Position Overview (Location: Onsite, Charlottesville, VA - Must Be Willing to Relocate - Relocation Assistance Provided)
Our client is seeking a results-oriented Project Manager to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of complex industrial refrigeration projects across the United States. This individual will be accountable for delivering projects that meet customer expectations, maintain financial objectives, adhere to schedules, and uphold the highest standards of safety and quality.
Working closely with customers, engineering teams, field operations, suppliers, and subcontractors, the Project Manager will serve as the central point of leadership throughout the project lifecycle, from contract award through final startup and turnover.
Key Responsibilities
- Review project agreements, specifications, and commercial requirements to ensure full compliance throughout execution
- Monitor project budgets, forecasts, and overall financial performance
- Manage change orders, scope modifications, and contract adjustments while protecting project profitability
- Maintain complete and accurate project records, including cost tracking, schedules, correspondence, and contractual documentation
Project Planning & Coordination
- Develop and manage project execution plans and schedules that align with customer expectations and overall construction timelines
- Coordinate activities among engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and field service teams
- Ensure labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractor resources are available to support project milestones
- Track project progress and proactively address issues that may impact schedule, quality, or cost objectives
Customer Relations & Communication
- Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, owners, contractors, and other project stakeholders
- Provide regular updates regarding project status, critical milestones, risks, and schedule performance
- Build strong customer relationships through responsiveness, professionalism, and effective problem resolution
- Ensure customer expectations are properly managed while fulfilling all contractual commitments
- Develop productive working relationships with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors
- Support procurement efforts by assisting with sourcing activities, pricing evaluations, and supplier selection
- Coordinate material deliveries and equipment availability to minimize disruptions to project execution
- Collaborate with external partners to resolve issues that could affect project performance or timelines
Risk, Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Identify operational, technical, financial, and scheduling risks and implement mitigation strategies
- Ensure all project activities comply with applicable safety standards and regulatory requirements
- Support project teams in resolving technical challenges and compliance-related concerns
- Maintain familiarity with federal, state, and local regulations governing industrial refrigeration systems, including ammonia and CO₂ applications
Project Delivery Leadership
- Lead assigned projects from initial handoff through commissioning, startup, and final closeout
- Drive project success by maintaining focus on safety, quality, customer satisfaction, schedule adherence, and financial performance
- Facilitate communication and alignment among all internal and external project participants
- Provide leadership and decision-making support throughout the project lifecycle to ensure successful project outcomes
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent industry experience will be considered
- Five or more years of project management experience within industrial refrigeration, commercial refrigeration, HVAC, or related heavy industrial construction environment
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams consisting of engineers, technicians, field personnel, subcontractors, and suppliers
- Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Proven problem-solving and analytical capabilities with sound business judgment
- Experience negotiating and managing relationships with vendors, subcontractors, and customers
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with project management systems, technical documentation, engineering drawings, and construction-related software tools.