Construction Manager II/III (Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Industrial) - Traveling

Dennis Group is a specialized construction company dedicated exclusively to the food and beverage industry, planning, designing, engineering, and building food processing plants for major brands across the United States and internationally. With over three decades of experience, Dennis Group has established itself as a trusted leader in creating facilities that help bring consumers their favorite food products. The company prides itself on deep industry expertise, delivering customized solutions for complex food and beverage processing projects. Dennis Group’s focus ensures that it understands the unique requirements and regulations relevant to constructing highly specialized manufacturing and processing environments where safety, efficiency, and compliance are critical.

The company offers comprehensive and competitive compensation packages, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, an open vacation policy with paid time off, as well as bonus, profit-sharing, and retirement plans. As an equal opportunity employer, Dennis Group welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and is committed to nondiscriminatory hiring practices.

The Construction Manager role at Dennis Group is a full-time, highly dynamic position located primarily onsite in Lexington, KY, with substantial travel required—up to 100%—to project locations throughout the United States and possibly Canada. This role is vital for the supervision and successful management of construction activities related to industrial and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) food and beverage process facility projects. The Construction Manager operates as the project site supervisor, overseeing daily operations, coordinating subcontractors, and managing site safety programs to ensure projects are executed efficiently and safely.

This position demands a skilled communicator who can interact effectively with personnel at all organizational levels, including owners, subcontractors, building officials, architects, engineers, and project managers. The Construction Manager will conduct meetings, provide strong technical guidance, and utilize multiple software tools for project planning and management. Responsibilities cover contract administration, project budgeting, scheduling, reporting, and providing expert advice on construction management issues. The role requires scrutiny of all project stages from permitting and compliance through installation, inspection, and final project close-out.

The Construction Manager must possess a strong ability to manage medium-sized projects autonomously, coordinating field engineering efforts, supervising Jr. Construction Managers or field engineers as needed, and ensuring sub-contractors adhere to schedules and plans. Key duties include budgeting and cost management, overseeing equipment installations, handling regulatory approvals, managing change orders, and procuring services and equipment required for project execution. This position acts as a client-facing representative, requiring a collaborative approach with various stakeholders to maintain project momentum and resolve challenges.

Physical demands of the role include prolonged periods of sitting and standing, navigating uneven jobsite terrain in diverse weather conditions, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. The schedule follows a rigorous 10 days onsite followed by 4 days off, with the manager expected to be on call to address unforeseen events such as delays or emergencies, highlighting the demanding nature of this role.

Overall, the Construction Manager position at Dennis Group offers an exceptional opportunity for professionals with a background in construction science, building science, or construction engineering, particularly those with industrial and design-build project experience. The role combines technical expertise, leadership, and strong communication skills to deliver top-quality food processing facilities that meet strict industry standards and client expectations.