Assistant Project Manager - Construction

SMB Contracting INC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Growth opportunities

Diverse projects

Collaborative culture

Commitment to excellence

Job summary

SMB Contracting Inc. in the Chicagoland area seeks an Assistant Project Manager - Construction to help drive project delivery from planning to closeout.

You will review drawings, assist with minor estimates, prepare schedules, coordinate with subcontractors, and support field operations while maintaining OSHA safety standards. You will collaborate with senior managers, clients, vendors, and foremen to keep projects on track, manage changing conditions, and document progress for timely decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field.
• Zero to two years of experience in construction, project coordination, estimating, or a related field is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with Procore, STACK, and Monday.com is preferred.
• Basic understanding of construction estimating, material takeoffs, and labor-cost calculations is preferred.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and scopes of work.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and assemble project scopes for bidding.
• Prepare minor project estimates, including material quantities, labor requirements, subcontractor pricing, and other anticipated project costs.
• Assist with obtaining and comparing proposals from subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers.
• Assist in preparing and maintaining project schedules and work plans.
• Coordinate with subcontractors, vendors, clients, and internal teams.
• Prepare daily site reports and monitor job progress.
• Support the preparation and review of RFIs, submittals, and other project documentation.
• Track project costs and change orders and assist with basic budgeting.
• Monitor job-site progress and promptly report issues or delays to senior management.
• Visit job sites and assist with managing project foremen and crews.
• Attend site meetings and assist with field coordination.
• Support punch-list preparation, follow-up, and final walkthroughs.
• Help maintain a clean and safe work environment in accordance with OSHA requirements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Problem-solving

Time management

Teamwork

Numerical skills

Adaptability (office/field)

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management/engineering/related field

0–2 years construction/coordination/estimating experience

Tools

Procore

STACK

Monday.com

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

SMB Contracting Inc. is a family-owned, design-build construction firm based in the Chicagoland area. We specialize in commercial rehabilitation and residential remodeling, offering a full range of services-from kitchen and bathroom renovations to large-scale commercial buildouts.

Our strength lies in our agility and craftsmanship. Whether acting as a general contractor or subcontractor, we deliver outstanding results that meet our clients' needs with minimal disruption. With over a decade of industry experience, our team works around our clients' schedules, often during off-hours, to ensure seamless project delivery. We have earned a strong reputation for flexibility, quality, and professionalism, resulting in repeat business from homeowners, businesses, and property managers.

About the Role

We are looking for a detail-oriented and motivated Assistant Project Manager - Construction who is eager to learn and grow in the construction industry. In this role, you will take ownership of key project management tasks, including reviewing drawings, assisting with minor project estimates, preparing schedules, coordinating with subcontractors, and supporting smooth project execution from start to finish.

You will work closely with senior managers, clients, subcontractors, and vendors to keep projects on track, maintain compliance with OSHA safety standards, and support timely completion. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop technical and leadership skills, and play an important role in delivering high-quality projects.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy organization, coordination, and problem-solving, this role may be an excellent fit for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and scopes of work.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and assemble project scopes for bidding.
• Prepare minor project estimates, including material quantities, labor requirements, subcontractor pricing, and other anticipated project costs.
• Assist with obtaining and comparing proposals from subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers.
• Assist in preparing and maintaining project schedules and work plans.
• Coordinate with subcontractors, vendors, clients, and internal teams.
• Prepare daily site reports and monitor job progress.
• Support the preparation and review of RFIs, submittals, and other project documentation.
• Track project costs and change orders and assist with basic budgeting.
• Monitor job-site progress and promptly report issues or delays to senior management.
• Visit job sites and assist with managing project foremen and crews.
• Attend site meetings and assist with field coordination.
• Support punch-list preparation, follow-up, and final walkthroughs.
• Help maintain a clean and safe work environment in accordance with OSHA requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field.
• Zero to two years of experience in construction, project coordination, estimating, or a related field is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with Procore, STACK, and Monday.com is preferred.
• Basic understanding of construction estimating, material takeoffs, and labor-cost calculations is preferred.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and a problem-solving mindset.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic numerical skills and the ability to prepare accurate minor estimates.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and follow up on deadlines.
• Team-oriented, with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Comfortable working in both office and job-site environments.

Why Join Us?

• Growth Opportunities: We invest in your development by offering hands-on experience and mentorship to help you advance into senior project management roles.
• Diverse Projects: Work on a wide range of residential and commercial projects and gain exposure to all phases of construction.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a supportive team that values communication, problem-solving, and innovation.
• Commitment to Excellence: Be part of a company known for quality craftsmanship, client satisfaction, and professionalism.