Kenowa Builders Project Manager, Custom Homes and Remodeling Ada, MI · Full time

Apply for Project Manager, Custom Homes and Remodeling

Kenowa Builders is a custom Grand Rapids home builder and remodeler with over 50 years of experience. We’re committed to thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and a seamless process from concept through construction—building homes that perform as well behind the walls as they do on the surface. We don’t just build to code or plan; we build to exceed expectations.

About Kenowa Builders

Kenowa Builders is a custom home builder and remodeler based in Ada, with more than 50 years of experience in the Grand Rapids area. We build custom homes from approximately $1 million to $7 million, high-end remodels and additions, and insurance rebuilds after fire and water losses.

Our projects involve custom details, existing conditions, close collaboration with designers, and homeowners who care deeply about the result. We have our own carpenters and cabinet shop, supported by site supervisors, estimating, and shared project dashboards for schedules, budgets, and selections.

The role

The Project Manager brings the people, information, and decisions together to keep each project moving.

You will partner with site supervisors who lead the day-to-day field work, coordinate with estimating during project handoff, and work closely with homeowners, designers, subcontractors, and suppliers throughout construction.

We expect you to know your projects, address problems early, and follow through on commitments.

Homeowner and designer relationships

• Build trust with homeowners through clear communication and dependable follow-through.
• Be the primary contact for project progress, upcoming decisions, budget questions, and changes.
• Lead productive meetings and walkthroughs with clear decisions and next steps.
• Work with designers and architects to clarify details, preserve design intent, and resolve construction and budget constraints.
• Explain difficult news early and bring practical options.
• On insurance rebuilds, coordinate with homeowners and adjusters on scope and documentation.

Subcontractor and supplier relationships

• Develop dependable relationships with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Obtain quotes, review scope against the plans, and select trade partners within company approval guidelines.
• Set clear expectations for scope, schedule, quality, and jobsite readiness.
• Make timely decisions and help resolve questions before they interrupt work.
• Address missed commitments and quality concerns directly and fairly.
• Coordinate warranty work and hold responsible parties accountable through completion.

Schedule and field coordination

• Build and maintain a realistic project schedule with input from the site supervisor and trade partners.
• Lead weekly look-ahead planning and confirm that upcoming work has the information, materials, and approvals it needs.
• Set purchasing and selection deadlines based on construction needs and supplier lead times.
• Visit projects regularly, listen to the field team, and remove obstacles.
• Identify delays early, develop recovery plans, and communicate the effects to the right people.

Budget, scope and selections

• Own project financial performance and keep cost forecasts current.
• Understand subcontract commitments, remaining costs, allowances, and potential overruns.
• Help homeowners and designers make timely selections with clear cost and schedule implications.
• Identify scope gaps and changes before work proceeds.
• Prepare and obtain approval for change orders before releasing the affected work.
• Review subcontractor and supplier invoices and coordinate billing information with accounting.

Quality, safety and closeout

• Work with site supervisors to maintain safe, organized jobsites and protect existing and completed work.
• Review construction details and field conditions before they become expensive problems.
• Walk the work regularly and address concerns when you see them.
• Coordinate permits, inspections, and required corrections.
• Lead punch lists, owner handoff, and warranty follow-through.

Project information and systems

• Use shared dashboards and company systems to keep project information accurate and accessible.
• Turn meeting discussions and field questions into clear assignments and completed actions.
• Use available administrative support and tools effectively while remaining accountable for the information and decisions on your projects.
• Help improve the way we plan, communicate, and manage work.

Who we are looking for

• At least five years of residential construction experience, including two or more years leading projects as a PM, superintendent, or comparable role. This experience is required.
• A consistent work history is required.
• Experience with custom homes, high-end remodeling, or insurance restoration.
• Strong understanding of plans, construction details, sequencing, and field coordination.
• Experience working directly with homeowners, designers, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Confidence discussing budgets, added costs, delays, and quality concerns calmly and clearly.
• Financial discipline with budgets, allowances, commitments, and change orders.
• A record of taking ownership, making decisions, and following through.
• Willingness to learn new software and improve established processes.
• A valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

A carpentry or field background is valuable. We welcome candidates whose practical experience demonstrates they can lead the work and manage the relationships.

What success looks like

• Homeowners feel informed and trust your communication.
• Designers and trade partners receive timely answers and clear direction.
• Site supervisors and carpenters have the decisions and support they need.
• Schedules reflect actual conditions and commitments.
• Budget exposure and scope changes are addressed early.
• Change orders are approved before the affected work begins.
• Subcontractors and suppliers want to work on your projects.
• Projects finish with careful closeout and resolved punch items.

Schedule

• Full-time, Monday through Friday.
• Based in our Ada office, with regular visits to projects throughout greater Grand Rapids.
• Typically responsible for two to four active projects, depending on size, complexity, and phase.

Compensation and benefits

• Salary starting at $100,000 per year, plus performance bonus.
• Health insurance stipend.
• Company vehicle.
• Company phone and laptop.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Consistent year-round work.
• Opportunity to grow with the company.

Interested?

Submit your resume and answer our short screening questions. We're interested in the projects you have personally led, the relationships you have built, and how you handle challenges when a job gets difficult.

Our hiring process includes a short online assessment and an initial phone conversation.