Project Manager

Express Employment Professionals - Cincinnati East; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Express Employment Professionals - Cincinnati East is seeking a Project Manager to oversee end-to-end execution of commercial refrigeration and ice system installation contracts. You will coordinate field sales, operations, manufacturers and clients to ensure projects meet schedule, budget and technical specs.

The role requires 3–5 years of project coordination experience in commercial food service equipment or HVAC/R, a high school diploma or higher, and PMP/CAPM preferred.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of project coordination or operational management in commercial food service equipment, HVAC/R, or related contracting.
• Technical knowledge of refrigeration mechanics, ice machines, or restaurant facility construction layouts.
• High school diploma or equivalent; PMP/CAPM certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review sales agreements, blueprints, and architectural drawings to verify readiness for ice and refrigeration systems.
• Coordinate equipment delivery timelines from manufacturers to job sites.
• Allocate internal field technicians or vet/manage third-party HVAC/R subcontractors for installation.
• Conduct pre-installation site surveys to verify site parameters and prevent field errors.
• Monitor compliance with local codes, warranty standards, and safety requirements.
• Track budgets and change orders; communicate with clients and general contractors.
• Deliver closeout documentation including manuals, warranties, and PM/service agreements.

Skills

Project coordination

Communication

Logistics coordination

Field service management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

PMP or CAPM certification preferred

Tools

Project scheduling software

ERP inventory software

Field service management suites

Job description

Position Summary

The Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end execution of commercial equipment installation contracts. This role bridges the gap between field sales teams, corporate operations, manufacturers, and clients. The Project Manager ensures that commercial refrigeration and ice system projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and to precise technical specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Planning & Coordination
  • Scope Alignment: Review sales agreements, blueprints, and architectural drawings to verify plumbing, electrical, and structural readiness for ice and refrigeration systems.
  • Logistics Management: Coordinate equipment delivery timelines from manufacturers and distribution hubs directly to job sites.
  • Resource Scheduling: Allocate internal field technicians or vet and manage third-party HVAC/R subcontractors for installation.
• Field Execution & Quality Control
  • Site Inspections: Conduct pre-installation site surveys to eliminate field errors and verify site parameters (e.g., water drainage, clearance, ventilation).
  • Compliance Monitoring: Ensure all installations adhere to local building codes, health department regulations, and manufacturer warranty standards.
  • Issue Resolution: Troubleshoot installation bottlenecks, delivery delays, or field deviations dynamically.
• Financial & Stakeholder Management
  • Budget Oversight: Track project expenses against contract margins, managing change orders when site conditions demand scope revisions.
  • Client Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for general contractors, facility managers, and business owners during execution.
  • Closeout Documentation: Deliver finalized operations manuals, warranty registrations, and preventive maintenance service agreements to clients upon project sign-off.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Experience & Education

• Industry Experience: 3–5 years of project coordination or operational management experience within commercial food service equipment, commercial HVAC/R, or specialty construction contracting.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with commercial refrigeration mechanics, ice machine infrastructure, or restaurant facility construction layouts.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required; a technical degree or standard project management certification (e.g., PMP, CAPM) is highly preferred.

Core Competencies

Logistics & Scheduling:

Proficient in orchestrating multi-party shipping schedules and field technician dispatches.

Communication:

Strong interpersonal skills to interface confidently with corporate leadership, independent subcontractors, and demanding general contractors.

Software Proficiency:

Familiarity with project scheduling platforms, ERP inventory software, or field service management suites.

Schedule:

Standard Monday through Friday shift (approx. 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM), with no standard weekend coverage required.

Travel:

Regular travel to regional client jobsites, commercial kitchens, and distribution branches.

Physical Ability:

Capability to navigate active construction sites and lift up to 50 lbs during active site verification checks.