project Development Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL
Project Development Manager jobs in Chicago are concentrated in the Loop, River North, and the Fulton Market corridor, driven by demand in infrastructure, commercial real estate, energy, and technology. Companies actively posting right now include Outform, United Airlines, and Atwell. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 22+ Project Development Manager jobs
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional to play an integral role in bringing exceptional restaurant experiences to life—from early design and construction through opening and operational stabilization. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, understands the importance of accountability and execution, and is eager to grow alongside an evolving hospitality organization.
Working closely with Development leadership, architects, designers, contractors, consultants, ownership groups, and internal Operations teams, this individual will help ensure projects remain organized, on schedule, and positioned for successful openings.
Ideal qualifications and attributes
Experience in project management, construction coordination, restaurant development, hospitality development, or a related field.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities.
Familiarity with construction schedules, design documentation, project tracking, and vendor coordination.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with architects, contractors, consultants, executives, and restaurant operations teams.
A proactive, solution-oriented approach with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-growing organization where priorities and project conditions can evolve.
Willingness to travel and provide on-site support during critical development and restaurant opening periods.
A collaborative, professional approach and a commitment to hospitality excellence.
Project Management & Execution
Responsible for coordinating deliverables and driving accountability across project teams.
Maintain critical paths, milestone schedules, project trackers, and key deliverables.
Monitor project progress and proactively identify schedule, budget, procurement, and construction risks.
Coordinate communication and follow-up between internal stakeholders and external partners.
Provide concise project updates, identify outstanding decisions, and escalate issues to Development leadership.
Participate in design, construction, and owner-architect-contractor meetings.
Coordinate with architects, engineers, designers, general contractors, equipment suppliers, and consultants.
Track drawings, revisions, submittals, approvals, equipment requirements, and construction deliverables.
Assist with identifying and resolving coordination issues between design intent, construction conditions, and operational requirements.
Maintain construction punch lists and track outstanding items through completion.
Serve as an on-site Development representative during critical project and restaurant opening periods.
Coordinate vendor installations, deliveries, construction turnover, and field logistics.
Work alongside Operations and Operational Readiness teams to support opening schedules and transitions.
Identify and escalate construction or vendor issues that could impact training, setup, or restaurant openings.
Support post-opening stabilization, project closeout, and lessons-learned reviews.
Partner with Development, Culinary, Operations, Procurement, Finance, and external project stakeholders.
Maintain clear communication and accountability across multiple concurrent projects.
Help strengthen and refine project management systems and processes as the organization continues to grow.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional to play an integral role in bringing exceptional restaurant experiences to life—from early design and construction through opening and operational stabilization. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, understands the importance of accountability and execution, and is eager to grow alongside an evolving hospitality organization.
Working closely with Development leadership, architects, designers, contractors, consultants, ownership groups, and internal Operations teams, this individual will help ensure projects remain organized, on schedule, and positioned for successful openings.
Ideal qualifications and attributes
Experience in project management, construction coordination, restaurant development, hospitality development, or a related field.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities.
Familiarity with construction schedules, design documentation, project tracking, and vendor coordination.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with architects, contractors, consultants, executives, and restaurant operations teams.
A proactive, solution-oriented approach with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-growing organization where priorities and project conditions can evolve.
Willingness to travel and provide on-site support during critical development and restaurant opening periods.
A collaborative, professional approach and a commitment to hospitality excellence.
Project Management & Execution
Responsible for coordinating deliverables and driving accountability across project teams.
Maintain critical paths, milestone schedules, project trackers, and key deliverables.
Monitor project progress and proactively identify schedule, budget, procurement, and construction risks.
Coordinate communication and follow-up between internal stakeholders and external partners.
Provide concise project updates, identify outstanding decisions, and escalate issues to Development leadership.
Participate in design, construction, and owner-architect-contractor meetings.
Coordinate with architects, engineers, designers, general contractors, equipment suppliers, and consultants.
Track drawings, revisions, submittals, approvals, equipment requirements, and construction deliverables.
Assist with identifying and resolving coordination issues between design intent, construction conditions, and operational requirements.
Maintain construction punch lists and track outstanding items through completion.
Serve as an on-site Development representative during critical project and restaurant opening periods.
Coordinate vendor installations, deliveries, construction turnover, and field logistics.
Work alongside Operations and Operational Readiness teams to support opening schedules and transitions.
Identify and escalate construction or vendor issues that could impact training, setup, or restaurant openings.
Support post-opening stabilization, project closeout, and lessons-learned reviews.
Partner with Development, Culinary, Operations, Procurement, Finance, and external project stakeholders.
Maintain clear communication and accountability across multiple concurrent projects.
Help strengthen and refine project management systems and processes as the organization continues to grow.
See All 22 Project Development Manager Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsProject Development Manager Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
Project Development Manager Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a project development manager job in Chicago?
Focus your search on Chicago's strongest hiring sectors: infrastructure and utilities, commercial real estate development, healthcare systems, and technology. The Loop and Fulton Market district hold the densest concentration of openings. Candidates who stand out locally combine PMP or equivalent credentials with direct experience managing cross-functional teams and capital budgets. Networking through the Urban Land Institute Chicago chapter or local construction and infrastructure associations also opens doors that online applications rarely reach.
Which companies hire project development managers in Chicago?
Chicago project development manager roles are posted by Outform, United Airlines, and Atwell and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Chicago's hiring mix is broad, drawing from large utilities and transit agencies, commercial real estate developers, hospital networks, and enterprise technology firms headquartered in the Loop and the broader metro area.
Are there remote project development manager jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though remote availability depends heavily on the role. Project development managers overseeing physical construction, facilities, or infrastructure are typically required on-site, while those handling planning, budgeting, and stakeholder coordination for software or consulting projects have more flexibility. About 100% of project development manager openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with the strongest remote options concentrated in technology and professional services firms.
How can I get a project development manager job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Chicago is through a project coordinator or program associate role at a large infrastructure firm, hospital system, or real estate development company. Chicago's major utilities, transit agencies, and hospital networks regularly hire entry-level project staff who can move into development management over time. A demonstrated ability to track budgets, coordinate timelines, and communicate with stakeholders matters more to most Chicago employers than a specific credential at the entry level.
Related Jobs in Illinois
See All 22 Project Development Manager Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs