Senior Project Manager

Network Fire & Security; Grand Rapids, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base Salary

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Time – (80 Hours)

Paid Holidays

Paid Training

Company Healthcare with Vision

Dental Insurance

401(k) / IRA with matching

Phone Reimbursement

Vehicle Allowance

Fuel Card

Job summary

Network Fire & Security in Grand Rapids, MI, seeks an experienced Project Manager to own the delivery of fire alarm and integrated low-voltage projects from sales-to-operations handoff through final acceptance. You will lead field Technicians and subcontractors, manage scope, schedule, and budget, and ensure code-compliant installations on time and within budget.

The role requires in-depth knowledge of NFPA 72/70, strong communication, and the ability to coordinate with AHJs, engineers, and

Qualifications

• 10+ years in fire alarm, life safety, or low voltage industry.
• 3+ years managing commercial projects from award through closeout.
• Ability to read drawings and codes (NFPA 72, NEC).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead project startup from sales handoff to project closeout; coordinate with GC/owners and AHJs.
• Manage procurement, subcontracts, and equipment; track budget and schedule.
• Develop and maintain project schedules; lead field coordination across trades.
• Ensure QA/QC, testing, NFPA documentation, and closeout packages.
• Mentor technicians and coordinate add-on/service opportunities.

Skills

Project management

Fire/Life safety

NFPA knowledge

Drawings reading

Budgeting

Communication

Tools

Procore

Excel

Job description

Network Fire & Security is a licensed low voltage and life safety systems contractor headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a branch office in Blue Ash, Ohio. We design, install, inspect, monitor, and service fire alarm, security, access control, surveillance, nurse call, ERCES/ERRCS/BDA, intercom, staff duress, wander management, and networking systems for commercial, education, government, healthcare, hospitality, industrial, multi-family, and mixed-use clients. NFS is ETL certified, FCC licensed, and NICET certified, and holds fire alarm and security licenses in Michigan and fire protection licensing in Ohio.

Position Summary

The Project Manager owns the successful delivery of an assigned portfolio of fire alarm and integrated low voltage projects, from sales-to-operations handoff through final acceptance, closeout, and transition to service. This person is the primary point of contact for general contractors, owners, engineers, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and leads NFS field technicians, designers, and subcontractors to deliver code-compliant systems on schedule, on budget, and to a high standard of quality.

This role suits an experienced fire alarm / low voltage professional who understands both the technical side of life safety systems and the business side of construction: scope, schedule, cash flow, and change management.

Key Responsibilities

Project Startup & Contract Scope

• Lead the internal handoff from Sales/Estimating; review the estimate, proposal, contract, drawings, and specifications (including Division 28 and related sections) to confirm a complete understanding of scope, inclusions, and exclusions.
• Review contract and subcontract terms, purchase orders, schedule requirements, warranty conditions, and owner/GC requirements, and escalate risk items to leadership before work begins.
• Build the project budget, execution plan, and labor/material forecast in NFS project and accounting systems.
• Coordinate fire alarm system design and shop drawings with NFS designers in accordance with NFPA 72, NFPA 70 (NEC), the applicable building and fire codes, and project specifications.
• Prepare, track, and manage submittals (product data, shop drawings, battery and voltage-drop calculations, sequences of operation) through engineer and AHJ approval.
• Secure required permits and plan approvals, including coordination with the Michigan Bureau of Fire Services, local fire marshals, and Ohio AHJs as applicable.
• Ensure no materials are released for purchase until submittals are approved.

Procurement & Buyout

• Purchase and track equipment and materials from approved manufacturers and distributors; manage lead times, approved alternates, pricing, and escalation.
• Scope, negotiate, and manage subcontractors (e.g., conduit/rough-in, cabling, lift rental) and vendors.
• Coordinate FCC-related requirements and signal-strength surveys for ERCES/ERRCS/BDA systems where included.

Scheduling & Field Coordination

• Develop and maintain project schedules aligned with the GC/CM master schedule; provide progress updates in the format the GC requires.
• Plan short-interval (2–3 week look-ahead) labor, material, and equipment needs and coordinate technician assignments with Operations.
• Attend and lead project meetings; coordinate with electrical, mechanical, sprinkler, elevator, door hardware, and IT trades on interfaces and integrations.
• Manage delays and schedule changes, document impacts, and communicate them promptly.
• Conduct regular site visits to verify progress, workmanship, and safety compliance.
• Own project financial performance: job cost tracking, labor productivity, cost-to-complete forecasting, and work-in-progress (WIP) reporting.
• Prepare monthly progress billings (pay applications/schedules of values), including stored materials and retainage, and support timely collection.
• Price, document, and negotiate change orders (including T&M work) with proper backup and schedule impact justification; maintain the change order log.

Quality, Testing & Closeout

• Implement NFS quality control processes; ensure installations meet code, manufacturer requirements, and project specifications.
• Coordinate pre-testing, 100% functional testing, and AHJ acceptance testing; complete NFPA 72 Record of Completion and related documentation.
• Manage punch lists through completion.
• Deliver closeout packages: as-built/record drawings, O&M manuals, warranties, programming backups, spare parts and extra materials, and owner training.
• Hand off completed projects to NFS Service, Inspections, and Monitoring teams for ongoing maintenance and service agreements.
• Process final billing, retainage release, and required lien waivers.
• Serve as the professional face of NFS to customers, GCs, engineers, and inspectors; maintain clear written project correspondence and documentation, including RFIs.
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate solutions that protect project outcomes and customer relationships.
• Mentor technicians and project coordinators; support a strong safety culture.
• Identify add-on and service opportunities and share them with Sales.

Qualifications

Required

• 10+ years of experience in the fire alarm, life safety, or low voltage industry, with at least 3 years managing commercial projects from award through closeout.
• Working knowledge of NFPA 72, NFPA 70 (NEC), and applicable building/fire codes and permitting processes.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, riser diagrams, and wiring schematics.
• Experience with change orders, RFIs, submittals, schedules of values, and progress billing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and construction project management / job costing software.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel to job sites in Michigan and Ohio.

Preferred

• NICET Level II (or higher) in Fire Alarm Systems.
• Hands-on experience with major fire alarm platforms (e.g., Notifier, Fire-Lite, Silent Knight, EST/Edwards, Siemens, Simplex, Potter, Gamewell).
• Experience with integrated systems: access control, IP video surveillance, nurse call, ERCES/ERRCS/BDA, mass notification, or networking.
• Experience in healthcare, education, or government construction.
• Construction project management training or certification (e.g., a construction project management certificate program, PMP, or CAPM).
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30.
• Experience with Procore or similar platforms.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This position splits time between the office and active construction sites. Site work may include walking job sites, lifting and carrying up to 50lbs to move equipment and tools with considerable bending, stooping, and kneeling, climbing ladders, working at heights or in lifts, and exposure to weather, noise, and construction conditions. Appropriate PPE is required on site.

Base Salary
Paid Vacation
Paid Earned Sick Time – (80 Hours)
Paid Holidays
Paid Training
Company Healthcare with Vision
Dental Insurance
IRA with matching funds
Phone Reimbursement
Vehicle Allowance
Fuel Card

Network Fire & Security is an equal opportunity employer. NFS does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, height, weight, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.