Assistant Project Manager

Actalent; Alabama; On-site; USD 65,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Assistant Project Manager for industrial mechanical construction. The role supports the Project Manager in delivering large-scale piping, central plants, and HVAC systems across manufacturing and energy facilities.

Responsibilities include cost control, procurement coordination, subcontract management, and schedule execution to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery. The ideal candidate has up to 4 years in construction with a relevant degree and strong skills in CPM

Qualifications

• 0–4 years of experience in construction, mechanical construction, or industrial projects.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical or Civil Engineering preferred.
• Experience substituting a degree with fieldwork is acceptable.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and project management software.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing industrial mechanical construction projects from preconstruction through closeout.
• Develop and maintain CPM schedules to ensure timely execution.
• Track RFIs, submittals, change orders, and contract docs.
• Maintain project logs, reporting for transparency and accountability.
• Coordinate meetings with owners, engineers, and subs; ensure action items follow-up.
• Assist with job cost tracking, forecasting, and budget management.
• Prepare monthly cost reports and productivity tracking.
• Review invoices for accuracy and alignment with budgets.
• Assist in pricing change orders and cost control.
• Monitor labor, equipment, and material productivity.
• Issue and track purchase orders for pipe, fittings, valves, etc.
• Coordinate with fabrication shops on spool drawings and schedules.

Skills

Construction experience

Reading drawings

MS Office

PM software

Strong communication

Cost forecasting

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Tools

MS Project

AutoCAD

BIM/VDC

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Assistant Project Manager - Industrial Mechanical Construction

Job Description

The Assistant Project Manager supports the Project Manager in delivering complex industrial mechanical construction projects, including large-bore piping systems, central utility plants, chilled and condenser water systems, steam and hydronic systems, process piping, and heavy HVAC installations. This role focuses on industrial and plant environments such as manufacturing facilities, energy plants, data centers, process facilities, and institutional central plants. The Assistant Project Manager plays a key role in cost control, procurement, fabrication coordination, subcontract management, and schedule execution to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget, while building a long-term career with strong opportunities for advancement and professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing industrial mechanical construction projects from preconstruction through commissioning and closeout.
• Support the development and maintenance of detailed CPM project schedules to ensure timely execution.
• Manage and track RFIs, submittals, change orders, and contract documentation in an organized and timely manner.
• Maintain accurate project logs, documentation, and reporting systems to support project transparency and accountability.
• Coordinate and document meetings with owners, engineers, and subcontractors, ensuring clear communication and follow-up on action items.
• Assist with job cost tracking, forecasting, and budget management to support financial control of the project.
• Support the preparation of monthly cost reports and productivity tracking to monitor project performance.
• Review vendor and subcontractor invoices for accuracy, contractual compliance, and alignment with project budgets.
• Assist in pricing and negotiating change orders, ensuring appropriate documentation and cost control.
• Monitor labor, equipment, and material productivity to identify trends and support efficient project execution.
• Issue and track purchase orders for pipe, fittings, valves, equipment, and specialty materials required for project delivery.
• Coordinate with fabrication shops on spool drawings, production schedules, and subcontract scope alignment to support timely fabrication and delivery.
• Track long-lead equipment and manage delivery timelines to minimize schedule risk.
• Work closely with superintendents and field leadership on daily coordination of field activities.
• Participate in jobsite walks and production planning meetings to understand field conditions and support effective planning.
• Assist in resolving field conflicts, drawing discrepancies, and coordination issues between trades and stakeholders.
• Support quality control documentation, including pressure testing, inspections, and commissioning processes.
• Coordinate with BIM/VDC teams for clash detection, model updates, and integration of design changes into field activities.
• Contribute to a safe work environment by supporting adherence to safety policies and procedures on project sites.

Essential Skills

• 0-4 years of experience in construction, mechanical construction, or industrial projects.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Relevant field experience in industrial mechanical construction may substitute for a degree.
• Basic understanding of industrial piping systems, HVAC systems, or process mechanical work.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, isometric drawings, and specifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and project management software.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with project stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills to support cost control, forecasting, and problem-solving.
• Understanding of construction documents and their use in project execution.
• Understanding of the construction process from preconstruction through closeout.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Relevant degree in Engineering, Building Science, or Construction is highly valued.
• Experience with industrial mechanical construction environments such as manufacturing facilities, energy plants, data centers, process facilities, or institutional central plants is beneficial.
• Interest in long-term career growth within industrial mechanical construction.
• Desire to wo