Project Manager (Electrical Construction)

Connect Search, LLC; Hoffman Estates (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Autonomy in ownership

Hybrid PM/Estimator path

Competitive benefits

FIRE culture

Job summary

Connect Search, LLC seeks an Electrical Project Manager/Estimator to own the full lifecycle of commercial electrical projects in the Chicago area. You may focus on estimating, project management, or blend both for maximum impact, with authority from pursuit to closeout.

Ideal candidates have 5–10+ years in commercial electrical estimating or PM, NEC familiarity, and strong Excel/Project skills. Join a culture built on FIRE—Family, Integrity, Relationships, Excellence—and enjoy autonomy, on-site

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years in commercial electrical estimating and/or project management (union environments a plus)
• In-depth knowledge of electrical construction processes, means/methods, and NEC
• Strong proficiency in estimating software; Microsoft Office Suite mastery (Excel for financials, Project for scheduling)
• Excellent math, financial analysis, writing, communication, presentation, and mentoring skills
• Detail-oriented, proactive, with negotiation and relationship-building abilities
• OSHA 10/30 or equivalent safety training preferred

Responsibilities

• Win and shape work by developing accurate full-project estimates and analyzing sub/supplier quotes.
• Drive profit and cash flow by managing schedules of values, margins, and timely billing.
• Manage risk and compliance through contract reviews, safety, and change control.
• Coordinate execution by interpreting blueprints/specs and collaborating with field teams.
• Lead with FIRE culture by fostering relationships and continuous improvement.

Skills

Estimating

Project management

Electrical knowledge

Negotiation

Financial analysis

Mentoring

Safety

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Project

Estimating software

Job description

Electrical Project Manager / Estimator- Lead & Win Commercial Electrical Projects with Real Ownership

The Opportunity

For over 30 years, our firm has been a trusted leader in commercial electrical contracting across the greater Chicago area and nationally. We deliver full-service electrical solutions-design-build, installation, specialty systems (EV charging, solar, lighting), and more-for diverse markets including retail, healthcare, hospitality, institutional, industrial, education, and multi-unit residential. Our union-trained teams use cutting-edge approaches to exceed expectations on complex projects while prioritizing safety, quality, and client relationships.

If you're an experienced electrical pro tired of siloed roles, limited decision-making, or repetitive bidding/execution without real financial impact-we're seeking high-performers who thrive on end-to-end ownership. Whether your strength is sharp estimating that wins profitable work or project management that drives margins and smooth delivery, you'll have significant autonomy to shape outcomes, mentor others, and contribute to a culture built on F.I.R.E. (Family, Integrity, Relationships, Excellence).

The Role: From Bid to Closeout- True End-to-End Leadership

We offer flexibility based on your background: step into Estimator (heavy preconstruction focus) or Project Manager (execution and financial oversight), or blend both for maximum impact. You'll handle commercial electrical projects from pursuit through profitable closeout with real authority.

• Win & Shape the Work (Estimating Focus): Develop accurate, competitive full-project cost estimates; create detailed scope narratives; solicit, analyze, and negotiate sub/supplier quotes; prepare RFIs during bidding; attend pre-bid site visits; hand off estimates to PMs with clean cost codes; participate in RFP presentations and preconstruction meetings; build client relationships and gather feedback for continuous refinement.
• Drive Profit & Cash Flow (Project Management Focus): Own project schedules of values, positive cash flow, margin tracking (gain/fade), and ROI delivery; monitor productivity and take corrective action; complete monthly cost projections and ensure timely billing/collections.
• Manage Risk & Compliance: Conduct thorough contract reviews; execute work safely; lead progress meetings with owners, GCs, subs, and vendors; handle change control expertly-timely RFIs, change orders, large PO adjustments; ensure comprehensive closeout (punch lists, as-builts, O&Ms).
• Coordinate Execution: Interpret blueprints/specs; collaborate with field teams on budgets/cost codes; resolve issues with owners, contractors, and designers; maintain strong field presence and coordination.
• Build & Innovate: Maintain/upgrade estimating databases and software; train Project Engineers, interns, and PMs on estimating tools and processes; contribute to post-mortem lessons learned; engage in industry/community activities.
• Lead with F.I.R.E. Culture: Foster strong internal/external relationships; collaborate professionally; commit to continuous improvement; act with integrity in all dealings.

What You Bring-The Electrical Expert Profile

We're looking for proven talent with deep commercial electrical knowledge and an ownership mindset.

• 5-10+ years in commercial electrical estimating and/or project management (union environments a plus)
• Thorough understanding of electrical construction processes, systems, means/methods, and National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Strong proficiency in estimating software (database management a plus); Microsoft Office Suite mastery (Excel for financials, Project for scheduling)
• Superior math, financial analysis, writing, communication, presentation, and teaching/mentoring skills
• Detail-oriented, proactive, with excellent negotiation and relationship-building abilities
• Ability to thrive under pressure, multitask, prioritize, and adapt in fast-paced environments
• OSHA 10/30 or equivalent safety training preferred; commitment to safety-first execution

Why Join Us?

• Legacy + Growth: Part of a family-rooted, steadily growing firm with four generations of electrical expertise-stable, respected, and innovative.
• Real Autonomy & Impact: Your estimates win work; your management maximizes profits-decisions directly affect margins, cash flow, and client satisfaction.
• Diverse, Challenging Portfolio: No two projects the same-retail rollouts, healthcare upgrades, industrial facilities, hospitality, multi-family, EV/solar specialties across Chicagoland and national clients.
• Supportive Culture: Live F.I.R.E. daily-strong team collaboration, professional development (training/mentoring opportunities), community involvement, and a focus on relationships over red tape.
• Location Flexibility: Based in the northwest suburbs of Chicago (convenient for Chicagoland professionals) with on-site/project presence as needed.
• Compensation: Competitive, experience-based (with potential for hybrid PM/Estimator paths), plus strong benefits in a union-aligned, people-first organization.

Ready to own the full lifecycle of high-impact commercial electrical projects-whether estimating to secure the win or managing to deliver exceptional ROI?