Fire Systems Project Manager

Johnson Controls; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Controls in Totowa, New Jersey, seeks a Fire Project Manager to lead fire and security projects from planning through closeout. You will manage scope, schedule, cost, quality, safety, and customer expectations while coordinating with internal teams, customers, and field resources.

The role requires 5+ years of PM experience in security or new construction, knowledge of fire alarm systems, and travel around 25%+. A CSPM or PMI-PMP certification is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher or equivalent work experience.
• At least 5 years of project management experience in security or new construction.
• Ability to travel as needed (approx. 25%+).

Responsibilities

• Lead fire and security project delivery from initiation through completion and closeout.
• Define project scope, identify risks, set priorities, support local project office setup.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, and resource allocations.
• Coordinate with customers, technicians, subcontractors, vendors, and Johnson Controls management.
• Monitor project progress, expenditures, and forecast trends, and adjust plans.
• Track financial performance and support project accounting using Johnson Controls methodology and AIA standards.
• Conduct worksite inspections and ensure workmanship meets quality expectations.
• Prepare and deliver project updates and status reports to stakeholders and customers.
• Support issue resolution and help ensure projects close on time and in scope.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate degree

Equivalent work experience

Job description

Johnson Controls delivers building systems and lifecycle services that help customers achieve reliable, safe, and efficient operations in demanding environments. This position is based in Totowa, New Jersey, and focuses on fire-related project delivery with close coordination across internal teams, customers, and field resources.

Role Overview

As Fire Project Manager, you will lead moderately complex projects with medium to high corporate priority from planning through closeout. You will manage scope, schedule, cost, quality, safety, and customer expectations while keeping work organized, visible, and on track.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead fire and security project delivery from initiation through completion and closeout.
• Define project scope, identify risks, set priorities, and support local project office setup when needed.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, and resource allocations to keep work moving.
• Coordinate with customers, technicians, subcontractors, vendors, and Johnson Controls management.
• Monitor project progress, expenditures, and forecast trends, and adjust plans when conditions change.
• Track financial performance and support project accounting using Johnson Controls methodology and AIA standards.
• Conduct worksite inspections and confirm workmanship meets Johnson Controls quality expectations.
• Prepare and deliver project updates, cycle status, and expected results to internal stakeholders and customers.
• Support issue resolution and help ensure projects close on time and in scope.

How You Will Do It

• Own each project outcome with accountability, safety, and integrity by maintaining control of scope, schedule, cost, quality, and customer commitments.
• Stay close to the work so you can identify obstacles early, remove delays, and keep field execution aligned with customer needs.
• Use clear and timely communication with project staff, customers, vendors, and management to keep everyone aligned on priorities and next steps.
• Apply PMI-based project management discipline across integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement.
• Use candor and problem-solving to improve every day by reviewing progress, adjusting forecasts, and acting quickly when risks or variances appear.
• Win as one team by coordinating technicians, subcontractors, and internal partners with trust, respect, and a shared focus on delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, associate degree, or equivalent work experience of at least five years.
• At least 5 years of project management experience in the security industry, preferably, or in new construction.
• Working knowledge of fire alarm systems, installation workflows, and field-based project delivery.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, communicate effectively, and resolve issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel as needed, including daily and some overnight travel, with travel expected at approximately 25%+ depending on active projects.

Nice to Have

• CSPM (Certified Security Project Manager), or the ability to obtain certification within 6 months of employment.
• PMI PMP (Project Management Institute, Project Management Professional), or the ability to obtain certification within 6 months of employment.
• Experience with AIA standards and project financial forecasting.

Why Join Us

We offer a competitive salary range of $78K-$95k, along with a bonus plan tied to individual, group, and corporate performance. This role also includes a competitive benefits package with 401(k), medical, dental, and vision coverage available from day one, plus paid vacation, holidays, and sick time. You will join an encouraging and collaborative team environment that values diverse perspectives, on-the-job and cross-training opportunities, employee discount programs, and a strong commitment to safety through our Zero Harm policy.

Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law . If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here .