Project Manager

This Project Manager role oversees multiple fast-moving Job Order Contracting (JOC) construction projects from pre-construction through closeout. The position manages project scope, schedule, budget, quality, and safety while leading a team of construction professionals and coordinating closely with owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute all core project management activities, including due diligence, design review, value engineering, defining subcontractor scopes, negotiating contracts, establishing and controlling schedules, and reviewing and approving scope changes.
• Manage multiple concurrent construction projects, ensuring each remains on schedule, within budget, and aligned with contractual and quality expectations.
• Prepare accurate project cost estimates and develop clear, detailed scopes of work for potential bidders.
• Coordinate field activities between ownership and the office, ensuring consistent communication and alignment on project goals and progress.
• Maintain general conditions and job costing, monitoring financial performance and making adjustments as needed.
• Oversee the entire project lifecycle, including scheduling, purchasing, quality assurance, and safety compliance.
• Participate in pre-construction services such as estimating and value engineering to optimize project design, cost, and constructability.
• Provide supervisory oversight for Project Engineers, Assistant Project Managers, and Construction Interns assigned to contracts and work orders.
• Negotiate financial disputes and change orders with owners, ensuring fair, timely, and well-documented resolutions.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for project management staff, architects, subcontractors, owners, engineers, and other project stakeholders.
• Document and negotiate changes that may impact project completion dates or contract costs with subcontractors and owners.
• Provide on-site supervision as needed and coordinate activities with other subcontractors and parties on-site to maintain smooth operations.
• Plan and manage all site activities performed by sub-trades, ensuring work is properly sequenced and executed.
• Ensure all projects align with high standards of safety and quality, promoting a culture of safe work practices and continuous improvement.
• Adhere to company policies and regulations and ensure project teams follow all applicable procedures and guidelines.
• Perform other related project management duties as assigned to support successful project delivery.

• Minimum 5+ years of construction project management experience, specifically with Job Order Contracting (JOC) projects.
• Proven ability to manage multiple construction projects simultaneously and deliver them to desired outcomes.
• Strong understanding of construction processes and practices, including project scheduling, cost control, and field coordination.
• Ability to make sound decisions under tight deadlines in a fast-paced project environment.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and lead project teams, providing clear direction and guidance.
• Customer service orientation with a focus on building and maintaining strong relationships with owners and stakeholders.
• OSHA 30-hour safety training.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with internal teams and external partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project for scheduling and project planning.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook for documentation, reporting, and communication.
• Experience with on-site supervision and coordination of subcontractors and other field personnel.
• Experience with JOC-specific processes and requirements in a commercial construction environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (preferred but not required).
• Experience performing due diligence, design review, and value engineering on commercial construction projects.
• Ability to define detailed subcontract scopes and negotiate subcontract agreements.
• Experience negotiating financial disputes and change orders with owners and subcontractors.
• Familiarity with construction law and the ability to apply that knowledge to contracts and project execution.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate project documentation and job costing records.
• Comfort working within established company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior team members such as Project Engineers, Assistant Project Managers, and Interns.

The role operates in a mixed office and field environment, with approximately 80% of the time spent in the office and 20% on project sites. Work involves regular use of office technology and software, including Microsoft Project, Word, Excel, and Outlook, for planning, reporting, and communication. Site visits require coordination with multiple trades and subcontractors in an active construction setting, where adherence to safety standards and OSHA training is essential. The position supports multiple fast-moving commercial JOC projects, requiring flexibility, responsiveness, and effective communication between the office and the field.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of DES PLAINES, IL.

The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $62.50/hr.

This is a fully onsite position in DES PLAINES,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.