IT Project Intern

James Hardie; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship and guidance

Professional development resources

Networking opportunities

Competitive pay

Job summary

James Hardie is offering a 12-week paid internship in Chicago to gain hands-on experience in project management and process improvement. You will develop standardized tools, SOPs, prompts, and meeting agendas to support automated PM deliverables and faster project execution.

You will work with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, learn PMO practices, and leverage AI to streamline reporting, status updates, and documentation. A strong GPA and US work authorization are required.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program with anticipated graduation between 2027 and 2029.
• Minimum GPA 3.0.
• Available to work full-time for 12 weeks during summer 2027.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Leverage AI and automation tools to streamline project management activities, including status reports, steering committee presentations, kickoff materials, meeting summaries, and project documentation.
• Support project planning, tracking, and reporting by ensuring project information is accurate, timely, and aligned with PMO standards.
• Develop and document standardized processes, templates, SOPs, prompts, and agendas to improve consistency and efficiency across project teams.
• Collaborate with project managers, business stakeholders, and technical teams to gather requirements and support project execution.
• Identify opportunities to automate repetitive processes and enhance project delivery through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Present recommendations, solutions, and project outcomes that improve reporting quality, reduce manual effort, and accelerate project execution.

Skills

AI tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Teams

SharePoint

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree candidate in CS or MIS

Tools

Microsoft Copilot

Job description

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®.

With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.

For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.

Summary

As a James Hardie intern, you will gain hands‑on experience in your chosen field while contributing to meaningful projects that drive business results. Our 12‑week paid internship program is designed to provide real‑world industry exposure, strengthen your professional and technical skills, and help prepare you for a successful career. Throughout the program, you will collaborate with experienced professionals, build valuable relationships across the organization, and take on work that makes a measurable impact. You will also have access to mentoring opportunities and professional development resources to support your growth and career aspirations.

Internship Objective

Gain hands‑on experience in project management and process improvement by developing standardized tools, procedures, and automation resources that enhance team efficiency and project delivery. The intern will work to create consistent, high‑quality project management materials, including status reports, steering committee presentations, and RAID logs, while identifying opportunities to streamline workflows and reduce manual effort.

By the end of the internship, the intern will deliver standardized operating procedures (SOPs), prompts, and meeting agendas that support the automated creation of project management deliverables, enabling faster, more efficient execution of projects across the organization.

What You’ll Do:

• Leverage AI and automation tools to streamline project management activities, including status reports, steering committee presentations, kickoff materials, meeting summaries, and project documentation.
• Support project planning, tracking, and reporting by ensuring project information is accurate, timely, and aligned with PMO standards.
• Develop and document standardized processes, templates, SOPs, prompts, and agendas to improve consistency and efficiency across project teams.
• Collaborate with project managers, business stakeholders, and technical teams to gather requirements and support project execution.
• Identify opportunities to automate repetitive processes and enhance project delivery through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Present recommendations, solutions, and project outcomes that improve reporting quality, reduce manual effort, and accelerate project execution.

What You’ll Bring:

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in a relevant discipline at an accredited university, with an anticipated graduation date between December 2027 and May 2029 (rising junior or rising senior).
• Strong academic performance with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Available to work full‑time for 12 weeks during summer 2027.
• Reliable transportation to and from the work location.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Skills

• Target majors: Computer Science or Management Information Systems.
• Experience with Microsoft Copilot or similar AI tools
• Experience with Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, and SharePoint
• Understanding of project management practices
• Strong communication and presentation skills

What You’ll Receive:

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $20 to $25 per hour. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and may change over time.

• Full‑time work experience and competitive pay
• Meaningful projects with business impact
• Mentorship and guidance
• Feedback and evaluation
• Exposure to James Hardie culture
• Networking opportunities and skill development

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.

James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.

The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.