Project Manager

Actalent; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule (Mon–Thu in/ Fri.

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Project Manager – Electrical Utility Construction to lead transmission and substation projects in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. You will own projects from planning through closeout, coordinating field teams, clients, and subcontractors to ensure on-time, within-budget delivery.

The role offers a hybrid schedule (in-office and remote days), frequent site visits, and interaction with major utility clients.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of Project Management experience leading construction projects from initiation through completion.
• Hands-on experience supporting utility construction projects on the contractor side.
• Proven ability to manage project scope, schedule, budget, and client expectations.
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders across complex construction environments.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability and willingness to visit project sites and support field operations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage transmission and substation construction projects throughout the entire project lifecycle.
• Lead project planning, execution, budgeting, scheduling, forecasting, and closeout activities.
• Coordinate field operations, subcontractors, vendors, and client representatives to ensure project success.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with design specifications.
• Monitor scope, schedule, budget, and risk while implementing solutions to keep projects on track.
• Develop and manage change orders resulting from RFIs, drawing revisions, and client-requested modifications.
• Track project financial performance and provide accurate forecasting and profitability reporting.
• Work closely with field leadership to ensure labor, equipment, and resources are aligned with project needs.
• Maintain proactive communication with utilities, clients, union personnel, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve project management processes, systems, and overall efficiency.
• Conduct site visits and provide project oversight throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.

Skills

Project Management

Construction

Stakeholder coordination

Safety

Communication

Scheduling

Tools

Microsoft Project

Primavera

Job description

Job Description

Project Manager – Electrical Utility Construction Build the Infrastructure That Powers Communities

Are you a driven Project Manager with experience in electrical utility construction? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where safety, leadership, and execution matter? Join a respected and growing team delivering critical transmission and substation projects for major utility clients across the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana region.

In this role, you'll take ownership of projects from planning through closeout, working alongside field leadership, clients, subcontractors, and engineering teams to ensure successful project delivery. If you're looking for a company with a strong reputation, a collaborative culture, and opportunities to make a lasting impact on the power infrastructure industry, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

• Lead high-profile transmission and substation projects that strengthen the electrical grid


• Enjoy a collaborative, family-oriented culture with long-tenured team members


• Hybrid work schedule (typically Monday–Thursday in office, Friday remote)


• Work directly with major utility clients and industry-leading professionals


• Opportunity to influence project delivery processes and drive operational excellence


• Strong focus on employee support, teamwork, and long-term career growth

What You'll Do

As the Project Manager, you will serve as the primary point of accountability for assigned utility construction projects, ensuring successful execution from kickoff to completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage transmission and substation construction projects throughout the entire project lifecycle.


• Lead project planning, execution, budgeting, scheduling, forecasting, and closeout activities.


• Coordinate field operations, subcontractors, vendors, and client representatives to ensure project success.


• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with design specifications.


• Monitor scope, schedule, budget, and risk while implementing solutions to keep projects on track.


• Develop and manage change orders resulting from RFIs, drawing revisions, and client-requested modifications.


• Track project financial performance and provide accurate forecasting and profitability reporting.


• Work closely with field leadership to ensure labor, equipment, and resources are aligned with project needs.


• Maintain proactive communication with utilities, clients, union personnel, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.


• Identify opportunities to improve project management processes, systems, and overall efficiency.


• Conduct site visits and provide project oversight throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of Project Management experience leading construction projects from initiation through completion.


• Hands-on experience supporting utility construction projects on the contractor side.


• Proven ability to manage project scope, schedule, budget, and client expectations.


• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders across complex construction environments.


• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.


• Ability and willingness to visit project sites and support field operations as needed.


• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and project performance.

Work Environment & Travel

This role offers a hybrid work environment, with most team members working in the office Monday through Thursday and remotely on Fridays.

You may work from our main suburban office location or a Northwest Indiana satellite office. Regular interaction with construction crews, field leadership, and utility clients is a key part of the role, and periodic field visits are expected. Regional travel throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana will be required, with occasional overnight travel based on project needs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Downers Grove, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.27 - $60.10/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision