Turner Construction Hiring Traveling Project Manager for Drywall

In the dynamic landscape of commercial construction, few names carry as much weight and legacy as Turner Construction Company. Founded in 1902 as a general contracting and concrete company, Turner pioneered reinforced concrete and by the 1920s had built 70% of concrete buildings in New York City. That same spirit thrives today through their self-perform team under the leadership of Shannon Hines, Senior Vice President of Self-Perform Operations, and is a key part of their vision: to be the highest-value provider of global construction services and technical expertise.

Understanding the Role: Self-Perform Drywall Operations

What “Self-Perform” Means for a General Contractor

Unlike traditional management models where a general contractor (GC) hires subcontractors to execute specific trades like framing or drywall, self-perform work involves the GC using their own skilled labor force. This approach allows for greater control over the schedule, quality, and safety of the project—critical for complex healthcare and high-rise builds.

Turner’s Self-Perform Legacy (120-Year History)

Turner’s self-perform operations trace back to the company’s founding in 1902. Today, under the guidance of Shannon Hines, SVP of Self-Perform Operations, regional managers work with local offices to maximize self-perform opportunities while delivering impeccable quality across diverse market segments including healthcare, education, commercial, and pharmaceutical.

Shannon Hines’ Leadership in SPO

As Senior Vice President, Shannon Hines oversees the strategic direction of Turner’s self-perform operations nationwide. Her leadership ensures that regional teams like Philadelphia’s have the resources, training through Turner University, and technical support to execute complex self-perform scopes including drywall, concrete, and mechanical trades.

For the incoming Turner Construction drywall project manager Philadelphia, this role is not merely about oversight; it is about direct operational leadership. The position will involve managing field crews, coordinating material logistics, and leveraging construction staffing solutions, and ensuring that the installation of metal stud framing, gypsum board, and acoustical ceilings meets stringent architectural specifications. In a bustling market like Philadelphia, where high-rise mixed-use developments and healthcare facilities are prevalent, the ability to self-perform drywall placement services gives Turner a competitive edge in compressing schedules and managing costs effectively.

Key Responsibilities and Expectations

Schedule Development & Critical Path Management

The responsibilities for this traveling project manager role are extensive. A primary function will be the development and maintenance of project schedules. Drywall is often on the critical path of a construction timeline; any delays here can push back the entire building opening. Therefore, the project manager must possess deep knowledge of the installation process to anticipate bottlenecks before they occur.

Field Crew Management & Material Logistics

Candidates must be prepared to wear multiple hats, balancing administrative duties with on-site management. This includes managing union field crews, coordinating gypsum board and steel stud deliveries, and ensuring acoustical ceiling installations align with mechanical and electrical rough-ins.

Budget Management and Cost Control

Gypsum Board Price Volatility

Financial acumen is non-negotiable. The project manager will be responsible for tracking labor costs, material usage, and equipment rentals against the budget. With gypsum board prices fluctuating up to 15% year-over-year per BLS Producer Price Index data for gypsum products (December 2024), vigilant cost management is essential.

Value Engineering & Cost Forecasting

The ideal candidate will have experience forecasting costs and implementing value engineering solutions to keep the project profitable without compromising quality. Access to Turner’s proprietary Cost Index provides benchmark data for accurate estimating across the Philadelphia market.

Safety and Compliance

OSHA Standards & Daily Toolbox Talks

Safety is the bedrock of Turner Construction’s operations. The project manager must enforce all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and company-specific safety protocols. This includes conducting daily toolbox talks, ensuring proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and maintaining a clean job site.

Ethics & Compliance Hotline

Turner maintains a 24/7 Ethics & Compliance Hotline (888-738-1924 / turnerconstruction.ethicspoint.com) for confidential reporting. The project manager is responsible for ensuring all team members understand and can access this resource, reinforcing Turner’s commitment to ethical operations across all job sites.

The Strategic Importance of the Philadelphia Market

Schuylkill Yards & Penn Medicine Pipeline

Why is this position based in Philadelphia? The City of Brotherly Love is currently experiencing a renaissance in construction development. From the massive Schuylkill Yards redevelopment to the expansion of healthcare systems like Penn Medicine, the pipeline of work is substantial.

Northeast Construction Spending (Census Bureau)

According to the U.S. Census Bureau (November 2024), construction spending in the Northeast remains robust, driven largely by private non-residential investments in healthcare, education, and commercial sectors.

Travel Radius: NJ, DE, MD Municipal Codes

For a Turner Construction drywall project manager Philadelphia, this environment offers a chance to work on some of the most iconic projects in the region. The traveling aspect of the role suggests that while Philadelphia is the hub, the manager may also support projects in surrounding states such as New Jersey, Delaware, or Maryland. This requires a professional who is not only skilled in trade management but also adaptable to different municipal codes and union environments prevalent in the Northeast.

Industry Trends: The Shift to Traveling Management

BLS 8% Growth Projection (Updated 2024)

The construction industry is facing a skilled labor shortage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (September 2024) projects that employment of construction managers will grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the 3% average for all occupations. This translates to roughly 45,000 new positions over the decade.

Bridging Local Labor Gaps

To bridge the gap between project demand and local talent availability, major firms like Turner are increasingly utilizing traveling project managers, as seen with Turner drywall superintendents hiring. These “roving” experts bring specialized expertise to job sites that may be struggling with specific trade execution, ensuring that the company’s high standards are upheld regardless of the local labor market conditions.

Qualifications: What Makes the Ideal Candidate?

Education & Equivalent Experience

To be considered for this high-impact role, candidates must meet rigorous criteria following hiring best practices. A bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field is typically required per Turner’s July 2024 job postings. However, equivalent field experience—specifically in commercial drywall and framing—often carries equal weight.

Technical Proficiency

Proficiency in construction management software such as Procore, Bluebeam Revu, and Microsoft Project is required per current job descriptions. Modern drywall management relies heavily on Building Information Modeling (BIM). The ability to read and coordinate 3D models to detect clashes between framing and mechanical systems is a highly prized skill—one that Turner’s Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) group actively develops. Candidates familiar with cold-formed steel engineering software will have a distinct advantage in the hiring process.

Turner University & Career Development

Turner invests heavily in workforce development through Turner University, offering continuing education, leadership training, and technical certifications. The traveling project manager role includes access to these resources, supporting long-term career growth within Turner’s Self-Perform Operations division.

Leadership and Communication

Beyond the technical skills, soft skills are paramount. A traveling project manager must be an effective communicator, acting as the liaison between the Turner project executives, the field superintendents, the design team, and the client. Conflict resolution skills are necessary, as the pressure to meet deadlines can create friction on the job site. The ability to lead by example and foster a collaborative culture is what separates a good manager from a great one.

Why Turner? Culture, Benefits & Growth

ESG/DEI Commitments

Turner’s ESG strategy encompasses environmental sustainability, community citizenship, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The company publishes annual sustainability reports and has committed to ambitious carbon reduction targets across its project portfolio.

Turner Cost Index Access

Employees gain access to Turner’s proprietary Cost Index, a quarterly publication tracking construction cost trends across major U.S. markets. This data asset provides competitive advantage in estimating and project planning.

Military & Skilled Trade Pathways

Turner actively recruits military professionals and skilled trade workers through dedicated pathways. The Labor & Skilled Trade program offers apprenticeship opportunities, journeyman advancement, and management-track development for field professionals.

Conclusion

This hiring initiative by Turner Construction represents more than just a job opening; it is a reflection of the company’s strategic direction toward self-perform excellence. For a seasoned professional ready to take the next step in their career, this role offers the unique blend of travel, high-level project management, and technical trade specialization. As the Philadelphia skyline continues to transform, the expertise of a Turner Construction drywall project manager Philadelphia will play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s future infrastructure. If you possess the requisite skills in drywall systems, team leadership, and project controls, this opportunity to hire certified trades professionals could be the career-defining move you have been waiting for. Request a schedule free consultation today.