The Capital Improvement Manager is responsible for planning, managing, and delivering major capital projects across Cottonwood Residential’s multifamily portfolio. Reporting to the VP of Facilities Management, this role coordinates with regional teams, vendors, and contractors to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to high quality standards.
What You'll Do
- Manage all major capital improvement projects across the full Cottonwood Residential portfolio from initiation through final closeout
- Collaborate closely with Regional Service Managers and Regional Managers to schedule projects and align timelines with site operations
- Lead and facilitate pre-construction meetings with vendors and contractors, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and aligned before work begins
- Develop and maintain project schedules, coordinating across multiple properties and regions simultaneously
- Provide regular status updates to the VP of Facilities Management, Regional teams, and other stakeholders throughout each project lifecycle
- Conduct final inspections to confirm work is complete, meets quality standards, and satisfies all contract requirements
- Manage capital projects to approved budgets and proactively identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality
- Prepare, review, and manage project budgets, including CAPEX tracking and cost-to-complete forecasting
- Review, negotiate, and execute contracts with vendors and contractors in accordance with company policies
- Issue and manage purchase orders for all capital projects; track PO status from issuance through payment
- Process and verify invoices, ensuring payments align with project milestones, completed scope, and contract terms
- Collect lien waivers (conditional and unconditional) from all contractors and subcontractors prior to and following final payment
- Identify and flag budget variances early, presenting solutions and change order recommendations as needed
- Source, evaluate, and select qualified vendors and contractors for capital improvement scopes
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with vendors, subcontractors, and industry partners
- Ensure all contractors carry appropriate insurance and licensing and comply with Cottonwood Residential’s vendor requirements
- Hold vendors accountable to scope, schedule, and quality standards throughout each engagement
- Maintain complete and accurate project documentation, including contracts, change orders, schedules, POs, invoices, inspection records, and lien waivers
- Ensure all capital projects comply with local building codes, permit requirements, OSHA standards, and company safety policies
- Manage permit applications and ensure all required inspections and approvals are obtained
- Conduct and document final inspections confirming punch list completion and contract fulfillment prior to final payment
What We're Looking For
- 5+ years of experience managing capital improvement, construction, or facilities projects
- Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects across geographically dispersed sites
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing project budgets, CAPEX reporting, purchase orders, and contract compliance
- Experience with full contract lifecycle management, including drafting, negotiating, executing, and closing out contracts
- Thorough understanding of lien waiver processes, final payment procedures, and project closeout documentation
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to build relationships with Regional Managers, Regional Service Managers, vendors, and contractors
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and strong time management skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and contracts
- Willingness to travel to properties across the portfolio as required
Nice to Have
- Multifamily experience strongly preferred
- Experience with property management or project management software is a plus
Technical Stack
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), Property management software, Project management software
Team & Environment
Reports to the VP of Facilities Management. Team size and structure not specified.
Benefits & Compensation
- Competitive compensation and benefits package
- Professional growth opportunities
- Culture that values innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence
- Opportunity to work alongside talented regional and corporate leaders
- Equal opportunity employer
Work Mode
Hybrid role with remote/field work and travel required. Portfolio-wide coverage with preferred locations in Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Orlando, and Salt Lake City.
Cottonwood Residential is an equal opportunity employer.
