Senior Project Manager

J.A. Watts, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance options

401(k) matching plan

Paid time off

Professional development resources

Job summary

A professional services firm in Chicago is seeking a Senior Project Manager to oversee a large-scale project at an airport. The role involves managing project scope, ensuring quality, and maintaining client relationships. Ideal candidates should have 5-10 years of airport project management experience and strong interpersonal skills. This position requires on-site work at ORD five days per week, along with appropriate airport certifications. Competitive benefits, including medical and retirement options, are offered.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience managing projects at an airport.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary interface with the client and lead the project team.
• Ensure project deliverables are on time, within budget, and of required quality.
• Produce project schedule and coordinate schedule updates.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Problem Solving

Negotiation

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management, architecture or engineering

Project Management certification (PMP, PMI)

Tools

MS Office suite

Project management scheduling software

Job description

Description

J. A. Watts, LLC (JWI) is a woman‑founded professional services firm that believes in treating its clients and employees like family at every level of our company. Our family culture is what we’re known for, and we work to stay true to who we are. That’s how we manage our projects and how we recruit THE Best People in our industry. Our clients come from all walks of life, and so do we, which makes us stronger together.

This role is responsible for understanding the overall project/program scope and managing all aspects of the assigned project or group of projects, including but not limited to the design, planning, implementation, construction, closeout, stakeholder coordination, cost control, client satisfaction, team performance, and quality functions. The Senior Project Manager shall lead by example and personify the Company’s Mission, Vision, and Values; taking ownership of their assigned project(s) or program. The Senior Project Manager will work on a large‑scale project within an active airport environment, requiring careful coordination to ensure seamless operations while the new facility is constructed in a phased approach. The Senior Project Manager will have the opportunity to play a key role in the development of a major airport, contributing to its growth and efficiency. The Senior Project Manager will be required to work on‑site at ORD 5 days per week and obtain an airport security badge.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as the primary interface with the client and lead the project team through the entire project process
• Responsible for high‑level planning and programming analysis work including preparation of technical documents, testing plans, and proposals
• Establish and implement project objectives, policies, procedures, roles and reporting structure, and performance standards within boundaries of company policy and contract specifications
• Collaborate with clients, sub‑consultants, and contractors to define work procedures and resolve complaints and construction problems
• Strategize with Client Lead, Director, or Executive on opportunities for business development with existing and new clients
• Represent company in project meetings and attend strategy meetings
• Schedule and lead job meetings
• Assemble and distribute meeting minutes
• Execute the implementation of the JWI Playbook and ensure adherence to the practices outlined for JWI project management
• Ensure effective communication is always maintained within the team structure and Senior Management
• Complete weekly and monthly reports concerning work progress, costs, and scheduling
• Produce project schedule; coordinate schedule updates and distribute internally and externally
• Manage all financial aspects of project contract(s), including labor, expenses, and staffing projections, to protect company’s interest
• Maintain a positive relationship with the client at all times
• Oversee project budgets, create, and manage project forecasts, schedules and expenses; anticipate potential changes to budget, schedule, and expenses and provide guidance and analysis of changes
• Responsible for interviewing, recommending, and negotiating contractual service agreements. Prepare, negotiate, and authorize revisions, changes, and additions to contractual agreements with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers, and subcontractors
• Manage project staff and jobsite construction activities
• Investigate potential situations and implement corrective measures as necessary; develop contingency plans to mitigate potential risk
• Provide guidance, oversight, coaching, and mentoring to other project staff
• Responsible for ensuring that project deliverables are on time, within budget, and at the required level of quality
• Prepare and monitor punch list items; manage the close out process to completion
• Produce and review design plans, specifications, and cost estimates
• Perform other duties as may be required/directed

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in construction management, architecture or engineering, or equivalent work experience; Project Management certification (PMP, PMI), EIT or Professional Engineer preferred
• 5-10 years of experience managing projects at an airport; 5-10 years experience working directly with stakeholders (airlines/airports)
• Experience in all levels of construction project processes from start to closeout at an airport
• Strong ability to read, understand/interpret construction drawings/details
• Strong knowledge of airport operations
• Valid Drivers License required
• Able to pass a background check to obtain badging at airports
• Experience as a leader managing a team of direct reports, mentor, and problem solver with a commitment to excellence
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of contract management and budgeting/estimating
• Advanced interpersonal, administrative, and organizational skills; including the ability to work with diverse personalities to negotiate and resolve conflict
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships with managers, peers, and subordinates
• Active participation in industry organizations a plus.
• Experience using MS Office suite and industry related project management scheduling software

Company Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance options for employee and family
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account options available
• Company‑provided group life, short and long‑term disability, and voluntary life options
• Matching 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Student debt repayment resources available
• ID Theft protection
• Professional development and tuition assistance
• Company‑sponsored social events

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.