Assistant Construction Manager

Cortland
Arlington, VA

Role Overview

As the Assistant Construction Manager, you’ll support the planning and execution of renovations, new construction, and capital projects across a multi‑million‑dollar multifamily portfolio. Your coordination and jobsite partnership directly improve quality, cost control, and schedule performance - resulting in projects delivered on time, on budget, and built to last.

Construction & Field Execution

  • Support the execution of renovation, new construction, and capital projects across a multifamily portfolio, partnering closely with the Construction Manager in the field and office.
  • Work alongside contractors and vendors on active job sites to ensure scopes are understood, standards are met, and work progresses safely and efficiently.
  • Participate in due‑diligence and property condition walks, assessing renovation needs, estimating repair costs, and documenting findings to support project planning.
  • Apply accepted construction practices, codes, permitting requirements, and market pricing to support compliant, cost‑effective project delivery.

Project Coordination & Documentation

  • Coordinate day‑to‑day project activities, including schedules, take‑offs, logs, and change orders, keeping contractors and internal stakeholders aligned.
  • Track project progress and communicate updates, risks, and recommendations to property management and senior leaders.
  • Assist in delivering projects on time, within budget, and to quality standards by proactively managing details and resolving issues as they arise.
  • Support design and pre‑construction efforts, including schematic layouts, construction drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and pricing documents.

Contractor & Team Coordination

  • Support the procurement of construction services, including bid reviews, contract awards, and buyouts, helping assemble reliable project teams.
  • Assist with contractor onboarding by setting clear expectations, coordinating access and documentation, and helping new partners ramp quickly.
  • Coordinate and inspect contractor work, identifying opportunities to improve quality, safety, efficiency, and cost control.
  • Build strong working relationships with contractors and vendors to promote accountability, collaboration, and consistent performance throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business Management, Architecture, or a related field.
  • Proven experience in real estate or construction, preferably within multifamily renovation or new construction.
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate projects across multiple phases of construction.
  • Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and cost‑management skills.
  • Effective communicator able to work with property teams, contractors, and senior leadership.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project); experience with Timberline preferred

About Cortland

Founded in 2005, Cortland is an international, vertically integrated multifamily real estate investment, development, and management firm with a resident-centric approach to living experiences. Recognized as one of the top 10 multifamily owners and operators in the US, Cortland combines in-house design, construction, and operations to deliver value and innovation across its portfolio.

Join us as we reimagine apartment living and drive outsized returns through purpose, performance, and people.

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